SHIZUOKA, 13 August – The Malaysian Students’ Association Japan (MSAJ) recently held its first and long-awaited Team Building 2025, an initiative by the People Development Bureau to nurture stronger relationships, open communication and a deeper connection sense of community among members.

Living in Japan, where cultural norms often emphasize individual growth and restraint in expression, the concept of honne and tatemae sometimes influences how people interact with each other. MSAJ recognized the need to create a safe and friendly space where members could connect sincerely to friends who respect, trust and care for one another.

The three-day program was packed with exciting and creative activities. It began with ice-breaking games, where members introduced themselves and shared their dreams, sparking curiosity, laughter, and encouragement. Next came the engaging treasure hunt and imposter challenge, which tested teamwork, strategy, and trust. Members then tackled a case study session, exchanging ideas, sharing each other story and sharpening problem-solving skills together. A lively drawing game added humor and creativity, strengthening bonds through shared fun.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the Malam Melayu Klasik, where participants showcased their talents in cultural performances. From the witty “Madu Tiga” sketch, the legendary tale of “Tanggang,” to rhythmic dikir barat and even a musical drama, the night was filled with creativity, laughter and nostalgia. The atmosphere was nothing short of vibrant, with everyone fully immersed and enjoying each moment together with a definitely good food that were made with love by all the participants.

Finally, the event wrapped up with a closing session, where members reflected on lessons learned and expressed gratitude to one another. The program ended not with goodbyes, but with stronger friendships, louder laughter, and a renewed sense of unity.

MSAJ Team Building 2025 truly succeeded in strengthening trust, empathy, social skills and passion among members. This initiative would not have been possible without the dedication of the People Development Bureau, whose efforts brought everyone together in such a meaningful way.

As Vala Afshar once said: “We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust, and care for each other.” To us, this retreat was more than just a program. It was the beginning of a stronger bond and a shared journey for the MSAJ members.

March — In conjunction with Ramadan 2025, the People Development Bureau of the Malaysian Students’ Association in Japan (MSAJ) organized a spiritual program entitled Serenity Hour with Qur’an: Tadarus & Tadabbur. Held online, this open program without a fixed number of participants encouraged them to recite the Qur’an together while also taking time to understand its messages. This helped participants deepen their faith, improve their character, and apply its teachings in their daily lives.

Four sessions were conducted during this program, each bringing different topics including Ramadan & Qur’an, The Night of Divine Oneness: Laylatul Qadr and Tawheed, The One and Only: Understanding Tawheed Through the Qur’an, and Quraisy and Modern Capitalist. All sessions were led by active members of the bureau, making participants feel closer and more connected to one another.

During the sessions, one of the participants asked if this program would be held throughout the year, showing their interest and appreciation for the program. This also highlighted that MSAJ is not only committed to academic and professional development, but also to support spiritual growth and strengthen faith. As Malaysian students studying in Japan, this program has been a valuable medium for us to learn about the Qur’an, something that we cannot easily get at universities in Japan.

In conclusion, this program successfully created a calm and reflective atmosphere. It helped participants improve their Qur’an recitation and understand its messages. We hoped that this initiative will continue in the future, helping students stay connected to the Qur’an and making their Ramadan more meaningful.

TOKYO, 17 August – The MSAJ Career Fair 2025 was successfully held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industry Trade Center, Taito, bringing together a vibrant community of Malaysian students in Japan and 22 participating companies from diverse industries. This year, Career Fair 2025 has received prestigious endorsement of TalentCorp through the MyHeart Young Global Leader (YGL) programme, and also supported by PPL Tokyo, Malaysian-Japan Academic Association (MJAA) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

This year’s fair focused on helping students explore job and internship opportunities, equipping them with valuable insights into the job market in both Japan and Malaysia. The event featured not only company exhibitions but also networking sessions where students engaged directly with industry representatives, as well as interview sessions that allowed some participants to take their first steps toward professional opportunities.

With the presence of 22 esteemed companies, the Career Fair opened doors for students to connect with potential employers, discover career pathways, and learn about the skills and mindset required to succeed in today’s competitive job landscape.

Beyond professional opportunities, the fair also served as a platform for students to expand their networks and gain confidence in navigating their future careers. Many participants expressed that they walked away with a clearer understanding of the job market, as well as inspiration and motivation to pursue their goals.

MSAJ extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the participating companies, students, and organizers who made this event possible. The Career Fair 2025 stands as a testament to the commitment of MSAJ in supporting Malaysian students in Japan as they prepare to contribute not only to their personal growth but also to the development of Malaysia.

TOKYO, 31 Mei - Barisan kepimpinan Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Jepun (MSAJ) telah berkunjung ke majlis beramah mesra bersama Mantan Perdana Menteri Malaysia Ke-4 dan Ke-7, Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad di Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. Pertemuan ini diwakili oleh Presiden MSAJ, Muhammad Anas Saidi, Pengerusi Wilayah Kanto, Nurul Alia, Timbalan Setiausaha, Ainul Radhiah dan Timbalan Bendahari, Izzat Haiqal. Selain wakil MSAJ, pertemuan ini turut dikunjungi oleh ADUN Machang, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, para pensyarah dari Sophia University, Tokyo dan pegawai kerajaan Malaysia.

        Tun Dr. Mahathir merupakan tokoh yang memperkenalkan Dasar Pandang ke Timur pada 8 Februari 1982. Hasil dasar ini, Malaysia menyaksikan peningkatan besar dalam pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) dari Jepun serta pertumbuhan pesat perdagangan dua hala antara Jepun dan Malaysia. Kali ini, beliau melawati Jepun bagi menghadiri dan menyampaikan ucapan dalam Forum Antarabangsa Nikkei edisi ke-30 yang merupakan acara tahunan yang sering beliau sertai, di samping beramah mesra dengan diaspora Malaysia di Jepun.

        Dalam pertemuan ini, Tun Dr. Mahathir menyatakan harapannya kepada para pelajar Malaysia di Jepun agar mereka membawa pulang budaya dan ilmu pengetahuan dari Jepun untuk diterapkan di Malaysia melalui program Dasar Pandang ke Timur (LEP). Tambah beliau, umat Islam bukan sahaja perlu memberi tumpuan kepada akhirat semata-mata, tetapi juga perlu sentiasa menuntut ilmu, khususnya dalam mencontohi masyarakat Jepun.

        Melalui sesi ini juga, wakil-wakil MSAJ berpeluang mengajukan beberapa soalan terhadap Tun Dr. Mahathir. Antara soalan-soalan yang dikemukakan adalah mengenai padangan beliau terhadap perubahan dalam LEP, khususnya apabila dasar tersebut turut ditumpukan kepada Korea Selatan dan China. Terdapat juga soalan-soalan lain yang ditujukan mengenai harapan beliau terhadap pelajar Malaysia yang sedang menuntut di Jepun. 

        Secara keseluruhannya, sesi pertemuan ini menekankan kepentingan mengekalkan hubungan erat antara Jepun dan Malaysia, terutamanya dalam memajukan bidang pendidikan dan ekonomi negara. Hubungan yang telah terjalin sejak lebih 40 tahun lalu ini perlu diteruskan dan diperkukuh seiring dengan aspirasi LEP.

        Saudari Ainul Radhiah berkongsi pendapatnya yang bersetuju dengan seruan Tun Dr. Mahathir - agar para pelajar Malaysia di Jepun lebih proaktif berinteraksi dengan komuniti setempat dan mencabar diri dalam memperoleh pelbagai pengalaman baharu. Pertemuan wakil MSAJ bersama Mantan Perdana Menteri ini telah menyaksikan perkongsian aspirasi kepimpinan yang melangkaui generasi di negara Asia Timur ini