ISTANBUL, Nov 8 – The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) plans to double the number of Malaysian students it sponsors to study in Türkiye next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the plan after MARA successfully sent its first group of 17 students to the country in September.
He said the initiative aims to give more outstanding Malaysian students access to international education. It will also strengthen academic ties between Malaysia and Türkiye.
Ahmad Zahid said MARA would send at least twice as many students to the same universities next year.
These institutions are Sabanci University and Yildiz Technical University.
Strong Academic Performance Opens More Opportunities
Ahmad Zahid said the students’ academic results would play an important role in the programme’s future.
He wants them to demonstrate that MARA made the right choices when selecting the first group.
Their achievements could also help more Malaysian students secure similar opportunities in the coming years.
He described the students as young ambassadors who represent Malaysia overseas. Their conduct and achievements can help shape the country’s image internationally.
MARA’s First Group Arrived in September
MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the first group secured their university placements in September.
The agency completed the process just four months after discussions began. This followed Ahmad Zahid’s instruction to speed up the initiative.
Asyraf said MARA selected the students from two of its preparatory colleges. They had demonstrated strong academic results since their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
Two sponsored students also shared how the programme has supported their studies.
Intan Alysha Safiya Hairil Alfian, 19, studies Computer Science at Sabanci University. She said MARA’s sponsorship helps cover her study expenses and living costs.
Meanwhile, Haziq Firdaus Ramzizan, 20, studies Mechatronics Engineering at the same university. He said the financial support allows him to focus on his studies.
Malaysian Universities Strengthen Ties With Türkiye
Earlier, MARA strengthened academic cooperation between both countries through new Letters of Collaboration.
The agreements involve Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), Sabanci University and Yildiz Technical University.
The partnership with Sabanci University will explore joint undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
It will also cover curriculum alignment and pathways to doctoral studies. These include joint supervision and collaborative research.
Meanwhile, the Yildiz Technical University partnership will focus on ship design research and model testing.
The collaboration will make use of the university’s wave tank facilities. UniKL’s Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology will also contribute its facilities.
Expanding International Education Opportunities
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, is in Türkiye for a four-day working visit from Nov 5 to 8.
His programme includes participation in the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul.
The expanded MARA sponsorship programme reflects Malaysia’s efforts to give talented students wider access to international education.
It also creates opportunities for universities in both countries to develop academic programmes and research partnerships.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
