Bukit Jalil:According to BERNAMA News Agency, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is aiming for RM1 billion in sales next year from Bumiputera automotive entrepreneurs participating in its programmes. This target is based on the positive performance of entrepreneurs involved in the MARA Automotive Ecosystem (MATEC) and various strategic industry collaboration programmes.

MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki highlighted that MARA has developed 534 automotive entrepreneurs, accounting for 15.3 percent of Bumiputera participation in the automotive ecosystem nationwide. The organisation has also facilitated the creation of over 2,400 jobs, with current sales surpassing RM690 million.

This year's MATEC event is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors, doubling the 150,000 attendees of the previous edition. Over 200 exhibitors from different automotive subsectors are anticipated to participate. MARA is dedicated to enhancing the automotive ecosystem, focusing on areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), financing, and the development of high-growth entrepreneurs.

Of MARA's 345 educational institutions nationwide, 270 are devoted to TVET, with 30 percent specifically targeting the automotive sector. To support the sustainability of Bumiputera workshops, which often face challenges within five to eight years of operation, MARA prioritizes business and financial management through strategic initiatives like the MARA-PETRONAS Automotive Entrepreneur Development (PUMP) programme.

MATEC 2026 will take place from November 27 to 29 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. It will focus on three main themes: Future Automotive, TVET Excellence, and Electric Mobility, aiming to introduce local entrepreneurs to emerging technologies and global market opportunities.