Latest news with #Mara-sponsored
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mara to sponsor 100 students bound for NZ varsities
Welcome: Zahid shaking hands with New Zealand Foreign and Trade Ministry's Asia and Americas deputy secretary Grahame Morton. Looking on is Mazita. — Bernama AUCKLAND: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) plans to sponsor 100 Malaysian students furthering their tertiary education in New Zealand, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this decision was prompted by uncertainties surrounding the latest US policies regarding foreign students, which have placed restrictions on Mara-sponsored Malaysian students bound for the United States. 'We have received offers from universities in New Zealand which are willing to accept our students. 'The offer does not only apply to Mara-sponsored students but may include those sponsored under the Public Service Department, PETRONAS and other agencies,' he told reporters at the Asean-New Zealand Business Council Engagement session held here yesterday. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki has been tasked with seeking reasonable tuition discounts from New Zealand universities for these students. The sponsored students are likely to pursue studies in green technology and renewable energy. 'New Zealand is highly advanced in green technology with 87% of its energy needs coming from renewable energy. 'We need to expose our engineering students to new aspects of these technologies,' he added. Last month during his working visit to London, Ahmad Zahid announced that Mara-sponsored students initially bound for US universities this year would most likely head to the United Kingdom instead. At that time, three UK universities had agreed to provide up to 20% tuition fee discounts for Mara-sponsored students. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National TVET Committee chairman, also said the government was looking at reviving the student exchange programme between Malaysia and New Zealand. 'At present, there are 690 Malaysians studying in New Zealand but only 20 from New Zealand in Malaysia,' he said. He suggested that New Zealanders could be offered three- to six-month courses under TVET skills training programmes. He said there were currently 1,398 TVET institutions in Malaysia offering various technical and skills training courses.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mara plans to send 100 sponsored students to NZ, says Zahid
AUCKLAND: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) plans to send 100 sponsored students to further their tertiary education in New Zealand, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said the move comes in light of uncertainties in current United States (US) policies with regard to foreign students. "Malaysian students sponsored by Mara that were bound for the United States faced some restrictions. "We have received offers from universities in New Zealand who are willing to accept our Malaysian students. "The offer does not only apply to Mara sponsored students but may also include those sponsored under the Public Service Department, PETRONAS and other agencies," he told reporters when met at the Asean–New Zealand Business Council Engagement session here on Monday (July 14). He added that the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand, Her Excellency Mazita Marzuki, has been tasked with seeking reasonable discounts from the universities for students who will be sponsored by Mara and the other agencies. He said that the sponsored students would likely be from fields related to green technology and renewable energy. "New Zealand is highly advanced in green technology where 87% of its energy needs come from renewable energy. "We need to expose our engineering students to learn new aspects of these technologies from New Zealand," he added. In June, Ahmad Zahid announced that Mara sponsored students, who were initially bound for further studies in universities in the US this year, will most likely be sent to the United Kingdom (UK) instead. The announcement was made during his working visit to London where three universities had agreed to give discounts of up to 20% in tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National TVET Committee, said the government is looking at reviving the student exchange programme between Malaysia and New Zealand. "At present, there are 690 Malaysian students studying in New Zealand and only 20 students from New Zealand studying in Malaysia. "We are looking at reviving the student exchange programme which once existed between our countries," he added. He said that students from New Zealand could be offered three to six months courses under TVET skills training programmes. He said that there are currently 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide offering various technical and skills training courses.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Mara, Higher Education Ministry closely monitoring students in US amid policy changes
PETALING JAYA: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will work closely with the Higher Education Ministry to monitor Mara-sponsored students currently in the United States, in light of new policies under President Donald Trump's administration. Its chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said existing students in the US have been minimally affected so far, and he hopes the situation remains that way. "The Higher Education Ministry has issued a statement that the impact on current students is minimal. However, in Mara's context, we have decided to postpone the sending of new students. "So far, the ministry has given its assurance that there will be no adverse impact (on current students), and we are working closely together. That is important, as this involves a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement. "We hope there will be no implications, though we remain concerned. Policies can change at any time, but most importantly, we do not want to expose our students to further risk," he told reporters after launching the Mara-Petronas Automotive Entrepreneur Development Programme (PUMP) here today. Also present was Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia chief executive officer Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain. Asyraf said Mara will also meet with around 200 students currently undergoing preparatory courses at Mara colleges before being sent abroad. "With the new policy under President Trump, we believe it is more appropriate and wiser to send them to countries with lower associated risks," he said. On May 28, AFP reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered the suspension of student visa processing as the Trump administration intensified vetting of applicants' social media activity, according to an internal cable. This marks the latest move targeting international students, a major source of revenue for US universities, following Rubio's cancellation of hundreds of visas and efforts to prevent Harvard University from admitting non-American students. On June 1, Asyraf had announced that Mara would halt the sending of sponsored students to the US this year. Meanwhile, Asyraf, who is also Umno secretary-general, said turnout at recent Umno branch meetings had been overwhelming compared to previous years. He expressed confidence that the momentum would continue into the divisional meetings, ahead of the Umno General Assembly in August. "Usually, when the branches have held their meetings with such remarkable and encouraging turnout, the divisional delegates' meetings will also be just as impressive, God willing," he said. The Umno Divisional Delegates' Meetings are currently being held from June 9 until July 27. The Umno Branch Conferences were held from April 7 to May 25, 2025, while the Umno General Assembly is scheduled to take place from Aug 20 to 23, 2025. On the PUMP programme, Asyraf said 30 entrepreneurs would receive support this year under the strategic initiative which aims to to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the motorcycle maintenance and repair industry through the MotoExpert brand. "Mara is offering structured technical training, rebranding of premises, and business financing facilities of up to RM300,000. "In addition, participants will receive support in terms of spare parts supply chains, image enhancement for their premises, and the development of a more efficient and competitive workshop operating system," he said. The programme is expected to boost sales by up to 30 per cent and aims to transform at least 20 Bumiputera motorcycle workshops by 2026. The initiative is also expected to create more job opportunities, particularly for graduates of TVET institutions in the motorcycle maintenance and repair sector, while increasing their potential to own workshops. The programme is open to graduates from Mara TVET institutions or other institutions who have operated a motorcycle workshop for at least six months, with an annual turnover exceeding RM360,000. Participant selection will be conducted through seminars and interview sessions in the middle of this year.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Franchising, TVET and tourism ties to be strengthened
LONDON: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi concluded his working visit to the United Kingdom, generating renewed enthusiasm to strengthen ties in the areas of franchising, education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and tourism between the two nations. The Deputy Prime Minister said a joint committee between Malaysia and the UK franchise associations would be formed to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The committee needs to be formed to provide greater market exposure for Malaysian companies, he added. 'We feel there is a lot of potential for Malaysian companies to establish and expand their franchises in the UK, especially in terms of halal products, be they food and beverage, education, cosmetics or even traditional Malay medicine. 'The committee must be formed immediately and I will monitor its performances every six months through the Cabinet committee on franchise, which I chair,' he told reporters towards the end of his four-day visit here. Ahmad Zahid said the decision was made following a dialogue session with franchise players from Malaysia and the UK. The Deputy Prime Minister, who also held a dialogue session with tourism industry players, said engaging with the various industries was an important step, instead of depending solely on government-to-government talks. 'What is more important is business-to-business as well as people-to-people engagements. 'I feel such engagements will have a big impact on the two countries,' he added. On the TVET front, Ahmad Zahid, who gave a public lecture at University College London during his working visit, said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean's TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. 'TVET's intake has reached 436,285, with 53.5% of SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) school-leavers choosing the course. 'Some 94.5% of graduates successfully obtained jobs. 'To further strengthen this achievement, Malaysia will send teaching personnel for further studies through global cooperation with the UK to expand relations with industries and ensure marketability,' he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties with the UK in the areas of TVET, rural development and renewable energy. The move aims to bolster resilience against global climate change, following his meeting with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. 'I also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment towards expanding cooperation with UK academic and industrial institutions, and also touched on cooperation on rural transformation,' he added. During his meeting with Malaysian students, particularly those sponsored by Mara, Ahmad Zahid expressed his pleasure at their enthusiasm regarding the transformative policy on TVET introduced by the government. 'I reiterated that the students, especially the Mara-sponsored ones, must not only gain knowledge abroad but they must return to Malaysia and contribute to the country,' he said. The Deputy Prime Minister departed for Geneva for a working visit.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Door to US education not closed
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian students planning to further their studies in the United States can continue submitting their applications as usual, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed. However, the embassy stressed that there is a distinction between submitting an application and securing a visa. 'Student and exchange programme visa applicants may continue to apply, and it is important that they are fully truthful in their applications,' the embassy said when contacted yesterday. This clarification comes amid reports that some Malaysian students are reconsidering their plans to pursue higher education in the United States, following policy changes introduced by the Trump administration. Students worldwide, including Malaysians, have expressed anxiety as the United States reportedly prepares to temporarily suspend US student visa appointments. Their concerns were heightened following reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had instructed US embassies to halt the scheduling of student visa interviews, as the administration moves to expand social media screening for applicants. The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur gave an assurance that no previously scheduled appointments have been cancelled. 'For those without an appointment, we recommend continuing to monitor for the availability of new slots,' it said. Foreign students intending to study in the United States are typically required to attend an interview at a US embassy in their home country before a visa can be approved. On May 22, the Trump administration banned Harvard University from enrolling international students. A US judge has subsequently blocked the move but the uncertainty among students remains. The Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) has backed the university in opposing the move by President Donald Trump, saying: 'We at the Harvard Club of Malaysia fully support our alma mater's stand and affirm our commitment to openness, inquiry, and service — principles that not only define Harvard, but also our enduring role in society.' 'To isolate institutions of learning from the world is to undermine the very foundation of human progress,' said the HCM. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Mara-sponsored students initially bound for further studies in US universities this year will probably be sent to the United Kingdom instead. The United Kingdom seemed to be the best choice given its facilities and Mara's close cooperation with the universities there, he told reporters in London where he is on a four-day working visit. Asked about Public Service Department-sponsored students who are slated to pursue their studies in the United States, Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss with the Chief Secretary to the Government and PSD director-general on the matter.
