SEPANG, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia today marked another achievement in its efforts to become a global education hub with the launch of the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the establishment of ISAC reflects the country's commitment to ensuring that international students feel welcomed, valued, and safe as soon as they arrive in Malaysia.
He said that ISAC showcases Malaysia’s excellence through a combination of efficient services, clear guidance, cultural sensitivity, and human warmth under one roof.
“Upon arriving in our country, we want students to sense something clear: they are welcomed, valued, and safe. Malaysia is indeed a very safe place,” he said when officiating the centre today.
Zambry said Malaysia now hosts more than 150,000 international students from over 160 countries, making the nation a regional leader in international education.
“Students do not choose Malaysia by chance, but out of confidence. The trust that is gained must be respected, and the trust that is given must be protected. This arrival centre is part of how we honour that trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie said ISAC is the first centre of its kind in the world, specifically developed to welcome international students as soon as they arrive at the airport.
“This is special because it is the first in the world, a centre to welcome international students with open arms at the airport,” he said.
He said ISAC plays an important role in ensuring a smooth and positive arrival experience, especially during peak student admission seasons.
Ahmad Shalimin also informed that over 80 percent of new international students have used ISAC services since its establishment, including more than 10,000 students recorded during the peak intake month of last September.
“More than just processes and facilities, ISAC reflects the spirit of Malaysian hospitality. It ensures that students feel welcomed, supported, and at home from the moment they set foot in Malaysia,” he said.
ISAC was established through the collaboration of the Ministry of Higher Education, EMGS, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, and higher education institutions.
ISAC services are also provided at KLIA Terminal 2, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the international student experience and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred global education destination.
Among those who welcomed this initiative is Cassandra Marquez, a student from Mozambique, who described ISAC as a global benchmark in student hospitality.
Marquez, who has studied in Malaysia for three years, said the guidance provided by EMGS officers helped ensure a smooth arrival process.
“More importantly, it welcomes students not only for education, but also shows the country’s hospitality in receiving them even before they go through the immigration gates,” said the International Business student at Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
He said that ISAC showcases Malaysia’s excellence through a combination of efficient services, clear guidance, cultural sensitivity, and human warmth under one roof.
“Upon arriving in our country, we want students to sense something clear: they are welcomed, valued, and safe. Malaysia is indeed a very safe place,” he said when officiating the centre today.
Zambry said Malaysia now hosts more than 150,000 international students from over 160 countries, making the nation a regional leader in international education.
“Students do not choose Malaysia by chance, but out of confidence. The trust that is gained must be respected, and the trust that is given must be protected. This arrival centre is part of how we honour that trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie said ISAC is the first centre of its kind in the world, specifically developed to welcome international students as soon as they arrive at the airport.
“This is special because it is the first in the world, a centre to welcome international students with open arms at the airport,” he said.
He said ISAC plays an important role in ensuring a smooth and positive arrival experience, especially during peak student admission seasons.
Ahmad Shalimin also informed that over 80 percent of new international students have used ISAC services since its establishment, including more than 10,000 students recorded during the peak intake month of last September.
“More than just processes and facilities, ISAC reflects the spirit of Malaysian hospitality. It ensures that students feel welcomed, supported, and at home from the moment they set foot in Malaysia,” he said.
ISAC was established through the collaboration of the Ministry of Higher Education, EMGS, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, and higher education institutions.
ISAC services are also provided at KLIA Terminal 2, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the international student experience and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred global education destination.
Among those who welcomed this initiative is Cassandra Marquez, a student from Mozambique, who described ISAC as a global benchmark in student hospitality.
Marquez, who has studied in Malaysia for three years, said the guidance provided by EMGS officers helped ensure a smooth arrival process.
“More importantly, it welcomes students not only for education, but also shows the country’s hospitality in receiving them even before they go through the immigration gates,” said the International Business student at Universiti Kuala Lumpur.