Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki wants the MRSM Bintang Media programme to be held annually in collaboration with Media Prima Bhd.
He believes the programme can help Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) students excel not only in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects but also in communications, writing and journalism.
"I will ask the management to prepare a proposal to continue this strategic collaboration. By equipping students with communication, writing and journalism skills, we can boost the quality of learning and education," he said at the closing ceremony of the 2026 MRSM Bintang Media programme yesterday.
Present were Media Prima News and Current Affairs managing editor Jasbant Singh, News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also New Straits Times (NST) group editor; Television Networks News and Current Affairs group editor Datuk Azhari Muhidin, and New Straits Times Press chief operating officer Luqman Adrine Ja'afar.
Asyraf said the programme gave students access to industry expertise and guidance, particularly from Media Prima practitioners, while offering first-hand insight into the realities of the media industry.
He described the initiative as a game changer in improving student quality.
"In the past, newspaper subscriptions were mainly used for classroom activities.
"Today, however, programmes such as this offer students a fresh perspective on the entertainment, journalism and broadcasting industries, which have evolved over time."
Jasbant said the programme was introduced to provide students with a more engaging learning experience in journalism, media literacy, strategic communications and digital content creation.
He said it had attracted 678 students from 58 MRSM campuses since its online launch on Sept 8.
"We hope this programme will become a platform to discover and develop young talent in the media industry, while boosting students' confidence, creativity and communication skills.
"At the same time, we hope it will further strengthen the strategic relationship between Mara and Media Prima," Jasbant added.
MRSM Bintang Media was held under the Siri Jelajah MRSM and Media Prima Talent Development Programme to give students first-hand exposure to the media industry through sessions with experienced practitioners.
It featured four categories: Journalism and News Writing by Berita Harian, The Art of Writing and News Journalism by the NST, Broadcasting and News Presentation, as well as Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling.
Online coaching sessions covering all four categories were held on Sept 8-11.
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