PETALING JAYA, Feb 15 (Sin Chew Daily) — In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Look East Policy, the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), together with the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, are collaborating to launch a series of events to get more Malaysians to study in Japan.

JAGAM president Gary Tang Kok Lian said in an interview with Sin Chew Daily that online and physical seminars would be organized in March. Scholarship seminars would also be included. The Study in Japan exhibition would be held in September.

“JAGAM will also be visiting independent Chinese high schools and conduct educational seminars at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in its Kampar and Sungai Long campuses. We will also be working with Sunway, Taylors and Help University,” he said.

Most Malaysians are pursuing technology and studies related to technical skills in Japan. In the last three years, Malaysians’ choices of studies have expanded to comics, design, game development, photography, culinary and animation.

The government of Japan recognizes the Unified Examination Certificate and Tang urged independent Chinese high school graduates to apply for scholarships offered by the government of Japan.

Tang said JAGAM would continue to follow up with the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) on student visas for private students.

They have been unable to secure student visas to study in Japan since 2020.

“The issue of private students unable to secure student permits to study in Japan is not only confined to Malaysia but is a common problem in Southeast Asia. The is our priority issue to settle this year,” he said.

Chin Weng San, vice president of JAGAM said the Japanese Government allocated RM50 million of scholarships to 100 Malaysian students from 2019 to 2021.

“JAGAM is one of the panels deciding on the scholarships. It will promote the scholarship together with the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia,” he said.

A total of RM1.84 million of scholarships were offered through JAGAM since 2019, said Chin.

Olivia Lam Chee Teng, vice president of the central branch of JAGAM, said the association is pursuing follow up with universities for more scholarships.

For details, please visit http://jagam.org.my/ or contact 03-7955-4312 or email [email protected].