LONDON: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) sponsored students, who were initially bound for further studies in universities in the United States this year, will most likely be sent to the United Kingdom instead.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the UK seemed to be the best choice given the facilities and Mara's close cooperation with the universities there.
"We already know that Mara will stop sending its students to the US starting this year (given the uncertainties in current US policies).
"Thus, we will most probably send the students to the UK, where they will be able to pursue their chosen courses," he told reporters after a pre-council meeting on this four-day working visit to Britain on Monday (June 2).
Furthermore, three universities in the UK have also agreed to give discounts of up to 20% in tuition fees for Mara-sponsored students, he said.
"My belief is that whenever there is a calamity, there are always opportunities," he added.
Asked about Public Service Department (JPA) sponsored students, who are also supposed to further their studies in the US, Ahmad Zahid said he will have a discussion with the Chief Secretary to the Government and JPA director-general on the matter.
"We will conduct relevant discussions before taking any action or making a decision.
"The same goes for other students sponsored by various agencies (who are supposed to go to the US for further studies)," he said.
On his working visit to Britain, Ahmad Zahid said he would maximise the opportunities despite it being a short visit.
"I will touch on various topics, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the halal market and tourism.
"For tourism, I will be launching the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 in London on Tuesday (June 3).
"I will also hold talks with tourism industry players in London, especially wholesalers and retailers," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the target is to attract 500,000 tourists from the UK by the end of 2026.
"We hope to reach not only the UK market but Europe as well," he said.
Ahmad Zahid arrived in London on Sunday night (June 1) for his four-day working visit to Britain, which will run until June 4, in a move aimed at further strengthening Malaysia-UK bilateral ties.
