Latest news with #MajlisAmanahRakyat
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid hails London visit as bridge to reinforce Malaysia-UK ties
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described his four-day working visit to the United Kingdom which concluded Wednesday as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations. Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the visit, filled with discussions and programmes, differed from previous visits as he had the opportunity to personally witness the commitment of students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) at University College London (UCL) during a session with them. "…we (delegation) saw their commitment not only to acquiring knowledge but also to acting as catalysts for Generation Z and Generation Alpha. When they come here and gain knowledge, then return to Malaysia, they will contribute not only to their professions but to other fields as well, providing motivation especially to Generation Alpha and the millennial generation," he told a press conference here upon the conclusion of his visit. Additionally, Zahid shared that Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) received very positive feedback from the university and students who were excited about the government's game-changing initiatives. "…we are aware of the government's aim to create 60,000 high-tech engineering job opportunities, and we have requested for the Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to be expedited," he said. Beyond TVET, the visit also strengthened cooperation in rural development, renewable energy, and climate resilience through Zahid's meeting with the UK's Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed. The meeting also discussed collaboration in rural transformation, disaster management, water security, and investments in green energy, including the reactivation of the Asean Power Grid. During the visit, Malaysia also proposed the use of green sukuk for climate financing and efforts to lead the global halal ecosystem through the World Halal Council and a unified halal logo. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade relations under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and through private sector cooperation. Through the Malaysia-UK franchise business dialogue held during the visit, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that it would help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by 2026. Zahid also expressed confidence that the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) in the UK would expand collaboration with UK industry players, including airlines, to attract more UK tourists to Malaysia.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Women entrepreneurs urged to harness tech and innovation to thrive in digital economy
KANGAR: Women entrepreneurs must seize the opportunities offered by technology and research to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive economy, according to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman said the agency stood ready to support women in tapping new markets, developing innovative products and building globally competitive brands. 'Do not be afraid to change, innovate and explore new fields. The future of women entrepreneurs is not only bright but holds the potential to make history,' he said. His speech was delivered by MARA deputy director-general for management services Rohayah Mohd Zain at the closing ceremony of the 'Women in Search of Excellence' (WISE) 2025 programme held here today. The event was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. Also present was the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. Zulfikri also noted a 19.4 per cent increase in the number of entrepreneurs in Perlis over the past year, from 3,222 in 2023 to 3,848 in 2024, highlighting a rising interest in entrepreneurship within the state. 'Even more encouraging, total sales revenue rose by 25 per cent over the same period, from RM273.6 million in 2023 to RM342 million this year,' he said. The WISE programme, a collaboration between MARA and the Tuanku Fauziah Foundation (YTF), aims to empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader economic development agenda.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Women entrepreneurs urged to harness tech and innovation
KANGAR: Women entrepreneurs must seize the opportunities offered by technology and research to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive economy, according to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman said the agency stood ready to support women in tapping new markets, developing innovative products and building globally competitive brands. 'Do not be afraid to change, innovate and explore new fields. The future of women entrepreneurs is not only bright but holds the potential to make history,' he said. His speech was delivered by MARA deputy director-general for management services Rohayah Mohd Zain at the closing ceremony of the 'Women in Search of Excellence' (WISE) 2025 programme held here today. The event was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail. Also present was the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. Zulfikri also noted a 19.4 per cent increase in the number of entrepreneurs in Perlis over the past year, from 3,222 in 2023 to 3,848 in 2024, highlighting a rising interest in entrepreneurship within the state. 'Even more encouraging, total sales revenue rose by 25 per cent over the same period, from RM273.6 million in 2023 to RM342 million this year,' he said. The WISE programme, a collaboration between MARA and the Tuanku Fauziah Foundation (YTF), aims to empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader economic development agenda.
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid announces joint committee to boost Malaysian franchises in UK
LONDON: A joint committee between Malaysian and United Kingdom (UK) franchise business associations will be established to strengthen Malaysia's franchise ecosystem in the UK, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the initiative would serve as a support platform to help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by next year. "There are plenty of opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand their franchise businesses in the UK, especially in halal-related sectors such as food, traditional medicine and cosmetics. "I will chair the Cabinet committee on franchises. I will obtain reports on the progress that can be made promptly, and I will review the achievements every six months when I chair this Cabinet committee twice a year," he told a press conference here Tuesday. Earlier, he attended the Malaysia-UK Franchise Business Dialogue, held in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK. Zahid added that Malaysia is also committed to supporting the franchise ecosystem through financing policies by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and digital grants from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), to achieve RM100 billion in sales by 2030. He said closer cooperation would be pursued to encourage UK franchises to explore the Asean market via Malaysia, while at the same time promoting the expansion of Malaysian brands into the UK market through the proposed committee. – BERNAMA
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia-UK joint committee to boost franchise ecosystem
LONDON: A joint committee between Malaysian and United Kingdom (UK) franchise business associations will be established to strengthen Malaysia's franchise ecosystem in the UK, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the initiative would serve as a support platform to help Malaysian franchise brands penetrate the UK market by next year. 'There are plenty of opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand their franchise businesses in the UK, especially in halal-related sectors such as food, traditional medicine and cosmetics. 'I will chair the Cabinet committee on franchises. I will obtain reports on the progress that can be made promptly, and I will review the achievements every six months when I chair this Cabinet committee twice a year,' he told a press conference here Tuesday. Earlier, he attended the Malaysia-UK Franchise Business Dialogue, held in conjunction with his four-day working visit to the UK. Ahmad Zahid added that Malaysia is also committed to supporting the franchise ecosystem through financing policies by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and digital grants from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), with the aim of achieving RM100 billion in sales by 2030. He said closer cooperation would be pursued to encourage UK franchises to explore the ASEAN market via Malaysia, while at the same time promoting the expansion of Malaysian brands into the UK market through the proposed committee.
