KUCHING: The empowerment of the Bumiputeras through the 3P - namely ''Penyertaan, Pemilikan, Penguasaan'' (Participation, Ownership, and Mastery) - is viewed as a highimpact strategy to drive the socio-economic advancement of this community. According to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) director-general Dato Zulfikri Osman, the organisation serves as the driving force in elevating the status of the Bumiputeras. ‘The goal of 3P is not mere rhetoric but it must be demonstrated through the increased contributions by the Bumiputeras in the nation''s industries. “I believe that the model we are implementing is a timely effort to ensure that Bumiputeras are involved and have high expertise to drive the national economic productivity. The more skilled professionals we produce, the greater the impact on economic dominance that can potentially be pioneered by Bumiputeras," he said during the ''Exclusive Narrative with the Mara Director-General Programme'' at Mara headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Zulfikri also highlighted on Mara''s education ecosystem, designed to provide a more seamless articulation pathway. “For example, from the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) level, students are exposed to career paths in the professional and TVET (technical and vocational education and training) fields. “Through the education sector, we have produced many Bumiputera graduates who have been equipped with knowledge and skills from Mara''s education system. This then opens up career opportunities for them to participate in the country''s industrial or economic activities." he said. Zulfikri also said that through Mara''s entrepreneurial sector, students from the professional and TVET fields were also given pathways to venture into entrepreneurship. “If they could work before, this is identified as an element of participation. Now, they can have their own business entity, which is what we meant by the element of ownership. "On TVET at the GiatMara level, we want the institution to be of high skills, which means to provide competency training from Level 1 to Level 5.'' he added. Moreover. Zulfikri also emphasised that Mara''s investment sector, particularly its subsidiaries, must adopt more efficient corporate governance practices to enhance business performance. “Mara subsidiaries should identify new opportunities and markets to remain competitive." Zulfikri also called upon Mara employees to embrace the Mara Spirit'' within themselves to ensure that the values of integrity, dedication to work, and the goals of 3P would be successfully achieved. "The goal of 3P is not mere rhetoric but it must be demonstrated through the increased contributions by the Bumiputeras in the nation''s industries. /Dato Zulfikri Osman".