TSUKUBA, 11 January  – The Malaysian Students’ Association in Japan (MSAJ) was invited to attend the Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS) 2026, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, as a forum panelist under the theme “Real Voices; Real Action.” The summit was held from 9 to 11 January 2026 and brought together young leaders, students, and researchers from around the world to exchange knowledge, share innovative ideas, and strengthen international collaboration.

Two representatives from MSAJ participated as panel speakers, namely ‘Ariqah Sarah binti Abdul Gaafar, General Secretary of MSAJ 25/26, and Ainul Radhiah binti Yusuf, Vice Secretary of MSAJ for the same term. They shared insights on the experiences of Malaysian students studying in Japan, including how they navigate academic life, adapt socially, and address challenges faced as minorities within Japanese society. Alongside them, the forum also featured Afifi Syahfizal Abdullah, General Secretary of Majlis Perundingan Pek Perundingan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK), and Momiji Yoshikawa, President of the All Colleges Students’ Representative Council at the University of Tsukuba.

During the forum, ‘Ariqah Sarah highlighted how Malaysian students in Japan adapt to university life and local communities by actively participating in Japanese university club activities such as circle (サークル) and bukatsu (部活動) or local volunterism activities which provide meaningful exposure to the Japanese language, culture, and social norms. She also shared the role of the MSAJ in positioning Malaysian students abroad by organising gatherings that help students feel at home, while bridging the Malaysian student community with local Japanese society through impactful and inclusive initiatives. These experiences reflect the concept of “glocal” which emphasises thinking globally while acting locally to nurture students who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible. 

Ainul Radhiah emphasised the importance of embracing and taking pride in one’s identity, particularly as Malaysian and Muslim minorities in Japan, while continuing to practise cultural and religious values with confidence. She further underscored the importance of teamwork within student organisations, noting that effective delegation and strong collaboration enable students to balance academic responsibilities with organisational commitments in a more effective and sustainable manner.

Overall, the student forum was a valuable initiative that provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and active engagement through interactive discussions and open question-and-answer sessions with the audience. It is hoped that the knowledge and experiences shared during GSLS 2026 will be impactful for all participants and that this programme will continue to be organised annually to further empower student leadership and international collaboration.

TOKYO, 21 December – This year, Malaysian Night, titled Semarak Senja, draws inspiration from the elegant and romantic golden age of Malay cinema, particularly the iconic era of P. Ramlee and Saloma.

The Malaysian Students' Association Japan (MSAJ) successfully hosted Malaysian Night 2025 at Glade Park, Omotesando, Tokyo. The event was attended by 68 participants from Kanto, Kansai, Hokuriku, and even Sanchiku, the southern part of Japan. Our honoured guests, Mr Imran Bin Yusoff and Mdm Yang Munirah Binti Abdul Ghani from Pejabat Pendidikan dan Latihan Tokyo, Puan Amy Poh Ai Ling, President of the Malaysian Japan Academic Association (MJAA), and En Yusri Saidin, President of IMAN Jepun, did not miss the fun in attending this association's flagship event.

Although Malaysian Night is typically a dinner gathering, this year we broke from tradition by holding it as an evening gathering. Hence the name, 'Senja', celebrating the serene and poetic shift from day to night by merging the charm of the past with contemporary creativity. This gathering was a thoughtful tribute to Malaysia's rich cultural legacy, beautifully reimagined and presented here in Japan. The atmosphere took everyone on a journey through time, mirroring the evolution of music from the nostalgic rhythms of the 1960s to the vibrant tunes of the 1990s.

President of MSAJ, Anas Saidi, started the evening with a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to all attendees and hoping this community would continue to support MSAJ's efforts in the future. Mr Imran, our respectable counsellor for Malaysian students in Japan, reminded all of us to always share and preserve our special bonds amongst Malaysian communities. Following this, a cake-cutting ceremony by MSAJ representatives and the honoured guests commenced the feast of traditional Malaysian dishes served by the best of the best, Tokyo Halal Bento (THB).

Nostalgic as it was, the evening was filled with lucky draws and trivia quizzes regarding Malaysian facts and classic Malaysian pop songs, especially P. Ramlee's iconic tunes. The 'Wanita Senja dan Jejaka Senja' winners were our majestic pair, Emi Jasmin Binti Mohd Nazri Iguchi and Mohamed Haikal Takashi Bin Mohd Nazri Iguchi. The remarkable gifts and prizes were sponsored by Senrii Scarf, a hijab clothing business based in Osaka.

This year's successful Malaysian Night was organised by MSAJ's Bureau of Social and Culture (BSC), led by Syazlinda Saila, with teamwork from 22 other committee members. As one attendee recalled, "The food was top-notch and brought nostalgic vibes as one could meet old friends once more and have another great time." 

The event successfully highlighted the strong sense of cultural pride and community spirit amongst Malaysians residing in Japan as reflected in the attire, performances, and ambience, moving from graceful styles like baju kebaya and cheongsam to retro batik shirts and contemporary klasik looks.

Japan, 1 November — The Malaysian Students’ Association in Japan (MSAJ) participated in the engaging MSGA Youth Dialogue 2025, an international forum organized by the Malaysian Students Global Alliance (MSGA).

With the theme “From Malaysia to the World: Youth Rooted and Rising,” the MSGA Youth Dialogue serves as an interactive global platform connecting Malaysian students and young professionals across borders. The dialogue encourages participants to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and reflect on identity and leadership in today’s globalized world.

This year’s session brought together Malaysian student organizations from countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Türkiye, and more.

Representing MSAJ were Secretary General ‘Ariqah Sarah and Vice Treasurer Izzat Haiqal. Izzat Haiqal, who was also one of the panel speakers, shared his experiences and perspectives on being a Malaysian youth abroad — exploring themes of identity, belonging, and national pride in a global context. He highlighted how Malaysians overseas can stay connected to their roots while adapting to diverse cultures, and how their Malaysian identity continues to shape their values, purpose, and contributions to society.

Meanwhile, ‘Ariqah Sarah represented MSAJ in the Opportunity Shout-Out session, where she introduced MSAJ’s ongoing initiatives and future plans, and invited other organizations to collaborate with MSAJ in creating a positive impact on youth and society.

The session proved to be impactful and inspiring, reinforcing the spirit of unity among Malaysians living abroad. It encouraged participants to make the most of their time overseas to learn, grow, and enhance their capacities, in preparation to return as impactful youth ready to contribute to the nation.

MSAJ looks forward to future collaborations and hopes that this spirit of engagement and unity will continue to thrive among Malaysians around the world

TOKYO, 31 Ogos — Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Jepun (MSAJ) telah menyertai Larian Merdeka Tokyo bagi bersama-sama meraikan Sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia yang ke -68. MSAJ juga berbesar hati menjadi rakan kolaborasi acara kemerdekaan yang buat julung-julung kalinya yang diadakan di Tokyo ini. 

Seramai lima orang wakil MSAJ telah menyertai acara ini sebagai peserta larian 6.8km, manakala seorang ahli MSAJ lagi, Saudara Zahirul (Pelajar Tahun 3 Utsunomiya Universiti) telah bertugas menjadi ahli jawatankuasa bagi menyumbang keringat menjayakan acara sukan pertama kemerdekaan di bumi matahari terbit ini.

Saudara Anas, Presiden MSAJ juga telah turut hadir bagi memberi sokongan penuh kepada acara Larian Merdeka Tokyo, selain menyampaikan hadiah cabutan bertuah daripada pihak MSAJ.

Secara keseluruhannya, acara ini menjadi wadah penyatuan rakyat Malaysia untuk berkumpul dan meraikan sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan dengan penuh rasa bangga. Semangat patriotisme yang berkobar-kobar jelas terpancar dalam kalangan warga Malaysia di Jepun meskipun sambutan ini diraikan jauh daripada tanah air tercinta. Selain itu, ruang jaringan dan ukhuwah yang terjalin juga mencerminkan semangat kekitaan yang tinggi, sekali gus merapatkan hubungan sesama komuniti minoriti rakyat Malaysia di Jepun.

Harapannya, semoga acara ini dapat diteruskan pada tahun-tahun mendatang dengan penglibatan yang lebih besar, agar semangat cinta akan negara sentiasa subur dalam jiwa rakyat Malaysia di perantauan.