16 May 2026 | Online

MSAJ successfully conducted the first series of the MSAJ Career Fair Workshop 2026, themed "Job Hunting in Japan and Malaysia." The session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and insights into the current job market trends in both Japan and Malaysia, helping them prepare early for their future career journeys.

Three professional speakers delivered insightful sharing sessions covering key aspects of the job-hunting process, including an overview of the job market, high-demand industries and occupations, the strengths of Malaysian candidates from the perspective of Japanese recruiters, and the job-hunting timelines in both Japan and Malaysia. The speakers featured were Mrs. Amemiya Hitomi from Originator, Mrs. Sou Rinrin from Taiyo Job, and Mrs. Aisyah from Zimmer Biomet.

In addition, participants gained valuable knowledge on the technical aspects of job applications, including Entry Sheet preparation, professional manners in the Japanese workplace, effective self-promotion strategies, Japanese business-level expectations, and the differences in work culture between Malaysia and Japan.

MSAJ also conducted a special sharing session on resume writing to ensure participants are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary skills to submit their resumes before the 31 May deadline.

We hope this workshop has provided meaningful guidance and practical knowledge for all participants as they prepare to pursue career opportunities in Japan and Malaysia.

JAPAN, 10 March 2026 – In conjunction with Ramadan and the commemoration of Nuzul Quran, the Malaysian Students’ Association in Japan (MSAJ) facilitated a spiritual initiative titled "MSAJ’s Quran Hour Special Session." Held via Google Meet, the program aimed to strengthen students' connection to the Quran and provide spiritual encouragement for those living abroad.

The session was graced by guest speaker Hafizul Faiz, who shared profound insights into the significance of Nuzul Quran and its inherent relationship with the month of Ramadan. During the presentation, he led a tadabbur (reflective study) of Surah Al-Fatihah, exploring the historical context of its revelation as the first complete Surah. 

He described Surah Al-Fatihah as Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) divine manifesto, used to introduce the essence of Islam to the Quraysh in Makkah. Furthermore, he highlighted the linguistic miracle of the Quran, explaining that beyond the meaning of the verses, every individual Arabic letter is imbued with its own significance.

The engagement continued into a vibrant Q&A segment. One participant actively asked how individuals without a specialized background in Islamic studies could correctly perform tadabbur. In response, Hafizul Faiz provided practical and accessible guidance, offering perspectives that many found profoundly enlightening.

This sharing successfully broadened participants' perspectives, igniting a newfound enthusiasm for exploring the historical context and sirah behind each Surah, ultimately inspiring students to engage with the Quran on a deeper level.

Overall, the session concluded with a sense of renewed spiritual motivation, leaving participants better equipped to engage with the Quran throughout the remainder of Ramadan. It is hoped that this initiative will be continued in the future, further nurturing students' connection with the Quran and ensuring their Ramadan experience remains deeply meaningful.

TOKYO, 7 March 2026 – It is not every day that student associations from all over Japan have the opportunity to gather under one roof. The Malaysian Students' Association in Japan (MSAJ) was proudly represented by its High Committee members: President 'Ariqah Sarah, Vice President Muhammad Izzat Haiqal, and External Affairs Coordinator Tinish Subramaniam, at the 8th Annual General Meeting of Domestic International Student Associations (第8回国内留学生会年次総会).

Held as a dynamic hybrid event to accommodate both in-person and online participants, the gathering was thoughtfully organized by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). We extend our deepest gratitude to JASSO for creating this invaluable platform that united groups who rarely have the chance to meet. Alongside MSAJ, the event featured a remarkable array of student associations representing the Philippines (AFSJ), Sri Lanka (SLSAJ), Taiwan (TTSA), Singapore (SSAJ), Pakistan (PSAJ), Cameroon (CYCJAPAN), Ghana, Mexico (Nichibokubashi), Kyrgyzstan (AKSJ), and Turkey (JTOD).

The event kicked off with a highly engaging first session focused on organizational exchange. MSAJ had the privilege of introducing its core mission and values to the other student associations. More importantly, it provided a fantastic space to exchange ideas and opinions on how to effectively run our respective organizations. By discussing past initiatives and operational strategies alongside these diverse groups, attendees gained fresh perspectives on leadership and community building.

The second session took a more personal turn as the floor opened up to discuss the "culture shocks" experienced after coming to Japan. This sparked a fascinating conversation filled with relatable stories and diverse viewpoints from across the globe. Many interesting observations were brought to light, and the shared ideas and opinions gave everyone a deeper understanding of how to better support their members as they navigate their unique journeys in Japan.

After the formal sessions concluded, the attendees participated in a brief but highly productive networking session with the executive members of the other associations. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the connections made were truly invaluable. MSAJ leaves this event with fresh ideas and a renewed drive, incredibly hopeful that the relationships built here will bridge the gap between communities and usher in a new era of exciting collaborations.

UNIVERSITI MALAYA, 7 Mac 2026 – Sempena Nuzul Quran pada 17 Ramadan yang lalu, pihak MSAJ berbesar hati memenuhi jemputan Alumni Look East Policy (ALEPS) untuk Majlis Berbuka Puasa Bersama Pelajar RPKJ.

Majlis ini dihadiri oleh wakil MSAJ iaitu Presiden ‘Ariqah Sarah, Timbalan Setiausaha Fauzul, serta ahli aktif Humairah. Turut hadir memeriahkan acara, Presiden Alumni Look East Policy (ALEPS), En. Isrami, bersama Prof. Zul, pensyarah Universiti Malaya yang juga merupakan ahli ALEPS. Kehadiran barisan kepimpinan ALEPS serta para pelajar turut menjadikan pertemuan ini satu peluang istimewa untuk menghimpunkan tiga generasi pelajar Malaysia yang mempunyai hubungan dengan Dasar Pandang Ke Timur.

Program dimulakan dengan ucapan pembukaan oleh En. Isrami yang mengalu-alukan kehadiran para peserta dan diteruskan dengan sesi perkongsian pengalaman daripada wakil MSAJ.

Presiden MSAJ, ‘Ariqah Sarah, memulakan sesi dengan memperkenalkan MSAJ secara keseluruhan serta menekankan kepentingan mengurus masa, tenaga dan harta dengan baik sepanjang tempoh pengajian di Jepun. Menurut beliau, empat tahun pengajian di luar negara merupakan fasa yang sangat signifikan dalam kehidupan pelajar kerana tempoh ini memainkan peranan penting dalam membentuk hala tuju masa hadapan. Sehubungan itu, beliau menyarankan agar pelajar memanfaatkan masa sebelum berlepas ke Jepun dengan menambah pengetahuan tentang negara dan agama, memandangkan pelajar Malaysia di luar negara sering menjadi duta kecil yang memperkenalkan Malaysia kepada masyarakat antarabangsa.

Seterusnya, Timbalan Setiausaha, Fauzul, berkongsi pengalaman akademiknya di Universiti Nagasaki serta cabaran tinggal di Kawasan yang jauh daripada komuniti Malaysia yang besar, namun penglibatan dalam MSAJ membolehkannya untuk terus berhubung dengan rakan-rakan Malaysia di seluruh Jepun. Humairah pula berkongsi pengalaman awal ketibaan pelajar di Jepun yang disambut oleh pegawai JPA dan senpai MSAJ di lapangan terbang serta menekankan kepentingan ketabahan menghadapi cabaran bahasa dengan mendapatkan bantuan daripada pensyarah dan senior.

Kemuncak acara adalah sesi perkongsian oleh Prof. Zul yang bertajuk “Kuasa Doa.” Dalam perkongsian tersebut, beliau menceritakan perjalanan akademiknya sehingga berjaya melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat PhD dengan tajaan penuh. Beliau menekankan bahawa antara faktor yang memudahkan perjalanannya adalah keazaman untuk sentiasa memanjatkan doa kepada Allah, khususnya sepanjang bulan Ramadan, agar diberikan kemudahan dalam menuntut ilmu setinggi-tingginya.

Secara keseluruhannya, acara ini mendapat sambutan yang baik daripada para hadirin kerana berjaya menghimpunkan tiga generasi pelajar Malaysia yang terlibat dalam melanjutkan pelajaran ke Jepun. Program ini bukan sahaja menjadi ruang untuk berkongsi pengalaman dan nasihat, malah turut mengeratkan lagi hubungan antara senpai dan kouhai dalam komuniti pelajar Malaysia di Jepun. Para peserta juga berpeluang menikmati juadah berbuka puasa dan hidangan moreh yang disediakan oleh ALEPS.

Diharapkan agar program seperti ini dapat diteruskan pada masa hadapan bagi memberi lebih banyak peluang kepada pelajar dan alumni untuk saling mengenali, bertukar pengalaman serta terus memperkukuhkan ukhuwah dalam kalangan komuniti Malaysia di Jepun.