Japan–Malaysia Higher Education Mobility boosted with MoU

16 June 2025

PUTRAJAYA: Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline group, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting educational mobility and tourism between Malaysia and Japan.

The primary focus is on supporting international students studying in Malaysia.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside, marks a significant step towards increasing student mobility opportunities and simplifying travel arrangements for international students.

The partnership aims to support EMGS’s mission to position Malaysia as a premier global education hub, whilst providing seamless travel experiences for international students via ANA.

In his speech, EMGS CEO Novie Tajuddin highlighted the rising interest among Japanese students in pursuing higher education in Malaysia. “We are witnessing a steady increase in applications from Japan, with participation in mobility programmes rising by 24%, the highest to date,” he said.

“This collaboration opens new avenues for edutourism and international engagement, making it easier for students to explore academic and cultural opportunities in both countries. It benefits not only Japanese students but all international students in Malaysia.”

ANA General Manager Akira Tamura echoed these sentiments, emphasising ANA’s commitment to connecting the next generation.

“This MoU is about more than air travel; it’s about bridging people, knowledge, and cultures. We are honoured to support the Ministry of Higher Education’s vision through this meaningful partnership with EMGS,” he said.

This collaboration follows several successful initiatives, including the inaugural Higher Education Mobility Carnival held during the Malaysia Fair in Tokyo in 2024, and recent programmes such as the Graduate Pass, a post-study visa allowing international students to remain in Malaysia for up to a year. Notably, the first recipient of the Graduate Pass was a Japanese alumna of Monash University Malaysia.

ANA, Japan’s largest airline, provides extensive connectivity and a commitment to high-quality service. The airline offers convenient routes to over 50 domestic destinations across Japan and features premium onboard services, including Halal meal options and student-friendly benefits.

There are also twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This partnership is expected to enrich the travel and educational experience for students.

Both EMGS and ANA expressed optimism that this MoU will pave the way for further collaborative efforts, fostering educational tourism and strengthening the enduring ties between Malaysia and Japan.