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KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 600 students sponsored by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) are set to fly overseas in phases to pursue their studies, involving an educational investment funding of RM489 million.
Not only that, 11 Mara students also achieved a proud milestone by securing places at the world's second top university based on the QS World University Rankings 2026, namely Imperial College London, United Kingdom (UK).
Mara Chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, stated that this achievement is among the key successes of Mara-sponsored students this year, with 40 students successfully securing places at universities in the world's top 10, whilst another 107 were accepted into the top 20 leading universities globally.
According to him, this proves the capability of Bumiputera students to compete with the best students from around the world.
"The success of 11 students in securing places to further their studies at Imperial College London proves that Mara students possess the capability, competitiveness, and potential to shine on the global stage.
"Go out into the world, master knowledge, build networks, and shape your character. Do not merely return as graduates of the world's top universities.
"Return as the finest talent needed by Malaysia. Most importantly, do not forget Allah SWT, your prayers, and your roots," he said.
He said this whilst speaking at the 2026 Prime Pre-Departure Programme for Mara-Sponsored Students Overseas at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here on Wednesday.
A portion of the 600 students will be furthering their studies abroad this year across nine countries, namely China, New Zealand, South Korea, France, Australia, Ireland, Canada, the UK, and Egypt.
Key fields aligned with long-term national agenda priorities include science, technology, engineering, medicine, economics, and computing.
Even more admirably, according to him, a total of 175 Mara-sponsored students have successfully completed their studies at Imperial College London, UK, whilst 22 others are currently pursuing their studies at the prestigious university.
He also mentioned that Mara will continue to strengthen global educational access and strategic relationships with institutions and industries to ensure educational investment produces globally competitive Bumiputera talent.
"We do not want them to merely enter the world's best universities, we also want them to graduate as industry-preferred talent.
"Graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, character, leadership, and experience required by the job market," Asyraf added.
Asyraf further explained that the achievement of furthering studies overseas reflects the effectiveness of Mara's educational ecosystem in developing high-performing talent right from the pre-university level.
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway at Kolej Mara Banting, for instance, two students achieved a maximum score of 45 points, whilst four others scored 44 points.
Meanwhile, a student from Kolej Mara Seremban recorded 4A* results in A-Levels, whilst two students obtained 4A.
"These are not merely numbers or rankings. Behind every achievement lies the effort of students, parents, teachers, and lecturers, as well as Mara's investment in building a competitive educational ecosystem.
"However, true success is not just obtaining a degree from the world's best university. We want them to return with expertise, networks, experience, and the ability to contribute to industry and the nation," said Asyraf.
