KUALA LUMPUR — Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has decided to cease sending its students to pursue further education in the United States starting this year.
Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki explained that the move was prompted by the unpredictable nature of policies under the current US administration, The Star reported.
“The current batch of students is supposed to further their studies in the US in October this year. However, given the uncertainties of current US policies, we do not want to impose any risk on our students (by sending them there),” he told reporters in London on Sunday (June 1).
Students originally scheduled to study in the US this October will instead be redirected to leading universities in other countries, he said.
“Among the countries being considered are Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China. We are also considering sending them to local universities as well,” he added.
Counsellors have been appointed to meet with the students and discuss alternative study destinations.
“The most important thing is that we don’t want to demotivate them. The counsellors will guide them to other renowned universities in other countries,” Asyraf said.
Mara is also reviewing the situation of students currently studying in the US to assess how the evolving policies may affect them.
“We will make a decision on them once the study is completed,” he said.
Last week, Datuk Dr Asyraf revealed that Mara was conducting a thorough review following the US government’s recent restrictions targeting international students at Harvard University.
The study includes exploring possible follow-up actions for Mara-sponsored students should the restrictions be enforced.
“Mara is conducting a thorough study,” he emphasised.
The restrictions stem from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which attempted to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enrol international students, requiring existing foreign students either to transfer to other institutions or risk losing their legal status.
The government had also threatened to extend these measures to other universities.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of “promoting violence, antisemitism, and collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party.”
However, a US federal judge last Friday blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s international enrolment privileges, responding to a lawsuit filed in Boston.
Harvard characterised the revocation as a “blatant violation” of the US Constitution and other federal laws, warning of an “immediate and devastating effect” on the university and more than 7,000 visa holders.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the ministry is closely monitoring the developments, noting that the proposed US restrictions have yet to be finalised.
In response to the situation, several countries including Japan and Hong Kong have encouraged their universities to consider admitting affected Harvard students. – June 1, 2025