Kuala sungai baru: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and MISC Bhd have formed a strategic partnership to develop more maritime professionals through education sponsorships, industry exposure, and career pathways. MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki emphasized that this initiative aligns with MARA's industrial-based education approach, aiming to equip students and graduates with skills and knowledge that meet industry needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARA, MISC, and the Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM) are jointly implementing the MARA-MISC Education Sponsorship Hybrid Programme (MESH-MISC) as part of this collaboration. This initial phase involves 50 MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) graduates who are pursuing diplomas in Nautical Studies, Marine Engineering, and Marine Electrotechnology at ALAM. The announcement was made during a press briefing at ALAM in Kuala Sungai Baru, where the MARA-MISC Edu Bridge Programme was also launched, and scholarships were presented to selected students. MISC Group president and CEO Zahid Osman was also in attendance.
The partnership extends to include the MARA-MISC Edu Bridge Programme, which provides MRSM students with exposure to education and career opportunities within the maritime industry. As part of a maritime adopted-school initiative, MISC has selected five MRSMs as pioneer institutions to host talent development activities, such as maritime-based STEM programmes, industry visits, and interactions with industry professionals. There are also plans to establish a young maritime cadet programme in MRSMs, starting with these five schools before expanding to others in the future.
Additionally, the partnership encompasses the MARA-MISC Apprenticeship Programme, providing graduates of MARA educational institutions with industry experience and competency certificates recognized by the Malaysian Marine Department. This initiative aims to improve employability for these graduates. Asyraf Wajdi highlighted the significant role MARA alumni can play in supporting future generations through their industry networks and expertise, enhancing career opportunities for new graduates.
The collaboration underscores the strategic importance of the maritime sector and the need for more Bumiputera professionals. Through such partnerships, efforts to build a robust talent pipeline in the industry can be accelerated. The focus remains on ensuring that students sponsored under the MARA ecosystem acquire industry-relevant skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to improved employment and career prospects.