Latest news with #ShamsulAzriAbuBakar
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nearly 900 schools join govt's Sekolah Angkat Madani programme to bridge education gap
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 900 schools nationwide have joined the government's Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative, also known as Samadani, aimed at narrowing the education gap and supporting underserved communities. The programme, introduced under the Madani Economy framework, is on track to meet its target of 1,000 participating schools by the year-end. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the initiative reflects the government's determination to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. "This initiative builds on the success of Kampung Angkat Madani and Santuni Madani, which demonstrated that direct, collaborative efforts are effective in helping those most in need. "With Samadani, the effort is being taken a step further by involving schools in need as part of the broader Madani agenda", he said after the launch today, adding that they hoped to meet the 1,000 schools target by October. He said nearly 300 of the participating schools are in Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis — states identified as requiring additional support. The programme focuses on five core areas: upgrading school infrastructure, strengthening academic and student support, enhancing teacher development, providing financial aid and scholarships, and fostering student character and soft skills. Shamsul said the programme's success was made possible through the support of more than 80 participating organisations, including: - 29 government ministries (including the Prime Minister's Department) - 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) - 27 Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc.) companies — such as Amanah Raya, Bank Rakyat and BSN, and; - 32 private sector partners, including 99 Speed Mart, Maxis and Dialog. "This is not a one-off contribution but a strategic partnership designed to bring lasting impact to schools and communities," he said. Shamsul also highlighted existing corporate initiatives that complement the programme including Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) Foundation's tuition programme, which recorded 95 per cent student attendance and 92 per cent academic improvement; and the Petronas Foundation's Duta Guru programme, which aims to train over 4,500 Stem teachers, with more than 1,300 already involved. The other corporate initiatives also include Yayasan Sime Darby's support for SK Abaka in Tawau, Sabah, following a fire; and TM Foundation's Future Skills programme, which has certified more than 10,000 students and 1,000 teachers in fields such as robotics and data analytics. He said these corporations are not just involved in repairing infrastructure but also in talent building, such as by introducing subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation. The first phase of Samadani runs until Dec 31. Shamsul said the response so far has been very encouraging, and the government hopes to see more companies come forward to support the national movement. "This is not just an investment in education — it is an investment in Malaysia's future leaders and innovators."
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Govt closely monitoring Iran conflict, no immediate plans for evacuation, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Iran following Israel's recent military strikes, but has yet to make any decision regarding the evacuation of Malaysians currently in the region, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that, so far, no decision has been made to bring home Malaysians from the affected areas. "Not yet," he replied briefly when asked after officiating the Sasana Symposium at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, here Tuesday (June 17). Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour and Treasury director-general Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican. Last Friday (June 13), Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. In a statement issued on Friday, Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks. - Bernama
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia monitoring Iran conflict, no evacuation yet: PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Government is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Iran following Israel's recent military strikes, but has yet to make any decision regarding the evacuation of Malaysians currently in the region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, so far, no decision has been made to bring home Malaysians from the affected areas. 'Not yet,' he replied briefly when asked after officiating the SASANA Symposium at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, here today. Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour and Treasury director-general Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican. Last Friday, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt closely monitoring Iran conflict, no immediate plans for evacuation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Government is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Iran following Israel's recent military strikes, but has yet to make any decision regarding the evacuation of Malaysians currently in the region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that, so far, no decision has been made to bring home Malaysians from the affected areas. 'Not yet,' he replied briefly when asked after officiating the SASANA Symposium at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, here today. Also present were the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour and Treasury director-general Datuk Johan Mahmood @ Johan Mahmood Merican. Last Friday, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists. In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia jumps 11 spots in world competitiveness ranking, best since 2020
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has risen 11 places in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025, moving to 23rd out of 69 economies, the country's best ranking since 2020. The World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR), published annually by the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, is a comprehensive report that assesses countries on their ability to create and sustain a business-friendly environment that drives long-term prosperity Advancing from 34th place last year, the improved ranking reflects the strong momentum in Malaysia's economic recovery and reform efforts, according to a statement by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. The ranking reaffirms the country's path toward becoming one of the world's top 12 most competitive economies by 2033 outlined in the Madani Economic Framework. The ministry said economic performance, government efficiency and business efficiency factors drove Malaysia's overall competitiveness performance. Malaysia ranked 4th globally in economic performance, climbing four spots from 8th place last year, while both government efficiency and business efficiency factors saw an improvement of eight positions. The international trade sub-factor increases 11 places to 6th, supported by strong export growth in goods and services, diversified markets and rising tourism receipts, strengthening Malaysia's trade surplus. The ministry, through the National Competitiveness Committee - co-chaired with the Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan – coordinates the strategic direction across ministries to enhance Malaysia's competitiveness. At the operational level, the Special Taskforce on Agency Reform (STAR) – led by the chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar – ensures effective implementation of competitiveness initiatives. This includes over 1,000 Reformasi Kerenah Birokrasi projects aligned to the Public Service Reform Agenda. Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz said the ranking reflects how bureaucracy-related reforms are closely intertwined with facilitating robust investment and industrial growth, both critical for enhancing Malaysia's attractiveness as a preferred investment destination. "The government's whole-of-government approach under the Madani framework also demonstrates its commitment to holistic structural reforms," he added. The ministry is confident that through strong governance, continuous commitment from the federal and state governments, along with close cooperation with the private sector, Malaysia is on the right path to position itself among the world's 12 most competitive economies by 2033.
