In a recent speech by the Prime Minister, it is said that while Malaysia is a host to 135,000 international students from 160 countries around the world, Malaysia is also an important exporter in world education, citing 90,000 Malaysian students are studying abroad last year. He further said that out of the 90,000, 30% are sponsored by government-linked agencies and corporations which include Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Public Service Department (JPA), Petronas, Bank Negara Malaysia, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) and Sime Darby.