About Us

We are a global community of MEXT scholars and alumni dedicated to empowering education, fostering collaboration, and building lifelong connections across borders.

Our Mission

Empowering Communities for Change

Who We Help

We support current scholars, alumni, and aspiring students by providing mentorship that enhances their academic & professional journeys in Japan

Our Approach

Through events, partnerships, and digital initiatives, we bring together individuals and institutions who share a commitment to learning.

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The Future

A World Where Communities Thrive Together

Empowerment

We aim to empower scholars and alumni with the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to lead impactful careers.

Community

Our vision is rooted in long-term impact nurturing relationships, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting initiatives.

President message

Building a Global Community of Scholars

It is an honor to lead a community that embodies the spirit of learning, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding. Since its founding in 2016, the MEXT Scholars Association has become a platform where scholars and alumni come together to share experiences, support one another, and contribute to society — both in Japan and beyond.
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At MSA, we believe that education is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a bridge that connects people, ideas, and cultures. Every scholar’s story adds to a growing legacy of collaboration and impact that transcends borders.
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– Sujata Saini
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President, MEXT Scholars Association

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Our Impact

We Empower Scholars and Build Global Connections

8,500+
Registered Members Worldwide
100,000+
Scholarship Recipients.
¥1.5M
Funds Raised

Since its founding in 2016, the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA) has been uniting scholars and alumni across Japan and the world

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Our Team

Meet the Dedicated People
Behind the Mission

Austin Zeng
Austin Zeng

Austin Zeng

Founder

Co-founded MSA and was President between 2018 - 2023. Throughout this period, he expanded MSA into the largest MEXT community in Japan. He currently resides in Singapore, while keeping his links with Japan alive.

Sujata Saini
Sujata Saini

Sujata Saini

President

Sujata is an Indian who is pursuing her PhD in Computer Science at Tokyo Metropolitan University in Tokyo, Japan. Her major is Data Science and Machine Learning. She is a Women Techmaker Ambassador in Japan and founder/organizer of major tech communities such as Google Developer Student Club and Microsoft Learn at TMU.

Aminu Abubakar
Aminu Abubakar

Aminu Abubakar

Vice President

A Pharmacist and Public Health Specialist. I am interested in Cancer epidemiology; my current research focuses on addressing cancer disparities and inequalities in cancer outcomes. I am also interested in global health and international politics.

Francisco de Asis Corrales Pavia
Francisco de Asis Corrales Pavia

Francisco de Asis Corrales Pavia

Secretary

My name is Francisco, but you can just call me Paco. I'm a first year Master's Student in the Human and Environmental Sciences of Kyoto University. I study Classical Japanese Literature, focusing on the Man'yoshu and the transmission of character use and readings.

Arghya Battacharya
Arghya Battacharya

Arghya Battacharya

Head of IT

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Arghya Bhattacharya. I am a Master's Student in the field of Applied Information Sciences at Tohoku University. I am currently engrossed in the field of Machine Consciousness and Autonomous Agents. I also plan to explore Quantum Computing in the near future.

Subhagata
Subhagata

Subhagata

Head of Media

PhD candidate in Architecture Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, (Hiroshima University) specializing in passive cooling, thermal comfort, and building performance simulation in the Global South. Experienced in mentoring students in environmental design and computational simulation through teaching assistant roles and collaboration with government institutes in India. Committed to creating sustainable cities with optimal thermally comfortable houses and disaster resilient infrastructure, with the urge to learn more and grow as a group and individually.

Amartuvshin Munkhsuuri
Amartuvshin Munkhsuuri

Amartuvshin Munkhsuuri

Head of Externals

My name is Suuri, a vice-head of MSA external team. I am also working as an assistant project manager at Colliers.

Fawaz Bagoudou
Fawaz Bagoudou

Fawaz Bagoudou

Head of Alumni

Fawaz Bagoudou is a Certified Food Scientist and Assistant Professor at Shinshu University in Japan, where he works on sustainable and healthy food systems. He also serves as Head of Alumni for the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA), supporting global talent development and international collaboration.

Balakumaran
Balakumaran

Balakumaran

Head of Regionals

Bala from India — a Master’s student at Kansai University researching at the Robots and Microsystems Lab, balancing research life with gym, running, PE teaching at a Saturday school in Osaka, and a love for speaking Japanese

Siddhi Pankaj Sutrave
Siddhi Pankaj Sutrave

Siddhi Pankaj Sutrave

Head of Operations

Masters Student in Material Innovation at University of Tsukuba. Loves to understand nature as the best technology and passionate about treks and music!

Ronit Kaushik
Ronit Kaushik

Ronit Kaushik

Vice Head of IT

Ronit is a graduate in Biosciences and Bioengineering from IIT Guwahati. After working as a Data Engineer for a year, he is currently pursuing his Master's at the University of Tsukuba, focusing on alpha-synucleinopathies. Outside of his academic work, he is actively involved in hiking and racket sports like table tennis and squash.‍

Ibrahim Hamza Joseph
Ibrahim Hamza Joseph

Ibrahim Hamza Joseph

Vice Head of Media

Hi there, Hamza is a Nigerian currently pursuing his studies at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, with a strong interest in behavioral and social neuroscience. His research interests focus on stress, social behavior, and the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and emotion. He is passionate about translating neuroscience research into meaningful societal impact and is actively developing his skills in research, scientific communication, and creative media.

Thiri Zin Myint Phyu
Thiri Zin Myint Phyu

Thiri Zin Myint Phyu

Vice Head of Media

I'm Thiri from Myanmar. I’m currently studying for my MBA at Keio University, and I’m passionate about education and data.

Pornchai Prasongchatchai
Pornchai Prasongchatchai

Pornchai Prasongchatchai

Vice Head of Regionals

I am a Thai PhD student in Policy Science at Ritsumeikan University. Alongside my studies, I am actively working on improving my Japanese language skills and hope to contribute to building strong connections within the community. Nice to meet you all.

Anna Cui
Anna Cui

Anna Cui

Vice Head of Operations

Anna Cui is an undergraduate at the University of Tokyo majoring in Environmental Sciences. She is a Korean-Chinese born in the United States, with a total of 6 years living in Japan. She is passionate about archery and graphic design.

Agustin Dobal
Agustin Dobal

Agustin Dobal

Regional Head of Kansai

Argentine pursuing a Master's in Japanese Linguistics at The University of Osaka. I am passionate about helping people reach the highest levels of Japanese language fluency through practical methods. Manga translator, Japanese coach and casual blogger.

Andres Ramirez Restrepo
Andres Ramirez Restrepo

Andres Ramirez Restrepo

Regional Vice Head of Kansai

Chemist and PhD on Environmental Education (Kyoto University). My research has gravitated towards environmental pollution and monitoring, with a recent focus on waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste). Soon working as a teacher in Nagoya, I want to spark passion for science through arts, including storytelling and videogames.

Islam Karimov
Islam Karimov

Islam Karimov

Regional Head - Kanto

Hey everyone! My name is Islam, and I am originally from Tajikistan but grew up in the USA. I previously studied medicine in Tajiksitan and then went on to study neuroscience in Germany. I am currently doing my masters degree at Tokyo University where I am researching more about virology/immunology. I really like learning languages in my free time and traveling.

Ali Raza
Ali Raza

Ali Raza

Regional Head - Tohoku

Konnichiwa everyone! I am Ali Raza from Pakistan. My childhood was spent in Saudi Arabia and I have completed my high school and intermediate studies from Pakistan. I (with friends) founded AiBL Innovations startup (focused on smart prosthetic leg). I gained valuable experience from it and want to contribute that knowledge in MSA. Cheers!!!

Hassam Naz
Hassam Naz

Hassam Naz

Regional VH - Tohoku

Hi everyone! I’m Hassam from Pakistan. I use wheelchair for mobility. Currently a MEXT research student at Tohoku University in Japan. My major is in VR (Virtual Reality). I’m excited to connect with everyone and contribute to the MSA community!

Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly
Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly

Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly

Regional Vice Head - Tokyo

Hi! My name is Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly, but please feel free to call me MAC. I’m originally from Mali and recently moved to Tokyo to pursue my MBA at GLOBIS University as a MEXT scholar. Before joining GLOBIS, I worked in warehouse operations and supply chain management, with a particular focus on exporting agricultural products such as gum arabic and sesame. I’m passionate about business, entrepreneurship, and strengthening connections between Africa and Japan. In my free time, I enjoy learning languages, playing basketball, and exploring new places.

Federico M. Redfern
Federico M. Redfern

Federico M. Redfern

Finance Executive

Hello World, This is Federico Martin Redfern, PhD. Student at Ritsumeikan APU originally from Argentina. Financial Controller in the private sector and a UN-Habitat alumnus; I do research on Digital Transformation and Institutional Economics.

Andre Wiranto
Andre Wiranto

Andre Wiranto

Finance Executive

My name is Andre from Indonesia. Currently I am studying MBA. I have about 5 years experience as financial and operational auditor. I aspire to become consultant focusing in digital and green transformation

Abid Manzar
Abid Manzar

Abid Manzar

Media Executive

Abid from india, came to japan in 2025, doing specialization in Web/UX design. before coming to japan i did my bachelors in English Literature and Geography, side by side i was learning japanese and design on my own. I love content creation, illustration, short form video, photography, games, cinema. Don norman is my favorite Designer, my mentor, teacher. i love exploring new stuff, i have few plans for future, but you never know.

Shruti Sri Ravi
Shruti Sri Ravi

Shruti Sri Ravi

Media Executive

Hiee im Shruti! im from India and im studying Fashion at BGU. I also did 4 years of fashion in India from NIFT, so I am a bit of a Art and Design nerd. Ive been painting and crafting all my life and I love sunsets. Im currently trying to work on content for my instagram and attempting to show my work on YouTube as well!! so definitely join me if you are interested. I love learning new languages, im on my 6th one. I love giving back to places that have helped me so im here at MSA!! see you around <3

Mariia Hirniak
Mariia Hirniak

Mariia Hirniak

Externals Executive

I’m Maria, originally from Ukraine, and I’m currently based in Japan. I recently completed my Master’s at IUJ, where I focused on international relations, data analysis, and cybersecurity. My Japanese level is around N2, and I’m currently studying toward N1, so I’m always happy to have opportunities to practice and improve my Japanese as well! I wanted to join MSA Externals because I’m really interested in international relations, networking, and connecting people from different backgrounds. I’d also love to contribute to MSA’s external relations and learn more about sponsor communications and how the team works.

Together, we can create change

Empowering scholars and alumni to make a global impact through collaboration, knowledge, and community.

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