Kuala Lumpur: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is contemplating a new initiative to sponsor Malay and Bumiputera students to study medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. The potential sponsorship aims to empower these students by providing them access to quality education in these fields.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARA’s chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, plans to discuss the proposal with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, with hopes of presenting it to the Cabinet for consideration. As part of the initiative, Asyraf Wajdi has also requested a tuition fee discount from Al-Azhar University for students under MARA sponsorship in these disciplines.
The request for a fee discount was made during a meeting with Al-Azhar University president Prof Dr Salamah Abu Daud, which took place at the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates’ office in Cairo. Key figures present at the meeting included the Al-Azhar University vice-president for Post Graduate Studies and Research, Dr Mahmoud Siddiq, and senior advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Abdul Daim.
Asyraf Wajdi expressed his aspiration for more Malay and Bumiputera students to become professionals in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. He emphasized the importance of these students developing a strong identity and an Islamic worldview based on Ulul-Albab, a balanced system of learning that incorporates spiritual, moral, intellectual, and ethical Islamic values.
He also highlighted the objective of his visit to Egypt, which was to enhance ties and cooperation with Malaysian students at Al-Azhar University. Asyraf Wajdi reiterated MARA’s commitment to making quality international education accessible to deserving Malaysian students who require financial support to achieve their educational goals.
The anticipated sponsorship and collaboration with Al-Azhar University are seen as steps toward nurturing a future generation of professionals imbued with the spirit of Ulul-Albab, contributing to the growth and development of the community.