Kuala lumpur: Malaysia today marked a significant milestone in its quest to become a global education hub with the launch of the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC) at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, stated that the establishment of ISAC reflects the country's commitment to ensuring international students feel welcomed, valued, and secure upon their arrival in Malaysia. He highlighted that ISAC showcases Malaysia's excellence through a blend of efficient services, clear guidance, cultural sensitivity, and human warmth under one roof.
Dr. Zambry further emphasized that Malaysia currently hosts over 150,000 international students from more than 160 countries, establishing itself as a regional leader in international education. He stressed that students choose Malaysia out of confidence, and this trust must be honored and protected, with the arrival center being a testament to this commitment.
Meanwhile, Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, Chairman of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), remarked that ISAC is the first center of its kind globally, specifically developed to warmly welcome international students upon their arrival at the airport. He noted that ISAC plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and positive arrival experience, especially during peak student intake seasons.
Ahmad Shalimin also reported that over 80 percent of new international students have utilized ISAC services since its inception, with more than 10,000 students recorded during the peak intake month of September last year. He stated that ISAC reflects the spirit of Malaysian hospitality, ensuring students feel welcomed, supported, and at home from the moment they set foot in Malaysia.
ISAC was established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, EMGS, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, and higher education institutions. ISAC services are also available at KLIA Terminal 2, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the international student experience and solidify Malaysia's position as a global education destination.
Among those who praised the 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, stated that the guidance provided by EMGS officers helped ensure a smooth arrival process, adding that ISAC welcomes students not only for education but also showcases the nation's hospitality before they pass through immigration.