MARA reallocates sponsored students from the US to alternative countries for 2025 and 2026 intakes due to geopolitical risks.
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has reallocated its sponsored students for the 2025 and 2026 intakes from the United States (US) to several alternative countries following policy and geopolitical uncertainties there, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) said.
In a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat, the ministry said the students would be placed in countries that host leading universities offering critical fields of study comparable to those available in the US, with equivalent academic quality and global recognition.
It said the decision was a prudent risk management measure to ensure students are not exposed to risks arising from the prevailing political situation in the country.
“The placement of students in alternative countries in no way compromises access, quality or opportunities for MARA-sponsored students to obtain a world-class education in strategic fields required by the nation,” the ministry said.
KKDW was responding to a question from Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (PN-Merbok) on the rationale behind MARA’s decision to stop sending sponsored students to the US and whether the move took into account Bumiputera human capital development, access to world-class universities and the nation’s needs in critical, high-impact fields.
The ministry said MARA would continue to monitor developments in the geopolitical and policy landscape in the US and was prepared to resume sending sponsored students to leading universities there should conditions become stable and conducive in the future.
“The move demonstrates that MARA’s sponsorship policy remains dynamic, flexible and focused on the best interests of Bumiputera human capital development at the international level,” it said.
