TOKYO, 27 February 2026 – The true spirit of Malaysian harmony was vividly brought to life in Tokyo as the Embassy of Malaysia hosted a unique and joyful joint celebration for Chinese New Year and Iftar. The gathering brought together diplomatic partners, embassy staff, and the Malaysian diaspora in a beautiful display of cultural unity and shared heritage.

The evening was graced by an esteemed lineup of guests, led by H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, alongside Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Zainal Azlan Mohd Nadzir. Adding to the significance of the event was the presence of the Japan Graduates' Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) Japan Branch Chairman, Datuk Tan Hui Guan, underscoring the strong bilateral and community ties present in the room.

The festivities kicked off with an incredible surge of energy, featuring a lively and captivating lion dance performance. This was followed by the highly anticipated traditional yee sang tossing. Guests gathered shoulder-to-shoulder, raising their chopsticks high to mix the colourful ingredients—a spirited gesture symbolising shared hopes for prosperity, unity, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Beyond the cultural celebrations, the gathering served as a vital bridge between generations. The Malaysian Students' Association in Japan (MSAJ) was proudly represented by four of its High Committee members: Vice President Muhammad Izzat Haiqal, Secretary Ainul Radhiah, Treasurer Ahmad Irfan Azfar, and External Affairs Coordinator Tinish Subramaniam. Alongside other students, they were given the rare and inspiring opportunity to connect with the association’s founding members and distinguished alumni. This dynamic exchange allowed current student leaders to glean a wealth of useful advice, career insights, and personal encouragement, reinforcing the enduring support network that sustains Malaysians studying abroad.

As the sun set, the vibrant lunar new year celebrations transitioned smoothly into a peaceful Iftar. Breaking fast together over a shared meal offered a profound sense of comfort and community, particularly for those studying and working far from home. It was a rare and special occasion to experience the blessings of Ramadan and the joy of Gong Xi Fa Cai under one roof.

The Embassy's initiative to merge these two significant cultural pillars perfectly encapsulated what it means to be Malaysian. It was an evening of building bridges, strengthening partnerships, and sharing a slice of home right in the heart of Japan.

NAGOYA, 12 Januari — Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Jepun (MSAJ) telah mengadakan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan (AGM) dan Majlis Makan Malam Akhir Tahun Sesi 2025/2026. Tujuan program ini dilaksanakan adalah untuk membentangkan aktiviti MSAJ bagi tahun 2025/2026 dan meraikan semua ahli aktif MSAJ. Program telah diketuai oleh ‘Awatif Marha binti Annuar Deen, Nur ‘Alyaa binti Abu Samah, Ainul Radhiah binti Yusof, dan dibantu oleh Ahmad Irfan Azfar bin Abdul Razak, Tinish Subramaniam, dan Nur Atikah binti Azali.

Majlis dimulakan dengan kata alu-aluan daripada pengacara majlis dan diikuti dengan bacaan doa. AGM telah dimulai dengan sesi pembentangan dari Majlis Eksekutif Tertinggi MSAJ 2025/2026 iaitu Muhammad Anas Bin Saidi, presiden MSAJ, diikuti dengan pembentangan dari timbalan presiden, setiausaha dan bendahari. Seterusnya, majlis diteruskan dengan sesi pembentangan ketua wilayah dari Kanto, Kansai, Sanchiku dan Hokuriku. Sesi pembentangan terakhir adalah daripada biro-biro MSAJ.

Majlis diteruskan dengan sesi makan malam. Pelbagai juadah yang disajikan antaranya nasi hujan panas, mee goreng, kek batik, dan lain-lain lagi. Acara makan malam juga dimeriahkan dengan aktiviti seperti tayangan video, bingo dan MSAJ trivia.

Antara acara kemuncak adalah sesi peletakan jawatan Majlis Eksekutif Tertinggi MSAJ 2025/2026 dan pengumuman Majlis Eksekutif Tertinggi MSAJ 2026/2027. Acara ini telah dilaksanakan oleh presiden MSAJ 2025/2026. Acara yang turut dinantikan oleh setiap ahli aktif MSAJ adalah mendengar ucapan daripada  Encik Imran bin Yussof dan Puan Yang Munirah binti Abdul Ghani, pegawai Pejabat Penasihat Pendidikan dan Latihan (PPL) Tokyo selaku penasihat MSAJ. Terdapat juga pelbagai pantun yang dikongsikan disepanjang program. Tirai majlis ditutup dengan sesi pemberian sijil dan cenderamata kepada semua ahli aktif MSAJ yang telah menyumbangkan jasa dan tenaga di sepanjang sesi 2025/2026. 

Jasa kalian amatlah dihargai.

Selamat maju jaya diucapkan dan semoga ukhuwah yang terjalin ini berkekalan.

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.