LEAVING home for a foreign country can be intimidating for international students, but those arriving in Malaysia can receive support from the moment they land.
These services, provided by its personnel, have earned Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) the Student Support Award at The PIEoneer Awards 2026 recently.
Operating 24 hours a day at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, ISAC is the world’s first and only dedicated arrival centre for international students located before immigration clearance.
The initiative was among eight student-support programmes from Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Malaysia shortlisted for the award. Other finalists included the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and the UK Council for International Student Affairs, two established UK organisations supporting international students.
The award was received by EMGS chairman Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie and chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin, accompanied by board member Dzariman Ibrahim. It was presented at London’s historic Guildhall on Sept 4, during the 10th anniversary of The PIEoneer Awards.
Calling the win a proud moment for Malaysia, Ahmad Shalimin said ISAC demonstrates that the student experience begins from the moment they arrive.
“Through care, clarity and confidence, Malaysia is setting a new benchmark for international student support,” he said in a press release.
Novie said the achievement shows the world what Malaysia is capable of delivering when innovation and student care move together.
“This is only the beginning. ISAC has set a strong global benchmark and can serve as an example to other countries of what is possible when the international student experience is made a priority. Ultimately, everything we do must deliver meaningful benefits to international students,” he said.
ISAC was established in April 2018. On Feb 10 this year, the Higher Education Ministry and EMGS officially launched an enhanced ISAC at Terminal 1 in a ceremony officiated by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
EMGS, an agency under the ministry, is responsible for promoting Malaysia as a talent and knowledge hub and a preferred education destination for international students. It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing.
