Launching a New Era of Malaysian Education in Japan
On May 2, 2026, the landmark partnership agreement was signed between Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), a government agency under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia, and Global Hub Japan Co., Ltd. This partnership aims to increase awareness of Malaysian higher education among Japanese students and create new opportunities for overseas studies.
Ceremony Overview
The partnership was announced during the 'Malaysia Study Promotion Project Launch Ceremony' held at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo. This event gathered around 130 participants, including officials from the Malaysian Embassy in Japan, All Nippon Airways (ANA), various study abroad support organizations, and representatives from 30 high schools nationwide.
Objectives of the Partnership
The cooperation between EMGS and Global Hub Japan intends to facilitate the application process for Japanese students wishing to pursue their studies in Malaysia. EMGS has been a vital player in assisting international students with study visa applications and has become the primary institution for managing these processes in Malaysia. As a result, Malaysia has emerged as a prominent educational hub in Asia, welcoming over 160,000 international students from more than 170 countries.
Event Highlights
During the first segment of the ceremony, a seminar was conducted to provide the latest information regarding studying in Malaysia, featuring a presentation by EMGS CEO, Novie T. Jasidin. This was complemented by an introduction of the new 'Malaysia University Pathway' (MUP) by Takashi Saito, the representative of Global Hub Japan. The MUP allows students to apply to 40 major universities in Malaysia while also being able to apply to Japanese universities simultaneously.
In the second part of the event, the partnership agreement (MOU) was signed. The collaboration between EMGS and ANA was also announced, illustrating a commitment to strengthen support for Japanese students aspiring to study in Malaysia.
Participation and Networking
The event witnessed impressive participation from a diverse group of stakeholders. Academic representatives from 13 universities in Malaysia attended to engage with Japanese high school representatives. Active discussion and exchange of information took place, highlighting the keen interest in Malaysia as a study destination.
Background and Growth in Demand
According to EMGS statistics, the number of study visa applications from Japanese students has seen a notable rise, with projections suggesting over 1,900 applications by 2025. Factors contributing to this growing interest include Malaysia's high educational standards, safe environment, affordable cost of living, and rich cultural diversity.
About the Malaysia University Pathway (MUP)
The newly introduced MUP is a recommendation system targeting high school students in Japan, aimed at promoting admission to Malaysia's top universities. This initiative simplifies the application process and allows for scholarships, thereby alleviating the financial burden on students. With an emphasis on personalized study paths based on students' interests and future careers, MUP makes world-class education accessible in diverse fields like science, arts, and IT.
Looking Forward
In alignment with this partnership, the 'Malaysia Study Fair 2026 Spring' is set to take place in three cities: Nagoya (April 29), Tokyo (May 3), and Sendai (May 4), attracting over 370 participants including students and parents. Global Hub Japan and EMGS plan to host biannual study fairs to continue raising awareness about Malaysian education and nurturing global talent.
Leadership Remarks
Takashi Saito, CEO of Global Hub Japan, emphasized that this partnership with EMGS marks a significant step in providing Japanese students with reliable pathways to Malaysian universities. With accurate and timely educational information now easily accessible, students have the opportunity to choose from a range of study options that align with their aspirations. The collaboration is expected to open doors for Japanese youth, enabling them to pursue their education and careers on an international stage.
About Global Hub Japan
Founded on November 16, 2010, Global Hub Japan operates the Malaysia Study Support Center. Their mission is to facilitate student applications and provide on-ground support for studying in Malaysia, making it a trusted entity for Japanese students aiming for overseas education.
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