KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) is planning to get its science and information technology students to be placed at the distinguished Stanford University in the United States for the first time soon.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said discussions on the matter had been convened with the university’s representatives to make it a reality.

“We have asked them about the process to enable Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) graduates to be placed at the university and whether they recognise our credit-transfer system.

“We have also invited them to come to Malaysia to see for themselves the management and educational institutions under Mara,” he told reporters at Utusan Malaysia’s headquarters here through a virtual press conference from the US today.

Mohd Shafie is currently leading Mara delegates for a six-day visit to the US, which aimed at finding the common ground with the players in US’ higher education and information technology industries.

The visit also saw discussions being convened with California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCC), a governing body of 112 community colleges in California.

A collaboration with CCCC would enable 60 students, who are currently undergoing foundation courses at Banting and Seremban Mara Colleges, to complete and obtain a Bachelor’s degree at the age of 21.

The delegation had also visited TechShop, a creative community offering access to hardware, software and spaces; and Autodesk, a software manufacturer, for educational purposes under Mara Educational Institute (IPMA).

Mohd Shafie said the delegation would also convene a meeting with Babson College, a distinguished institution of higher learning, which had been ranked number one for entrepreneurship for 27 consecutive years, to discuss the possibility of bringing Babson College’s coaches to Malaysia to train IPMA lecturers, hence reducing the cost by 50 per cent.

Before ending the visit, the minister said they would also meet with representatives of Mason Enterprise Center, a specialised centre for entrepreneurship under the administration of George Mason University.

“This is in line with Mara’s focus to play an important role in empowering Bumiputera economy through entrepreneurship, while at the same time, improving collaboration to develop and prepare potential entrepreneurs to penetrate the international market,” he said.

Mohd Shafie also described the visit as meaningful and beneficial for Mara’s future, including in providing more rooms and opportunities for its students and entrepreneurs. — Bernama