Latest news with #Malaysia-UK
The Sun
3 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.
The Sun
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mara-sponsored students may pursue studies in the UK amid US policy changes, says Zahid
LONDON: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) sponsored students, who were initially bound for further studies in universities in the United States this year, will most likely be sent to the United Kingdom instead. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the UK seemed to be the best choice given the facilities and Mara's close cooperation with the universities there. "We already know that Mara will stop sending its students to the US starting this year (given the uncertainties in current US policies). "Thus, we will most probably send the students to the UK, where they will be able to pursue their chosen courses," he told reporters after a pre-council meeting on this four-day working visit to Britain on Monday (June 2). Furthermore, three universities in the UK have also agreed to give discounts of up to 20% in tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students, he said. "My belief is that whenever there is a calamity, there are always opportunities," he added. Asked about Public Service Department (JPA) sponsored students, who are also supposed to further their studies in the US, Ahmad Zahid said he will have a discussion with the Chief Secretary to the Government and JPA director-general on the matter. "We will conduct relevant discussions before taking any action or making a decision. "The same goes for other students sponsored by various agencies (who are supposed to go to the US for further studies)," he said. On his working visit to Britain, Ahmad Zahid said he would maximise the opportunities despite it being a short visit. "I will touch on various topics, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the halal market and tourism. "For tourism, I will be launching the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 in London on Tuesday (June 3). "I will also hold talks with tourism industry players in London, especially wholesalers and retailers," he said. Ahmad Zahid said the target is to attract 500,000 tourists from the UK by the end of 2026. "We hope to reach not only the UK market but Europe as well," he said. Ahmad Zahid arrived in London on Sunday night (June 1) for his four-day working visit to Britain, which will run until June 4, in a move aimed at further strengthening Malaysia-UK bilateral ties.
