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The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
No more US varsities through Mara
LONDON: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will stop sending its students for further studies in the United States starting this year. Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki ( pic ) said the decision was made in view of uncertainties over policies under the US administration. 'A total of 131 Mara students are supposed to further their studies in the United States in October. 'However, given the uncertainties now, we do not want to place any risk on our students (by sending them there),' he told reporters here yesterday. Asyraf Wajdi is in London as part of the delegation of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is here on a four-day working visit until Wednesday. He said the students, who were supposed to go to the United States this October, would be sent to top universities in other countries. 'Among the countries being considered are Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China,' he said. 'We are also considering sending them to local universities.' Asyraf Wajdi said counsellors had been assigned to discuss with the students on their prospective destination. 'The most important thing is that we don't want to demotivate them. 'The counsellors will guide them to renowned universities in other countries,' he added. He said Mara was studying the impact of the US policies on its 266 students currently in the United States and would make a decision once the study was completed. Asyraf Wajdi also said that Mara would work closely with Cambridge University for the benefit of its students and educators. He said he has held discussions with Cambridge representatives, relaying to them that 12 out of the 57 Mara junior science colleges (MRSM) had Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). 'The students' performance is very encouraging, with 147 of getting straight As in IGCSE subjects. 'They (Cambridge representatives) were excited when we shared these facts with them.' In turn, Asyraf Wajdi said Cambridge representatives had agreed to visit MRSM to give students an orientation on Cambridge. 'In that sense, successful students can be prepared early.' Asyraf Wajdi said Mara has also agreed to embark on a research collaboration with Cambridge and to provide co-funding in areas such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence. 'We will send our lecturers for five master's and PhD courses in Cambridge. 'The university will sponsor another five. 'Our ultimate aim is to increase the capacity and competency of our educators so that our students get the best education.' Mara had also agreed to conduct leadership courses that could produce professors and lecturers who were not only active in academics but in industries too, he said. 'The training module will be developed by Cambridge.' On another matter, Asyraf Wajdi said three universities in the United Kingdom had agreed to offer discounts of between 10-20% in tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students. The universities are Warwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 'Both Warwick and Birmingham universities have agreed to offer 20% discounts in tuition fees for Mara students while Edinburgh offered a discount of 10%,' he said. 'For example, the discount is about £6,000 per year at Warwick University. 'So for three years, this will amount to £18,000. 'This would mean a total of RM103,000 in savings for those three years,' he added. With the discounts offered, Asyraf Wajdi said Mara could look into the possibility of increasing student allowances to help ease their cost of living. 'I met with students in the Sheffield and Manchester universities. 'The feedback I received is that their cost of living has increased significantly,' he added.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mara to enhance collaboration with Cambridge University
LONDON: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will be enhancing its collaboration with Cambridge University, says Datuk Dr Ashraf Wadi Dusuki. The Mara chairman said he had a discussion with the university's representatives, who were told 12 Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) taught the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) syllabus. "Student performance was very encouraging, with 147 scoring straight As. "We (Mara) also have a comprehensive educational ecosystem. "They (Cambridge representatives) were very excited when we shared these facts. "Our focus is not only sending students overseas but to ensure a path for them to enter Ivy League universities," he told reporters in London on Sunday (June 1). Ashraf Wadi is in London as part of the delegation for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's working visit to Britain. He said Cambridge representatives have also agreed to go to MRSM to give students a taste of the Cambridge orientation. "In that sense, students can be prepared early," he said. Mara has also agreed to conduct joint research and co-funding with Cambridge in areas such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence, said Ashraf Wadi. "For example, we will send five lecturers for master's and doctorate courses in Cambridge and the university will sponsor another five," he said. He added that Mara has also agreed to conduct leadership professional courses to produce professors and lecturers for academia and also for industries. "The training module will be developed by Cambridge and will take one month," he said. On another matter, Ashraf Wadi said three top universities in the United Kingdom have agreed to offer discounts on tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students, namely Warwick University, Birmingham University and Edinburgh University. "Both Warwick University and Birmingham University have agreed to offer a 20% discount on tuition fees and Edinburgh University offered 10%. He said this could save Mara about RM103,000 per student over the span of three years. He added that with the savings, Mara could look into increasing allowances. "I met with students in Sheffield and Manchester and the feedback that I got is that their cost of living has increased significantly," he said.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asyraf Wajdi to sue Mas Ermieyati over Mara fund mismanagement claims
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki intends to sue Datuk Seri Mas Ermieyati Samsudin for allegedly defaming him over the management of the agency's funds. In a series of postings on his Facebook account, Asyraf said the Masjid Tanah member of parliament from Bersatu had accused him of misusing Mara funds through surprise visits to Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM), cutting allocations for Quran memorisation (hafazan) programmes, and halting sponsorships for students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). "A certain opposition leader from Melaka just won't stop slandering me, accusing me of wasting Mara's money on surprise visits to MRSM, cutting hafazan programme funding, and no longer sponsoring TVET students. "InsyaAllah, Mara's legal team will initiate legal proceedings against her. At first, I didn't want to entertain it, but the slander has gone too far. "See you in court, YB Mas." Asyraf said he had no issue with being criticised, as long as the criticism was not defamatory or baseless. "I have no problem with being criticised. "For example, one may argue that it is inappropriate for a non-executive chairman to conduct surprise visits to Mara educational institutions like MRSM, IKM (Mara Skills Institute), or KKTM (Mara Skills Development College) without informing the management, as it could cause inconvenience to them. "But when it crosses the line into spreading slander with the intent to tarnish this Malay-Bumiputera institution, I have no choice but to file a defamation suit."
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Sungai Kim Kim waste pollution victim aspires to become a neurosurgeon
PASIR GUDANG: A survivor of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution incident and former Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Johor Bahru student, Irfan Wafiy Idham Wazir, 18, achieved outstanding results in the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, scoring 9As. His achievement is all the more remarkable given the ongoing health issues he has faced over the past six years, which have significantly affected his mobility. Irfan Wafiy has myokymia, an incurable disease that causes certain parts of the body to tremble and be in a weak state. It may require a sufferer to rely on a cane, among other things. Prolonged activity causes him pain in both legs, and he tires easily. Nevertheless, he has shown that his condition is no obstacle to pursuing his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. This determined teenager not only excelled in all subjects but also earned A+ grades in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Islamic Education and Mathematics. "Alhamdulillah, I've had a passion for medicine since I was young. After experiencing the health effects of the river contamination first-hand, my interest in medical science deepened even further," he said. He has applied for the 2025/2026 academic session via UPUOnline, aiming to pursue medicine at Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA or the International Islamic University Malaysia. "I also hope to continue my studies in Australia and have applied for scholarships from Khazanah Nasional, the Public Service Department and Mara's Young Talent Development Programme. "I initially wanted to study in the UK, but the costs are too high," he said when met recently. Irfan previously relied on a walking stick and said the pain still lingers, even six years after the toxic waste exposure. Nevertheless, his determination to succeed has enabled him to progress from using a wheelchair and walking aids to now walking unaided — though not without limitations. "I still feel pain, especially in my left leg — sometimes even touching it is unbearable. I'm older now, and I can't rely on walking aids forever. When the pain subsides, I can walk without the stick for short periods. But when it returns, I have to rest." Reflecting on his five years at MRSM, Irfan said the early years were the most difficult as he juggled chronic pain with a demanding academic schedule. "I couldn't take part in outdoor or sports activities at all. This success was only possible thanks to the support of my family, teachers, and friends. "In my first year at MRSM, my results weren't great because I was still on medication that made me drowsy and affected my concentration. Once I stopped the medication, I was able to focus." His mother, Norlela Abu Hashim, 52, expressed pride and emotion over her son's achievements. "Alhamdulillah, Irfan now uses the walking stick less often. He helps me with house chores, but afterwards, he needs to rest due to the pain. "I can see his spirit is stronger and he's more independent. "When he told me he wanted to study abroad, I could only support and pray for his success. "As a mother, I won't stop him from chasing his dreams, even though I still worry about his health." Norlela also said that the court case involving her husband, Idham Wazir A. Wahab, 55, and other victims of the Sungai Kim Kim river pollution will resume this August. "It's a long process, but I still hope for justice and proper compensation for Irfan." He is among 41 plaintiffs who were victims of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution who are seeking RM30 million in damages from 12 defendants, including the Johor state government and the Menteri Besar. The plaintiffs filed the suit in July 2019 against the 12 defendants, including the Johor government, the state Environment Department, the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Syarikat P Tech Resources Sdn Bhd, and an employee, along with two of its directors. In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants failed to ensure the safety and protection of Pasir Gudang residents from toxic waste pollution and did not promptly mobilise the State Disaster Management Committee to address the pollution in Sungai Kim Kim. The claims cover general and special damages, with specific attention to Irfan Wafiy, the worst-affected victim. The chemical waste pollution incident, first reported on March 13, 2019, affected the health of over 2,000 people and led to the closure of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DPM Zahid pays courtesy call on Penang governor
GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, during his official visit to the state. The rural and regional development minister, who also attended a dinner with the Penang governor, noted with earnest attention the ideas and views that Ramli shared, describing them as highly inspirational and reflective of a strong concern for people's welfare and unity. "I hope Tun Ramli continues to be blessed with good health as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang. "May his leadership bring prosperity and harmony to the people of Penang," he said in a Facebook post tonight. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid attended the proclamation ceremony for Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Kepala Batas, previously known as MRSM Kepala Batas and the launching of the Penang Halal Industry Development Council in Seberang Jaya. On May 1, Ramli, 84, was sworn in as the ninth Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang in a full ceremonial event at Dewan Sri Pinang, taking over from Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak. – Bernama
