ISTANBUL, Nov. 8 -- The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) aims to double the number of sponsored students sent to pursue their studies in Turkiye next year, following the successful placement of its pioneer batch of 17 students in September.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the target was part of efforts to expand international education opportunities for outstanding students while strengthening academic ties between Malaysia and Turkiye.

"I will ensure that MARA sends at least twice as many students next year to the same universities, namely Sabanci University and Yildiz Technical University," he said in a brief speech at a dinner with Malaysian students and staff of the Malaysian Embassy in Turkiye here on Saturda...