MSAJ Kansai Reunites Under the Autumn Breeze

OSAKA, 29 November – We must recognise that the decreasing intake of Malaysian scholars to Japan could be detrimental to the dynamic amongst Malaysian students compared to other diasporas. A few years ago, intakes were in the hundreds. Now, they're starting to dwindle to tens. Japan may not be the first choice for those looking to continue their studies, especially compared to Western countries. After all, no matter where we go, most of us still long for home, for Malaysia(especially the food though). Our active members in Kansai feel the same way too.

This year, the Kansai region has been bustling with Malaysian events, such as the Malaysian Fair 2025 and visits from various ministries in conjunction with the Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka. Some of our members, along with other students, have volunteered to lend a hand in making Malaysia's name as grand as it deserves. MSAJ may not contribute directly as we're acting as partners, but this writer feels that bonding and connecting with other Malaysians, especially within the diaspora, is the main purpose for this association's well-being.

After all, we're students, and our main priority is striving for academic excellence at our respective universities. Meanwhile, juggling these commitments can be quite a hassle. After the hard work involved in regional activities and the association's main event, such as Career Fair 2025, Kansai's members took a different approach to sustaining our well-being as international students in Japan. A short hike in Hoshino Park became the place to gather and reflect on our achievements and shortcomings for this tenure.

My senior once asked me, "How would you sustain this group?" Sustainability has been an issue for every organisation. As students, the notion of 'sustainability of a group' shouldn't be about how many events the organisation can pull off or how ‘peak’ its name becomes. Rather, it should be about how we help people bond and bring out the best in each other.

During the hike, we discussed our journey so far whilst enjoying the crisp autumn air. Afterwards, we gathered for dinner at another spot in Osaka. It wasn't elaborate or grand, but it reminded us why we're here: not just as committee members or volunteers, but as Malaysians finding home away from home, one gathering at a time.