EMGS AND ANA SIGNS STRATEGIC MOU TO BOOST JAPAN - MALAYSIA HIGHER EDUCATION MOBILITY

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, with a primary focus on international students studying in Malaysia.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside, marks a significant step in enhancing student mobility opportunities and simplifying travel for international students. The partnership aims to support EMGS's mission to position Malaysia as a premier education hub globally, while offering international students seamless travel experiences with ANA.

In his speech, EMGS CEO, Novie Tajuddin highlighted the growing interest among Japanese students to pursue higher education in Malaysia. "We are seeing a steady increase in applications from Japan, with mobility programme participation rising by 24%, which is the highest to date," he said. "This collaboration opens new doors for Edutourism and international engagement, making it easier for students to explore academic and cultural experiences in both countries, benefiting not only Japanese students, but all international students in Malaysia.

ANA General Manager, Mr. Akira Tamura echoed this sentiment, emphasising ANA's commitment to connecting the next generation. "This MoU is not just about 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.

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

ANA is the largest airline in Japan, providing extensive connectivity and a commitment to high-quality service. ANA is offering convenient routes to over 50 domestic destinations across Japan and premium onboard services, including Halal meal options, student-friendly benefits, and twice-daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In turn, this partnership is expected to deliver a more enriching travel and educational experience for students.

Both EMGS and ANA expressed hope that this MoU will pave the way for further collaborative efforts, driving educational tourism and reinforcing the long-standing ties between Malaysia and Japan.

EDUCATION MALAYSIA GLOBAL SERVICES (EMGS)

11TH JUNE 2025

From left: Akira Tamura (General Manager, ANA), Novie Tajuddin (EMGS CEO) and witnessed by Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shafie (EMGS Chairman) and Faradina Kamarudin (Manager, Sales, Reservation and Ticketing, ANA).

About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee ("CLBG") under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS is the wing responsible for promoting Malaysia as the talent and knowledge hub and the preferred education destination among international students around the world. It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing.

About All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Founded in 1952 with just two helicopters, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become the largest airline in Japan. Today, ANA HOLDINGS Inc. (ANA HD) is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired companies by Fortune.

ANAHD was established in 2013 as the largest airline group holding company in Japan, comprising 71 companies.

It offers three distinct airline brands: ANA, Peach, the leading LCC in Japan, and AirJapan, launched in 2024 for international routes covering Asia.

ANA's legacy of superior service has earned SKYTRAX's 5-Star rating every year since 2013, making it the only Japanese airline to win this prestigious designation for 12 consecutive years.

ANA is also a four-time recipient of the ATW Airline of the Year award, recognized for excellence in aviation.