Latest news with #MARA-sponsored
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to send more sponsored students to New Zealand universities
AUCKLAND: Malaysia is set to send an additional 100 Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)-sponsored students to New Zealand following stricter placement conditions in the United States. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the move during his working visit to New Zealand, highlighting the country's readiness to welcome more Malaysian students. Several New Zealand universities have extended offers to MARA-sponsored students, with potential placements also available for those funded by Petronas, the Public Service Department (JPA), and other agencies. Ahmad Zahid emphasised the need to diversify overseas education options for Malaysian students, particularly as local institutions now offer a wider range of courses. Currently, only 690 Malaysian students are enrolled in New Zealand, a sharp decline from previous years. Ahmad Zahid attributed this to rising overseas education costs and the growing quality of domestic programmes. He expressed hope that the new initiative would help reverse the trend. On attracting New Zealand students to Malaysia, Ahmad Zahid noted that only 20 are currently studying in the country. He proposed short-term courses lasting three to six months, particularly in technical and vocational fields, as a way to boost numbers. Institutions like Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) could play a key role in such collaborations. Malaysia's technical universities, under the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), are recognised by the National TVET Council and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), making them attractive for foreign students. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, also highlighted potential partnerships in green technology and renewable energy, areas where New Zealand excels. 'New Zealand generates 87 per cent of its energy from renewable sources. This expertise is valuable for our engineering students as Malaysia expands its green energy initiatives,' he said. Ahmad Zahid proposed reactivating student exchange programmes with support from Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, to refine suitable study fields. His five-day working visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with discussions on defence, agriculture, education, and the halal industry. - Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
M'sia Plans To Send More Sponsored Students To New Zealand
He said several universities in New Zealand have expressed their readiness to accept Malaysian students, in line with the government's efforts to expand competitive and viable overseas education destinations. AUCKLAND, July 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is prepared to send an additional 100 Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)-sponsored students to New Zealand following placement restrictions in the United States, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 'Several universities in New Zealand have offered placements to MARA-sponsored students, and possibly also to those sponsored by Petronas, the Public Service Department (JPA), and other agencies. 'I have set a key performance indicator (KPI) for Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, to ensure the success of this initiative,' he told reporters after attending an engagement session with the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) here today. According to him, there are currently only 690 Malaysian students in New Zealand, a figure significantly lower than in the past, partly due to the wider availability of courses in Malaysia and the rising cost of overseas education.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid, Steve Reed discuss disaster management and climate change issues
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed on Monday, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the UK. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the meeting covered topics including disaster management, clean water, and the need for new technology to enhance the country's preparedness against global climate change. 'We know these issues directly impact human life, so comprehensive approaches must be taken to address how global warming and climate change affect people. 'While river pollution is a thing of the past here in the UK, it remains a problem in our country. Public awareness about this issue must be increased,' he told reporters after the dinner with Malaysian students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) in the UK. Also present were MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, 60 MARA-sponsored students, and 40 other guests. During the meeting, both leaders also discussed cooperation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme and the global halal industry. 'I believe this meeting opens new avenues to elevate Malaysia-UK cooperation to a more strategic level, particularly in building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of continuously fostering a sense of belonging among MARA-sponsored students abroad, encouraging them to return and contribute to the country. He added that although the average salary may be higher in the UK, students must remain mindful of their role in Malaysia's development, as it is essential for them to contribute to the country's progress. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a four-day working visit to the UK, concluding tomorrow.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid, Steve Reed discuss disaster management, climate change
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed on Monday, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the UK. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the meeting covered topics including disaster management, clean water, and the need for new technology to enhance the country's preparedness against global climate change. 'We know these issues directly impact human life, so comprehensive approaches must be taken to address how global warming and climate change affect people. 'While river pollution is a thing of the past here in the UK, it remains a problem in our country. Public awareness about this issue must be increased,' he told reporters after the dinner with Malaysian students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) in the UK. Also present were MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, 60 MARA-sponsored students, and 40 other guests. During the meeting, both leaders also discussed cooperation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme and the global halal industry. 'I believe this meeting opens new avenues to elevate Malaysia-UK cooperation to a more strategic level, particularly in building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of continuously fostering a sense of belonging among MARA-sponsored students abroad, encouraging them to return and contribute to the country. He added that although the average salary may be higher in the UK, students must remain mindful of their role in Malaysia's development, as it is essential for them to contribute to the country's progress. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a four-day working visit to the UK, concluding tomorrow.
Borneo Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ahmad Zahid, Steve Reed discuss disaster management and climate change issues
Ahmad Zahid speaking at a press conference after chairing a pre-meeting with the Malaysian delegation in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the United Kingdom (UK) beginning today. – Bernama photo LONDON (June 3): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed on Monday, during which they discussed bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the UK. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the meeting covered topics including disaster management, clean water, and the need for new technology to enhance the country's preparedness against global climate change. 'We know these issues directly impact human life, so comprehensive approaches must be taken to address how global warming and climate change affect people. 'While river pollution is a thing of the past here in the UK, it remains a problem in our country. Public awareness about this issue must be increased,' he told reporters after the dinner with Malaysian students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) in the UK. Also present were MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, 60 MARA-sponsored students, and 40 other guests. During the meeting, both leaders also discussed cooperation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme and the global halal industry. 'I believe this meeting opens new avenues to elevate Malaysia-UK cooperation to a more strategic level, particularly in building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of continuously fostering a sense of belonging among MARA-sponsored students abroad, encouraging them to return and contribute to the country. He added that although the average salary may be higher in the UK, students must remain mindful of their role in Malaysia's development, as it is essential for them to contribute to the country's progress. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a four-day working visit to the UK, concluding tomorrow. – Bernama ahmad zahid hamidi bilateral relations climate change Steve Reed UK
