Kuantan: Students sponsored by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) pursuing higher education in Jordan are seen as crucial in meeting the demand for skilled talent and experts in various fields, particularly in advancing the country’s halal industry. MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said this aligned with the government’s holistic approach to developing the halal ecosystem, leveraging Malaysia’s extensive experience and global reputation in Islamic finance and banking.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asyraf Wajdi mentioned the possibility of increasing the number of MARA-sponsored students in Jordanian universities. The aim is for these students to gain international exposure, master the Arabic language, and acquire knowledge in ‘Fiqh’ (Islamic jurisprudence) and ‘Usul Fiqh’. This initiative is essential for positioning them in various sectors, including Malaysia’s growing halal industry, led by Halal Industry Development Council (MPH) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The development of halal policies and a master plan necessitates a well-equipped pool of professionals.
The remarks were made during a press conference after the closing ceremony of the 2024/2025 session Intensive Arabic Language Course (KIBA), sponsored by MARA and Yayasan Pahang at UCYP University. In this event, 103 MARA-sponsored students under the Young Talent Development Programme (YTP) completed the course and are set to further their education at three universities in Jordan: University of Jordan, Al AlBayt University, and Mu’tah University.
Additionally, 20 Yayasan Pahang-sponsored students involved in the programme will begin their studies in a 2+2 twinning programme between Kolej Yayasan Pahang (KYP) and Yarmouk University, Jordan, focusing on economics and Islamic banking.
Asyraf Wajdi further commented that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision for self-regulation within the halal sector, aiming for continuous oversight beyond just halal certification. He stressed the need for experts with a foundational understanding of Syariah, drawing parallels with the development of the Islamic finance and banking sectors.
During his inspection of MARA educational institutions, Asyraf Wajdi emphasized the importance of monitoring facilities to ensure they remain in good condition. He encouraged MARA management to perform regular checks for the well-being of its community, noting there are 344 institutions under MARA, which he intends to visit if possible.