Mara grooms 90 low-income MRSM students for overseas studies
KUALA LUMPUR: Mara has identified 90 Form Five students from Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) nationwide, all from low-income families, to be groomed for studies abroad.
Most of these students, celebrated at the BUDI Holistic Development Programme (BHDP) event today, come from rural areas and have achieved a CGPA of 3.5 and above.
Many have never set foot in Kuala Lumpur.
Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the students were among 2,011 Form One to Form Five MRSM students who received aid under Mara's Education Assistance Programme (BUDI), with more than RM2.2 million allocated.
He said the students' achievements, despite their poor backgrounds, made Mara proud.
They would be exposed to educational opportunities, including the chance to study abroad after completing their SPM this year.
"Mara provides financial support throughout their studies and also introduces initiatives to ensure the development of outstanding BUDI students.
"This programme reflects Mara's commitment to Bumiputera educational excellence, especially among high-performing students who are key to human capital development.
"We are ready to send these 90 students to universities abroad if they continue to excel in their SPM."
Asyraf said at the programme's launch at Mara headquarters.
BUDI gives students from B40 families access to education at MRSM.
The 90 MRSM students will attend a three-day, two-night programme at the German-Malaysian Institute.
Asyraf said BHDP is one of Mara's initiatives to develop outstanding BUDI students.
He added that it is not merely a motivational programme, but part of Mara's mission to produce students who not only excel academically but are also competitive in professional and entrepreneurial fields.
"Mara emphasises not only academic achievement but also spiritual, emotional and social development.
"BHDP focuses on the development of students through sessions and activities on careers, leadership, innovation, character building and future planning."
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