Strengthening Bonds Abroad: MSAJ Kansai Potluck Raya Gathering
KYOTO GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN, 12th April 2026 – In celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, MSAJ Kansai successfully organized the anticipated Raya gathering aimed at bringing together the Malaysian student community across the Kansai region.
The event was attended by MSAJ representatives including President Ariqah Sarah, Vice President Muhammad Izzat Haiqal, and was led by Regional Chair Kansai, Muhammad Azfar, alongside 12 committee members. Also present were representatives from Pejabat Penasihat Pendidikan dan Latihan Tokyo (PPL Tokyo), Encik Imran and Puan Norfazlina, as well as distinguished guests from the Malaysia Japan Academic Association, Dr. Farah Naomi and Prof. Emeritus Omar Farouq. Overall, the gathering welcomed around 60 students, contributing to a lively and festive atmosphere.
The program began by a welcoming speech from MSAJ’s president. In her welcoming speech, President Ariqah Sarah highlighted that such events serve as an important platform for students to reconnect, emphasizing that life in Japan should not revolve solely around academics but also include meaningful social interactions to strengthen bonds within the Malaysian community.
The event continued with a potluck session and interactive games, where participants enjoyed a variety of Malaysian dishes while reconnecting with friends and meeting new people. The program proceeded with speeches from the special guests. Prof. Emeritus Omar Farouq began with “Eid Mubarak” and shared words of wisdom, emphasizing the value of gatherings like this in strengthening relationships
The festivities continued with a “Bingo Raya” game organized by the Editorial and Media bureau. The session encouraged active participation and added excitement to the event. The highlight of the event included a gift-giving session, where tokens of appreciation were presented to the special guests.
One attendee, Nur Hanan Maisara, a first-year Economics student from Shiga University, described the experience as enjoyable and heartwarming, as it allowed her to meet new people and ease her homesickness through the sense of community and familiar Malaysian food. It is hoped that more events like this will be organized in the future to continue fostering connections, and strengthening the Malaysian student community in Japan.