A WORLD-FIRST, NOW A GLOBAL WINNER: EMGS WINS THE PIEoneer STUDENT SUPPORT AWARD 2026 FOR MALAYSIA'S INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL CENTRE

LONDON, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia has earned major international recognition after Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) won the Student Support Award at The PIEoneer Awards 2026 for the International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC), the world's first and the only one dedicated arrival centre for international students located before immigration clearance at the Malaysian international airports. 

The award was presented on 4 September at London's historic Guildhall during the 10th anniversary of The PIEoneer Awards 2026, widely regarded as the 'Oscars of international education'. It was received by EMGS Chairman Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie and Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin, accompanied by Board Member Dzariman Ibrahim. 

A distinguished panel assessed eight student-support initiatives from Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. The shortlist included UCAS and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), two long-established institutions in international student support. To be recognised alongside them was an honour; to emerge as the winner is a significant global endorsement of Malaysia's approach. 

"This is more than an award for EMGS, it is a proud moment for Malaysia. ISAC shows that a student's experience begins the moment they arrive. Through care, clarity and confidence, Malaysia is setting a new benchmark for international student support", says Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, Chairman of EMGS.

Operating 24 hours a day at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, ISAC welcomes international students before immigration clearance. EMGS personnel provide guidance on immigration procedures, arrival briefings, priority-lane access, airport to campus transportation, welcoming kit and other essential first touch support, making the journey from touchdown to campus smoother and more reassuring.

ISAC was established in April 2018. On 10 February 2026, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and EMGS officially launched the enhanced ISAC at Terminal 1, officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, further strengthening Malaysia's student-focused arrival experience at its main international gateway. 

"This is only the beginning. This achievement shows the world what Malaysia is capable of delivering when innovation and student care move together. We believe 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", said Novie Tajuddin, Chief Executive Officer of EMGS.

The win strengthens Malaysia's position not only as a preferred study destination, but as a welcoming, responsive and student-centred global education hub. Malaysia is committed in making Malaysia the preferred education hub for international students globally. 

About Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) is a an official agency under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. EMGS is the wing responsible for promoting Malaysia as the talent and knowledge hub and the preferred education destination among international students around the world. It is also the principal body that manages the movement of international students in Malaysia, including facilitating visa processing.

About International Student Arrival Centre (ISAC)

ISAC is a dedicated arrival facility established by EMGS to welcome and assist international students entering Malaysia. Located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, ISAC provides dedicated support upon arrival, guiding students through the necessary arrival and immigration procedures and ensuring a smooth, organised and welcoming start to their study journey in Malaysia.

SOURCE Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)