Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS) 2026 : “Real Voices; Real Action.”
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.