Kuala lumpur: Malaysia today marked another milestone in its journey as a global education hub with the launch of the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the establishment of ISAC reflects the country's commitment to ensuring international students feel welcomed, valued, and safe from the moment they arrive in Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry noted that Malaysia currently hosts more than 150,000 international students from over 160 countries, making it a regional leader in international education. He emphasized that students choose Malaysia with confidence and trust, which the country aims to honor and protect through initiatives like the ISAC. 'This arrival centre is part of how we honour that trust,' the minister said, adding that the growing presence of international students reflects global trust in the country's education system.
Meanwhile, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Chairman Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie stated that ISAC is the first centre of its kind in the world, established to welcome international students directly upon arrival at an international airport. He highlighted that ISAC plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and positive arrival experience, particularly during peak intake periods. Ahmad Shalimin noted that more than 80 per cent of incoming international students have engaged with ISAC since its establishment, with over 10,000 students recorded during the peak intake month of September last year alone.
ISAC was established through collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, EMGS, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, and institutions of higher learning. Services are also available 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 the initiative was Cassandra Marquez, a student from Mozambique, who described ISAC as setting a global benchmark in student hospitality. Marquez, who has been studying in Malaysia for three years, said the guidance provided by EMGS officers helped ensure a smooth arrival process. 'Above all, it invites students who come not only for the education, but also it shows the hospitality of the country itself to cater for students to an extent of welcoming them before they go through the immigration doors,' said the International Business student at Universiti Kuala Lumpur.