N.STRAITS TIMEs - STEMpush to spur Malay students

Aug 13, 2026

The government will require 70% of Form Four students entering MRSM and boarding schools to choose STEM subjects next year to tackle falling Malay student interest in these fields. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim framed the policy as essential for Malaysia’s transformation toward emerging technologies and emphasized that Malays and Bumiputera must benefit. A Wakaf Mara Madani endowment initiative was launched to strengthen socio-economic development, with supporters pledging RM1,000 each and leaders urging immediate action to secure STEM futures.

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STEMpush to spur Malay students

Policy on Form Four STEM choices

Wakaf Mara Madani endowment initiative

TARIKH:16 MAC 2025(AHAD) UTUSAN M'SIA BERITA HARIAN # N.STRAITS TIMEC STEMpush to spur Malay students NS(b3,902>2> PG-3 On the WakafMara Madani en-dowment fund,an initiative tostrengthen the socio-economy ofBumiputeras,in line with the res-olutions of the 2024 BumiputeraEconomic Congress,he said itprovided an opportunity foralumni who had benefited fromMara to give back to the agency. KUALA LUMPUR:The decision torequire 70 per cent of Form Fourstudents admitted to MaktabRendah Sains Mara(MRSM)andboarding schools to choose Sci-ence,Technology,Engineering,and Mathematics(STEM)sub-jects next year is meant to ad-dress the declining interest ofMalay students in the field. "If we do not push forward,wewill not achieve the transforma-tion we need,"he said at thelaunch of the Wakaf Mara Madaniendowment fund here yesterday. Anwar acknowledged that thedecision might face resistancefrom parents and political lead-、ers,but he said the governmentwould stand firm in ensuring theMalays and Bumiputera benefitfrom these developments. Anwar and Zahid,who was alsopresent at the event yesterday,had each pledged RM1,000 tosupport the initiative. Prime Minister Datuk Seri An-war Ibrahim said the move wascrucial as the country strived tobecome a leader in emergingtechnologies,with global in-vestors such as Microsoft,Googleand Infineon setting up opera-tions in the country. "I believe Datuk Seri Zahid(Hamidi)has the strength to sayno when necessary. "With our commitment and de-termination,we can make thishappen. "And we will say no because wewant this country,particularlythe Malays and Bumiputera,tosurvive and thrive in this neweconomic landscape,"he said. "The declining interest ofMalay students in STEM is con-cerning. On Friday,Deputy Prime Min-ister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad ZahidHamidi said strengthening STEMeducation in secondary schoolswas crucial as they served as a feed-er for universities and colleges,withthe country aiming to produce “Where is the guarantee for thefuture of the Malays in this era ofrapid technological advance-ments? "We must take immediate stepsto increase students'interest inthese fields. 60,000 engineering graduates. “This is a blessed month andthe Wakaf Mara Madani initiativehas now reached a stage wherewe are not only securing alloca-tions,but also demonstratingthat we are dignified people whotake charge of our future. "No matter how small the con-tribution,everyone should have astake in upholding the status ofthe Malay Bumiputera in thiscountry,"he said in his speech.

FAQs

What change will be implemented for Form Four students in MRSM and boarding schools?

Seventy per cent of Form Four students admitted to MRSM and boarding schools will be required to choose STEM subjects next year.

Why does the government want more Malay students in STEM?

The decision targets the declining interest of Malay students in STEM fields, which leaders view as concerning amid rapid technological advancement.

What is the Wakaf Mara Madani endowment fund initiative?

It is an initiative intended to strengthen the socio-economy of Bumiputeras and create an opportunity for alumni who benefited from MARA to give back to the agency.

Aug 13, 2026

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