TOKYO, 7 March 2026 – It is not every day that student associations from all over Japan have the opportunity to gather under one roof. The Malaysian Students' Association in Japan (MSAJ) was proudly represented by its High Committee members: President 'Ariqah Sarah, Vice President Muhammad Izzat Haiqal, and External Affairs Coordinator Tinish Subramaniam, at the 8th Annual General Meeting of Domestic International Student Associations (第8回国内留学生会年次総会).

Held as a dynamic hybrid event to accommodate both in-person and online participants, the gathering was thoughtfully organized by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). We extend our deepest gratitude to JASSO for creating this invaluable platform that united groups who rarely have the chance to meet. Alongside MSAJ, the event featured a remarkable array of student associations representing the Philippines (AFSJ), Sri Lanka (SLSAJ), Taiwan (TTSA), Singapore (SSAJ), Pakistan (PSAJ), Cameroon (CYCJAPAN), Ghana, Mexico (Nichibokubashi), Kyrgyzstan (AKSJ), and Turkey (JTOD).

The event kicked off with a highly engaging first session focused on organizational exchange. MSAJ had the privilege of introducing its core mission and values to the other student associations. More importantly, it provided a fantastic space to exchange ideas and opinions on how to effectively run our respective organizations. By discussing past initiatives and operational strategies alongside these diverse groups, attendees gained fresh perspectives on leadership and community building.

The second session took a more personal turn as the floor opened up to discuss the "culture shocks" experienced after coming to Japan. This sparked a fascinating conversation filled with relatable stories and diverse viewpoints from across the globe. Many interesting observations were brought to light, and the shared ideas and opinions gave everyone a deeper understanding of how to better support their members as they navigate their unique journeys in Japan.

After the formal sessions concluded, the attendees participated in a brief but highly productive networking session with the executive members of the other associations. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the connections made were truly invaluable. MSAJ leaves this event with fresh ideas and a renewed drive, incredibly hopeful that the relationships built here will bridge the gap between communities and usher in a new era of exciting collaborations.

UNIVERSITI MALAYA, 7 Mac 2026 – Sempena Nuzul Quran pada 17 Ramadan yang lalu, pihak MSAJ berbesar hati memenuhi jemputan Alumni Look East Policy (ALEPS) untuk Majlis Berbuka Puasa Bersama Pelajar RPKJ.

Majlis ini dihadiri oleh wakil MSAJ iaitu Presiden ‘Ariqah Sarah, Timbalan Setiausaha Fauzul, serta ahli aktif Humairah. Turut hadir memeriahkan acara, Presiden Alumni Look East Policy (ALEPS), En. Isrami, bersama Prof. Zul, pensyarah Universiti Malaya yang juga merupakan ahli ALEPS. Kehadiran barisan kepimpinan ALEPS serta para pelajar turut menjadikan pertemuan ini satu peluang istimewa untuk menghimpunkan tiga generasi pelajar Malaysia yang mempunyai hubungan dengan Dasar Pandang Ke Timur.

Program dimulakan dengan ucapan pembukaan oleh En. Isrami yang mengalu-alukan kehadiran para peserta dan diteruskan dengan sesi perkongsian pengalaman daripada wakil MSAJ.

Presiden MSAJ, ‘Ariqah Sarah, memulakan sesi dengan memperkenalkan MSAJ secara keseluruhan serta menekankan kepentingan mengurus masa, tenaga dan harta dengan baik sepanjang tempoh pengajian di Jepun. Menurut beliau, empat tahun pengajian di luar negara merupakan fasa yang sangat signifikan dalam kehidupan pelajar kerana tempoh ini memainkan peranan penting dalam membentuk hala tuju masa hadapan. Sehubungan itu, beliau menyarankan agar pelajar memanfaatkan masa sebelum berlepas ke Jepun dengan menambah pengetahuan tentang negara dan agama, memandangkan pelajar Malaysia di luar negara sering menjadi duta kecil yang memperkenalkan Malaysia kepada masyarakat antarabangsa.

Seterusnya, Timbalan Setiausaha, Fauzul, berkongsi pengalaman akademiknya di Universiti Nagasaki serta cabaran tinggal di Kawasan yang jauh daripada komuniti Malaysia yang besar, namun penglibatan dalam MSAJ membolehkannya untuk terus berhubung dengan rakan-rakan Malaysia di seluruh Jepun. Humairah pula berkongsi pengalaman awal ketibaan pelajar di Jepun yang disambut oleh pegawai JPA dan senpai MSAJ di lapangan terbang serta menekankan kepentingan ketabahan menghadapi cabaran bahasa dengan mendapatkan bantuan daripada pensyarah dan senior.

Kemuncak acara adalah sesi perkongsian oleh Prof. Zul yang bertajuk “Kuasa Doa.” Dalam perkongsian tersebut, beliau menceritakan perjalanan akademiknya sehingga berjaya melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat PhD dengan tajaan penuh. Beliau menekankan bahawa antara faktor yang memudahkan perjalanannya adalah keazaman untuk sentiasa memanjatkan doa kepada Allah, khususnya sepanjang bulan Ramadan, agar diberikan kemudahan dalam menuntut ilmu setinggi-tingginya.

Secara keseluruhannya, acara ini mendapat sambutan yang baik daripada para hadirin kerana berjaya menghimpunkan tiga generasi pelajar Malaysia yang terlibat dalam melanjutkan pelajaran ke Jepun. Program ini bukan sahaja menjadi ruang untuk berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat, malah turut mengeratkan lagi hubungan antara senpai dan kouhai dalam komuniti pelajar Malaysia di Jepun. Para peserta juga berpeluang menikmati juadah berbuka puasa dan hidangan moreh yang disediakan oleh ALEPS.

Diharapkan agar program seperti ini dapat diteruskan pada masa hadapan bagi memberi lebih banyak peluang kepada pelajar dan alumni untuk saling mengenali, bertukar pengalaman serta terus memperkukuhkan ukhuwah dalam kalangan komuniti Malaysia di Jepun.

JAPAN, 21 February 2026 – The Malaysian Students’ Association Japan (MSAJ) successfully convened its First Active Membersl General Meeting for the 2026/2027 term via Google Meet, bringing together active members from across Japan to mark the official start of the new tenure.

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks by the host, followed by an opening address from the President of MSAJ 2026/2027, ‘Ariqah Sarah, who warmly welcomed newly elected active members. The session also revisited MSAJ’s vision and mandate, which include nurturing holistic development, building a supportive community, bridging meaningful connections, and assembling the Malaysian students’ talent pool in Japan.

The agenda continued with a comprehensive introduction to MSAJ’s background, presented by the Deputy President, Muhammad Izzat. Members were briefed on the organisational structure, including the roles of the Executive Committee, Coordinators, and respective bureaus. Clear explanations were given regarding the responsibilities of the Audit & Quality, External Affairs, and Data Management coordinators, alongside the functions of the Sports & Recreation, Social & Culture, Editorial & Media, and People Development bureaus. Reflections on past flagship events such as Malaysian Night, Career Fair, Sports Day, Team Building, and Raya Celebration were also shared, together with newly planned initiatives for the 2026/2027 term.

A key highlight of the AGM was the breakout room sessions, designed to encourage engagement and collaboration among members. Two sessions were conducted: the Bureau and Coordinator Breakout Room Session, and the Regional Breakout Room Session. During these sessions, members participated in ice-breaking activities, shared their motivations for joining MSAJ, discussed roles and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and elected bureau leaders and secretaries. Regional members also exchanged ideas and proposed future activities tailored to their respective areas.

The session saw members actively contributing ideas across various areas, including sports, cultural, educational, and regional initiatives. Notably, this term also marked the introduction of a new region, Tokkaido, which encompasses the Tohoku and Hokkaido areas. The dynamic exchange reflected a shared determination to strengthen engagement and foster a more inclusive Malaysian student community in Japan.

The meeting concluded with a commemorative group photo and a call from the President for all members to work together in unity and dedication towards the betterment of MSAJ for the 2026/2027 term. The meeting marked a strong and promising start for the new leadership and its vision moving forward.

Written by :Fauzul