Latest news with #ZulfikriOsman
The Sun
6 days 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
6 days 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.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MARA allocates RM8 million to boost Bumiputera optometry entrepreneurship
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has allocated RM8 million to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities in the optometry industry for Bumiputera entrepreneurs. MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman said the funds are channelled through the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme. It aims to support about 30 participants in opening businesses in shopping complexes, with a maximum financing limit of RM400,000. 'We know that out of 6,700 optometry shops in Malaysia, only 10 per cent are Bumiputera-owned. We hope the involvement of Bumiputera entrepreneurs can be increased beyond this 10 per cent. 'As such, MARA, in collaboration with La Calisto, will provide support in the form of training, exposure to the latest optometry technology, clinical training, and effective marketing and business management strategies,' he said at the launch of the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme here today. Also present were La Calisto general manager Wong Ching Fook and MARA Commercial Infrastructure Division director Lailatul Asmah Mohd Tahir. The collaboration between MARA and La Calisto is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call at the Bumiputera Economic Congress, which encouraged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to collaborate with their non-Bumiputera counterparts to move forward under the Madani government. Zulfikri said the programme aims to raise public awareness on the importance of eye care while creating more job opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship across the country. He said the initiative also aims to cultivate more entrepreneurs in the optometry sector by providing skills training, financial support, and comprehensive business mentorship. He added that La Calisto is also working with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia to identify potential entrepreneurs among optometry graduates to participate in the programme. 'To ensure participants succeed, they must possess knowledge in optometry and marketing, and their outlets must be located within shopping complexes,' he said. He said that based on records, 90 per cent of special programmes under MARA's initiatives have been successful over the past 10 years, and expressed confidence that this entrepreneur development initiative will achieve similar success.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MARA cannot sponsor students receiving financial aid from other agencies
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman has clarified that the agency cannot offer sponsorships to students who have already received financial aid from other sources. Commenting on the case involving medical students at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (UniSHAMS), Zulfikri said their applications were rejected because they had secured loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). He explained that when applications for the Tertiary Education Sponsorship Programme (TESP) opened last November, the guidelines clearly stated that receiving financial assistance from another agency would render an applicant ineligible, an established condition that has been in place for decades. 'This is not a new requirement. It's similar to applying for a home loan, you can't finance the same house with two separate banks. 'Likewise, MARA aims to prioritise Bumiputera students who have yet to receive support from any other sponsor,' he said in a statement today. Zulfikri reaffirmed MARA's commitment to providing study loans to ensure equitable access to quality and competitive higher education. He noted that since 1999, MARA has sponsored 423 students at UniSHAMS, with 173 currently receiving support across various fields, including 144 in medicine. As of March 31, a total of 4,510 Bumiputera students pursuing medical studies in Malaysia are being sponsored by MARA. Earlier media reports highlighted concerns raised by parents, who claimed that 50 medical students at UniSHAMS were under significant financial pressure after their MARA sponsorship applications were rejected. They have since called for urgent intervention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki to help resolve the matter.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MARA: No dual sponsorship for students
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman has clarified that the agency cannot offer sponsorships to students who have already received financial aid from other sources. Commenting on the case involving medical students at Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (UniSHAMS), Zulfikri said their applications were rejected because they had secured loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). He explained that when applications for the Tertiary Education Sponsorship Programme (TESP) opened last November, the guidelines clearly stated that receiving financial assistance from another agency would render an applicant ineligible, an established condition that has been in place for decades. 'This is not a new requirement. It's similar to applying for a home loan, you can't finance the same house with two separate banks. 'Likewise, MARA aims to prioritise Bumiputera students who have yet to receive support from any other sponsor,' he said in a statement today. Zulfikri reaffirmed MARA's commitment to providing study loans to ensure equitable access to quality and competitive higher education. He noted that since 1999, MARA has sponsored 423 students at UniSHAMS, with 173 currently receiving support across various fields, including 144 in medicine. As of March 31, a total of 4,510 Bumiputera students pursuing medical studies in Malaysia are being sponsored by MARA. Earlier media reports highlighted concerns raised by parents, who claimed that 50 medical students at UniSHAMS were under significant financial pressure after their MARA sponsorship applications were rejected. They have since called for urgent intervention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki to help resolve the matter.
