PPL JPA London

Malaysian Students and Academics Synergy Programme

On 25 April 2026, the Malaysian Students and Academics Synergy Programme was successfully held at the High Commission of Malaysia in London. The programme was officiated by H.E. Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The initiative aims to connect Malaysian students in the UK with the Malaysian Academics Network UK — an expanding community that brings together Malaysian scholars across institutions. Through this platform, the network promotes impactful academic collaboration, broadens research opportunities, and fosters strong interdisciplinary connections. It also seeks to give back by empowering and supporting Malaysian students, providing them with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions both in the UK and in Malaysia.

As part of the programme, students were challenged with industry-based, real-life case studies to sharpen their decision-making and problem-solving skills in practical situations. JPA-sponsored students took the opportunity to engage directly with academics for guidance and mentorship, while also challenging themselves to think critically, make timely decisions, and navigate complex scenarios during the case study presentations and Q&A sessions. Key takeaways from the session included the importance of remaining curious and continuously seeking knowledge, building empathy in understanding people and situations, and recognising and trusting one’s own potential without underestimating it.

Our sincere appreciation goes to all the academics for their wholehearted support and inspiration during the programme, as well as their engagement with students throughout the session.

Overall, the programme reflects a hopeful step forward, with students gaining valuable support and meaningful networks to shape their journeys ahead.

The Malaysian Career Fair (TMCF) 2026 🇲🇾

On 11 April 2026, PPL JPA London attended the official opening of The Malaysian Career Fair (TMCF) held at the Lancaster Hotel, London. This annual programme, organised by GRADUAN and UKEC, continues to serve as a key platform connecting Malaysian employers with high-potential Malaysian students in their final year of study in the UK.

This year’s event saw the participation of 22 organisations and companies from Malaysia with an estimated attendance of over 2,000 students. Employers set up booths to share insights on their respective graduate programmes, career pathways and opportunities within their organisations. In addition, forum sessions were held featuring industry representatives providing valuable perspectives on current industry trends and the Malaysian job market. Several employers also conducted interview sessions with a number of students successfully receiving conditional offers.

PPL JPA London also took the opportunity to engage directly with key industry players through a series of engagements:

Industrial Engagement 1/2026: GRADUAN

PPL JPA London met with the CEO of GRADUAN, Mr. Nabil Marie and gained valuable insights into the evolution of TMCF as a talent-matching platform. Discussions included the increasing competitiveness of Malaysian graduates abroad, the importance of soft skills and adaptability as well as GRADUAN’s continued efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The conversation also touched on how JPA-sponsored students can better position themselves in the job market.

Industrial Engagement 2/2026: Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO)

PPL JPA London had the privilege of meeting with YBhg. Dato' Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, Group CEO PERKESO alongside YBhg. Dato' Dr. Hafez Hussain, Executive Director of the PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre and YBhg. Dato' Hj. Asri Ab. Rahman, Head of the Employment Insurance System (EIS) Office. Their presence at TMCF reflects PERKESO’s strong commitment towards talent scouting among Malaysian graduates abroad. The organisation continues to attract talents in areas such as social security, employment services, rehabilitation management, and labour market policy to strengthen Malaysia’s workforce ecosystem.

Industrial Engagement 3/2026: Kumpulan Wang Amanah Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP)

PPL JPA London engaged with Encik Hazman Hilmi Salahuddin, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of KWAP. As a consistent participant in TMCF UK, KWAP actively recruits graduates for roles in investment management, finance and strategic operations. Their graduate opportunities are designed to develop future professionals in pension fund management and institutional investment. The longstanding relationship between JPA and KWAP remains significant particularly given KWAP’s role in pension administration. This engagement was also a meaningful reunion as both PPL and the CIO shared a connection from their preparatory college days prior to pursuing studies in the UK.

Industrial Engagement 4/2026: Khazanah Nasional Berhad

PPL JPA London met with Encik Shahrizal Mohd. Suffian, Executive Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad. Khazanah continues to offer prestigious talent development pathways including the Khazanah Global Scholarship and associated graduate development initiatives aimed at grooming future leaders across key strategic sectors. As a regular participant in TMCF, Khazanah remains committed to identifying top Malaysian talent globally. Notably, Encik Shahrizal is himself a former JPA scholar from the 1990s who pursued his studies in the United States, reflecting the long-term impact of JPA sponsorship programmes.

Industrial Engagement 5/2026: Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank)

PPL JPA London also engaged with Puan Mahzatulshima Mohd Zahid, Group Chief Human Capital Officer of Malayan Banking Berhad and Mr. Jay Chan, Head of Global Markets UK, Malayan Banking Berhad UK Office. Maybank continues to offer structured graduate programmes such as the Global Maybank Apprentice Programme (GMAP), which provides comprehensive development through cross-functional rotations, leadership training and regional exposure. Both representatives are also former JPA scholars, having pursued their studies in the United States and Australia respectively, demonstrating the strong pipeline of JPA-sponsored talents within leading financial institutions.

Industrial Engagement 6/2026: IHH Healthcare Malaysia

PPL JPA London also connected with Ms. Nisa Hadirah Norazhar, Management Associate at IHH Healthcare Malaysia. IHH offers graduate and management associate programmes focused on developing future leaders in healthcare management, hospital operations, and corporate functions. These programmes provide structured training, professional exposure, and leadership development within one of the region’s leading healthcare groups. Notably, Ms. Nisa Hadirah is a former JPA-sponsored student under the Program Ijazah Dalam Negara (PIDN), further reflecting the diverse success pathways of JPA scholars.

Beyond industry engagements, it was encouraging to see strong participation from JPA-sponsored students. Many took the initiative to attend interviews, with some successfully securing conditional offers from participating employers.

Overall, TMCF 2026 not only continues to provide a valuable platform for career opportunities, but also highlights a meaningful narrative — many of today’s industry leaders engaging with students were once JPA scholars themselves. This serves as a testament to the long-term impact of JPA sponsorship programmes in nurturing talents who contribute back to the nation.

PPL JPA London remains committed to supporting and connecting our scholars with industry opportunities, ensuring they are well-positioned to transition into impactful careers upon graduation.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗢𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗝𝗔𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗝𝗜𝗟 𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗝𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗔 (𝗦𝗣𝗠) 𝗧𝗔𝗛𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) membuka permohonan Program Penajaan Lepasan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Tahun 2026 bagi program seperti berikut:

📌 Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN)
📌 Program Khas Lepasan SPM Dalam Negara (LSPM)
📌 Progam Khas Jepun, Korea, Perancis dan Jerman (JKPJ)

Maklumat permohonan adalah seperti berikut:

🗓️ 3 April 2026 - 16 April 2026
🔗 https: penajaan.jpa.gov.my
📧 [email protected]

Jangan lepaskan peluang keemasan ini untuk masa hadapan yang lebih cerah bersama JPA!

Anwar Ibrahim
Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar
PMO Malaysia

Connect & Interact 4/2026
24 February 2026

PPL JPA London recently had the opportunity to spend iftar evening with several JPA sponsored students at the surau in Malaysia Hall. The gathering provided a valuable platform for open conversation, reflection, and connection.

During the session, students shared insights into their academic journeys and daily lives in the UK. Many described their schedules as intensive and highly demanding, balancing lectures, tutorials, assignments and commitments. Despite their packed timetables they appeared focused, disciplined and committed to achieving academic excellence. It was encouraging to see how well they are managing their responsibilities while maintaining strong productivity and motivation.

On the same evening, one of the students led the tarawih prayers as the imam. He volunteered after responding to a call by Education Malaysia London for volunteers to assist with various initiatives and community responsibilities throughout the month of Ramadan. His willingness to step forward reflects the strong sense of leadership, community spirit, and responsibility demonstrated by our sponsored students.

PPL JPA London also met with a graduate from the 2024/2025 session who is currently working in London. The graduate shared valuable insights into working within the local industry, which places strong emphasis on professionalism, accountability, innovation, diversity, and a results-driven culture. He highlighted how workplaces here encourage independent thinking, continuous learning, and collaborative teamwork across multicultural teams. Exposure to such an environment has enabled him to develop both technical expertise and essential soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Overall, the engagement session was both productive and heartening. It provided reassurance that our sponsored students and graduates are adapting well, thriving academically and professionally and continuing to uphold strong values while representing Malaysia abroad.

PPL JPA London remains committed to supporting their development and ensuring their welfare throughout their academic and professional journeys in the UK.

Salam Ramadhan 1447H

CONNECT & INTERACT 3/2026
16 February 2026

The PPL JPA London Office recently met with three students under the Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN) who are currently pursuing their studies at the University of Oxford.

Now in their final year, they shared that life in Oxford has been both challenging and enriching. The academic environment is highly stimulating, and the tutorial system plays a significant role in supporting their learning. Tutors are very supportive, approachable and dedicated, providing personalised guidance that helps students strengthen their understanding and develop critical thinking skills. Despite their demanding academic schedules, they appeared cheerful, motivated, and fully committed to their studies.

In terms of living costs, on-campus accommodation ranges between £800–£1000 per month. Meanwhile, renting outside campus is slightly more affordable, averaging between £600–£700 per month, depending on the location and facilities.

Overall, these students demonstrate strong academic potential and positive personal qualities. They are focused, resilient, and driven to succeed.

University Engagement 2/2026

Date: 16 February 2026

Venue: Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

PPL JPA London recently participated in an engagement session with Christian Schuster, Professor of Management and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. The session was attended together with representatives from the Office of the Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Wan Mohd Hasif Wan Muhamat Ali, and Ms. Zaimira, Counsellor at the High Commission of Malaysia in London.

The discussion provided valuable insights into the Blavatnik Public Administration Index, particularly its methodology, assessment framework, and comparative indicators on government effectiveness. The exchange of views focused on how such evidence-based tools can contribute to continuous improvements in governance, institutional performance, and public sector reform efforts.

Both sides also explored potential avenues for collaboration, including the possibility of facilitating Malaysian public officers to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford and developing more public administration case studies from the Asian region.

Overall, the engagement was constructive and forward-looking, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening public administration capabilities through meaningful academic partnership and knowledge exchange.

Connect & Interact 2/2026

15 February 2026

PPL JPA London recently visited the only Program Anak Diplomat (PADi) student currently studying at the University of Bath. The student, who is currently in his third year of Aerospace Engineering, shared that he has just completed his Semester 1 examinations. For his upcoming Semester 2, there will be no written examinations; instead, assessment will be based on group coursework projects. He described his lecturers as supportive and approachable, and finds the learning environment at Bath to be conducive to his studies.

As the number of Malaysian students at the University of Bath is relatively small, they have joined students from Brunei and Singapore to form the Brunei Malaysia and Singapore Student Association (BAMSA). Through BAMSA, students from these three countries are able to build connections, support one another academically and socially, and organise activities that strengthen their sense of community while studying abroad.

PPL JPA London visited the student’s accommodation and found it to be comfortable, fully furnished and suitable for living. Based on his feedback, rental rates in Bath typically range between £700 and £1000 per month, depending on the type and location of the property.

In addition, PPL JPA London toured the University of Bath campus with the student. The Department of Engineering offers a four-year full-time M.Eng programme. The university places strong emphasis on producing industry-ready graduates, and many leading companies actively seek students from Bath for industrial placements.

Overall, the visit provided PPL JPA London with the opportunity to engage directly with the student, review his academic and living conditions, and ensure his welfare remains well supported. The engagement also enabled PPL to gain a clearer understanding of the academic environment and surrounding facilities at the University of Bath.