Courtesy Call on Ms. Hiroko Ota, President of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

H.E. Dato’ Ahmad Rozian, Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to Japan, accompanied by officials from Pejabat Penasihat Pendidikan dan Latihan (PPL) Tokyo, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Hiroko Ota, President of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS). For H.E. Dato’ Ahmad Rozian, an alumnus of GRIPS, the visit carried profound personal significance. ‘Bagai sirih pulang ke gagang’, returning to his alma mater reflects the deep, lasting ties between GRIPS and Malaysia’s public administration. Over the decades, Malaysia’s public service has benefited immensely from GRIPS post-graduate programmes. More than providing top-tier policy education, GRIPS has served as a vital platform for building international networks, meaningful cross-cultural connections, and lifelong friendships between future leaders of participating nations and Japan. Today, 156 Malaysian alumni, including key public sector leaders and diplomats, carry forward the leadership frameworks and global perspectives nurtured during their time in Japan. The visit also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring the strong foundation of friendship and professional collaboration continues to thrive for generations to come. The Embassy of Malaysia extends its heartfelt gratitude to President Hiroko Ota and the GRIPS faculty for their warm welcome and continuous cooperation.