Kuala lumpur: Two higher education institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), namely Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), are targeted to be listed on Bursa Malaysia within the next three years. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, stated that the target was set based on the current profit performance achieved by both institutions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that a maximum timeframe of three years has been set for the listing, contingent on the profit track record, which is a prerequisite for listing on Bursa Malaysia. He mentioned that to maintain the financial performance of both entities, profits need to be increased through measures such as boosting student enrolment, including international students. This could be achieved by strengthening courses aligned with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. This target aligns with the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), representing a significant shift in Bumiputera development.
Meanwhile, three healthcare entities - U.n.i Klinik, U.n.i Farmasi, and U.n.i Klinik Pergigian - will be consolidated into a single MARA professional entrepreneur entity, also targeted for listing on Bursa Malaysia within the same timeframe. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the aim for MARA entrepreneurs, who have received MARA financing to operate U.n.i Klinik, pharmacies, and dental clinics, to be listed as professional entrepreneur entities, guided and financed by MARA.
Ahmad Zahid further mentioned that the KKDW and Agency-Owned Companies Retreat 2026, a three-day event starting last Sunday, outlined 28 'game changers' or key initiatives to guide rural development and well-being. These initiatives include developing selected rural areas into integrated investment hubs, supported by an ecosystem to attract value-added investments and strengthen socio-economic outcomes. Additionally, KKDW plans to establish a dedicated complex as a rural commercial one-stop centre, combining products, services, and local community economic activities, with an annual sales target exceeding RM14 million.
He expressed hope that this year will mark the implementation of all the plans drawn up for the first three years.