EMGS: OVER A DECADE OF WELCOMING THE WORLD TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA
EMGS: OVER A DECADE OF WELCOMING THE WORLD TO STUDY IN MALAYSIA
For over 10 years, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) has remained a trusted name in supporting Malaysia’s international education ecosystem. Known for its student-first approach, EMGS has consistently provided affordable, reliable services for international student applications while spearheading initiatives that enrich the student experience and strengthen Malaysia’s global appeal.
Stable Fees, Steadfast Commitment
For more than a decade, international students have benefitted from the same stable and student-friendly processing fees, despite the global education costs continue to rise. This consistency reflects EMGS’s commitment to making Malaysia an accessible and welcoming study destination, without placing extra burden on students and families.
But affordability is only one part of the story. EMGS plays a much larger role in helping Malaysia remain competitive, inclusive, and attractive to the global education market.
The World’s First International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC)
One of EMGS’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC), the first dedicated student arrival centre in the world. Located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), ISAC is more than just a helpdesk. It is a warm, welcoming space created to ensure that international students feel safe, guided, and reassured from the moment they arrive in Malaysia. International students arriving at KLIA Terminal 1 can enjoy a smoother experience with dedicated immigration lanes.
EMGS representatives at ISAC are always ready to assist with immigration and transportation logistics and to support with the cultural orientation to students who may be stepping into a new country for the first time. The centre symbolises Malaysia’s hospitality and EMGS’s core belief that education begins from the moment a student sets foot in the country, not just on their first day of class.
The Four Pillars Driving EMGS’s Mission
As a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), EMGS operates with a clear mandate guided by four key roles:
1. Support – EMGS collaborates closely with MOHE, public and private universities, and relevant agencies to implement policies that enhance Malaysia’s international higher education landscape.
2. Process – EMGS manages the entire international student visa application process through a secure and transparent digital platform. This ensures an efficient, smooth experience for both students and institutions.
3. Promote – EMGS drives global awareness of Malaysia’s higher education strengths through international campaigns, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships under the “Study in Malaysia” brand.
4. Engage – EMGS maintains regular engagement sessions with our stakeholders and with international students through digital content, testimonial videos, events, and feedback channels to ensure students feel involved, respected, and empowered.
Since it began in 2013, EMGS has played a central role in supporting the Ministry of Higher Education by helping international students apply for visas and promoting Malaysia as a top choice for education. One of EMGS’s key initiatives is the Student Application and Registration System (STARS), an online platform designed to make the application process easier for international students. Over the years, STARS has grown to support students from private institutions, public universities, and institutions in Sarawak. Thanks to this system, the application journey has become smoother and more efficient, contributing to the steady increase of international students in Malaysia. Today, more than 135,000 students from over 180 countries have chosen Malaysia as their academic home.
To help more students discover what Malaysia has to offer, EMGS actively promotes education opportunities through university partnerships, international fairs, and digital campaigns. Our digital outreach is data driven and automated, which means we can share the right message with the right students at the right time. By using smart tools and insights, we’re able to connect with students in a more meaningful way and make it easier for them to explore their options.
International students can explore these opportunities through tools like the EMGS Hub app, which helps them manage their visa applications and academic journey in one place. Another exciting initiative is ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS), a platform that connects ASEAN students with over 300 scholarship providers across the region, offering more than USD 4 million in funding, with features like matching quizzes and instant application options.
Staying Connected with Students, Supporting the Bigger Picture
While EMGS plays an important role in supporting the Ministry of Higher Education and working closely with universities across Malaysia, it also makes it a priority to stay connected with the international students who are already here. EMGS believes that students are at the heart of everything. That’s why it continues to find new and meaningful ways to engage with them, not just during the application process, but throughout their journey in Malaysia. From friendly events and inspiring testimonial videos to interactive sessions and student gatherings, EMGS creates spaces where students feel seen, heard, and truly part of the community.
Recently, in conjunction with #Eduroundtables2025, EMGS organised the ASEAN Student Gathering, which brought together students from all ASEAN countries in Langkawi. This event was not only a cultural exchange but also a chance for students to give back. The participants took part in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme alongside local Malaysian school students, fostering mutual understanding and community values. The gathering created friendships, encouraged shared learning, and strengthened regional unity among young ASEAN leaders.
Empowering the Global Student Journey
Today, more than 137,000 international students currently choose Malaysia for their higher education. Behind this number are dreams, transitions, and milestones and the dedicated work of EMGS in making their journey smoother. EMGS plays a vital role not only in visa processing, but also in shaping a positive, holistic student experience.
EMGS is committed to be a trusted guide, and a committed partner to students, institutions, and the nation’s education goals. Its initiatives ensure that Malaysia remains forward-facing while grounded in values of care, inclusivity, and innovation.
Looking to the Future
Malaysia’s vision to become a global education hub is gaining momentum, and EMGS will continue to be a key driving force supporting the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. With over a decade of meaningful service, EMGS is focused on the future, one that involves deeper student engagement, stronger global partnerships, and continuous innovation.
International education is more than just studying in a different country. It is about building a sense of community, finding opportunities, and feeling a true sense of belonging. From every visa approved to every student welcomed at KLIA, and every story shared along the way, EMGS remains committed to making the journey meaningful.
EMGS, At Your Service.
For over 10 years, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) has remained a trusted name in supporting Malaysia’s international education ecosystem. Known for its student-first approach, EMGS has consistently provided affordable, reliable services for international student applications while spearheading initiatives that enrich the student experience and strengthen Malaysia’s global appeal.
Stable Fees, Steadfast Commitment
For more than a decade, international students have benefitted from the same stable and student-friendly processing fees, despite the global education costs continue to rise. This consistency reflects EMGS’s commitment to making Malaysia an accessible and welcoming study destination, without placing extra burden on students and families.
But affordability is only one part of the story. EMGS plays a much larger role in helping Malaysia remain competitive, inclusive, and attractive to the global education market.
The World’s First International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC)
One of EMGS’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC), the first dedicated student arrival centre in the world. Located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), ISAC is more than just a helpdesk. It is a warm, welcoming space created to ensure that international students feel safe, guided, and reassured from the moment they arrive in Malaysia. International students arriving at KLIA Terminal 1 can enjoy a smoother experience with dedicated immigration lanes.
EMGS representatives at ISAC are always ready to assist with immigration and transportation logistics and to support with the cultural orientation to students who may be stepping into a new country for the first time. The centre symbolises Malaysia’s hospitality and EMGS’s core belief that education begins from the moment a student sets foot in the country, not just on their first day of class.
The Four Pillars Driving EMGS’s Mission
As a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), EMGS operates with a clear mandate guided by four key roles:
1. Support – EMGS collaborates closely with MOHE, public and private universities, and relevant agencies to implement policies that enhance Malaysia’s international higher education landscape.
2. Process – EMGS manages the entire international student visa application process through a secure and transparent digital platform. This ensures an efficient, smooth experience for both students and institutions.
3. Promote – EMGS drives global awareness of Malaysia’s higher education strengths through international campaigns, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships under the “Study in Malaysia” brand.
4. Engage – EMGS maintains regular engagement sessions with our stakeholders and with international students through digital content, testimonial videos, events, and feedback channels to ensure students feel involved, respected, and empowered.
Since it began in 2013, EMGS has played a central role in supporting the Ministry of Higher Education by helping international students apply for visas and promoting Malaysia as a top choice for education. One of EMGS’s key initiatives is the Student Application and Registration System (STARS), an online platform designed to make the application process easier for international students. Over the years, STARS has grown to support students from private institutions, public universities, and institutions in Sarawak. Thanks to this system, the application journey has become smoother and more efficient, contributing to the steady increase of international students in Malaysia. Today, more than 135,000 students from over 180 countries have chosen Malaysia as their academic home.
To help more students discover what Malaysia has to offer, EMGS actively promotes education opportunities through university partnerships, international fairs, and digital campaigns. Our digital outreach is data driven and automated, which means we can share the right message with the right students at the right time. By using smart tools and insights, we’re able to connect with students in a more meaningful way and make it easier for them to explore their options.
International students can explore these opportunities through tools like the EMGS Hub app, which helps them manage their visa applications and academic journey in one place. Another exciting initiative is ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS), a platform that connects ASEAN students with over 300 scholarship providers across the region, offering more than USD 4 million in funding, with features like matching quizzes and instant application options.
Staying Connected with Students, Supporting the Bigger Picture
While EMGS plays an important role in supporting the Ministry of Higher Education and working closely with universities across Malaysia, it also makes it a priority to stay connected with the international students who are already here. EMGS believes that students are at the heart of everything. That’s why it continues to find new and meaningful ways to engage with them, not just during the application process, but throughout their journey in Malaysia. From friendly events and inspiring testimonial videos to interactive sessions and student gatherings, EMGS creates spaces where students feel seen, heard, and truly part of the community.
Recently, in conjunction with #Eduroundtables2025, EMGS organised the ASEAN Student Gathering, which brought together students from all ASEAN countries in Langkawi. This event was not only a cultural exchange but also a chance for students to give back. The participants took part in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme alongside local Malaysian school students, fostering mutual understanding and community values. The gathering created friendships, encouraged shared learning, and strengthened regional unity among young ASEAN leaders.
Empowering the Global Student Journey
Today, more than 137,000 international students currently choose Malaysia for their higher education. Behind this number are dreams, transitions, and milestones and the dedicated work of EMGS in making their journey smoother. EMGS plays a vital role not only in visa processing, but also in shaping a positive, holistic student experience.
EMGS is committed to be a trusted guide, and a committed partner to students, institutions, and the nation’s education goals. Its initiatives ensure that Malaysia remains forward-facing while grounded in values of care, inclusivity, and innovation.
Looking to the Future
Malaysia’s vision to become a global education hub is gaining momentum, and EMGS will continue to be a key driving force supporting the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. With over a decade of meaningful service, EMGS is focused on the future, one that involves deeper student engagement, stronger global partnerships, and continuous innovation.
International education is more than just studying in a different country. It is about building a sense of community, finding opportunities, and feeling a true sense of belonging. From every visa approved to every student welcomed at KLIA, and every story shared along the way, EMGS remains committed to making the journey meaningful.
EMGS, At Your Service.
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