About Us
We are a global community of MEXT scholars and alumni dedicated to empowering education, fostering collaboration, and building lifelong connections across borders.
.jpeg)
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.
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.
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.
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.
– Sujata Saini
President, MEXT Scholars Association
.png)
We Empower Scholars and Build Global Connections
Since its founding in 2016, the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA) has been uniting scholars and alumni across Japan and the world
Meet the Dedicated People
Behind the Mission
Austin Zeng
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.
Sanjeev Kumar Mall
Sanjeev, a JST SPRING and former MEXT Scholar, is pursuing his PhD at Sophia University. He previously worked as an R&D Engineer at Mayekawa Mfg. Co.
Animesh Harsh
Animesh is currently in the first year of grad school at the University of Tokyo at one the top AI labs of the country. When he's not busy wasting time on social media, he likes to swim, surf and sleep.
Amruta Sridhara
I’m Amruta, from India currently pursuing (5yr PhD) Biophysics in Japan. My research focuses on understanding cell division errors.
Fatimah Albahrani
Bachelor degree in biomedical engineering with research interest in molecular biology and drug discovery continued for Masters as well.
Fawaz Bagoudou
Fawaz Bagoudou is a Certified Food Scientist and Assistant Professor at Shinshu University in Japan, where he works on sustainable and healthy food systems.
Aminu Abubakar
A Pharmacist and Public Health Specialist. I am interested in Cancer epidemiology, my current research is focus on addressing cancer disparities and inequalities in cancer outcome.
Zaiyr Sharsheyev
I’m Zaiyr from the Kyrgyz Republic, a master’s student at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Information Sciences. My research explores procedural content generation using generative AI. I love playing chess and traveling around Japan.
.jpg)
Zhengyang Chen
Zhengyang currently works as a private equity investor in Tokyo, In MSA, he focuses on relationship management with external parties and stakeholders from both public and private sectors.
Steven Liu
Steven is an undergraduate majoring in computer science in Tohoku University. His interest is embarking on spontaneous trips in Tohoku region.
Negar Khalili
Negar’s research is centered on cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on understanding human decision-making and attention.
Sana Ullah Khan
Hi, I'm Sana Ullah Khan, but you can just call me Khan. I'm on a grand adventure in Japan, pursuing a Master's degree in city planning.
Anshika Kankane
Hi! I am Anshika, currently working as a Machine Learning Engineer at a Food Tech company Menu, Inc. I studied Masters in Okinawa as a MEXT Scholar.
Thiri Zin Myint Phyu
I'm Thiri from Myanmar. I’m currently studying for my MBA at Keio University, and I’m passionate about education and data.
Amartuvshin Munkhsuuri
My name is Suuri, a vice-head of MSA external team. I am also working as an assistant project manager at Colliers.
.jpg)
Anna Cui
I'm Anna Cui, a Korean-Chinese born in the United States. I am an undergrad at the University of Tokyo majoring in Environmental Sciences.
Together, we can create change
Empowering scholars and alumni to make a global impact through collaboration, knowledge, and community.
