Diann Loh, a graduate of Economics from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), embarked on a dynamic 20-year journey in the corporate world before becoming the founder of Nihongo Asia Academy & Jobs.

Her first foray was as an industrial consultant, where she interacted with Japanese investors setting up factories in Malaysia. This experience not only sparked her interest in the productivity & efficiency of the Japanese work culture but also planted the seeds for future endeavours.

Her subsequent role in Human Resources at Maruko Sdn. Bhd., a Japanese manufacturing company, which was also a subcontractor for Hitachi Electronics  Devices for Integrated Tube Components (ITC) based in Senai, Johor, further solidified her respect for Japanese manufacturing techniques, productivity and work ethic.

However, the corporate world couldn’t quench Diann’s thirst for the outside world of business exploration. After few years in manufacturing, she transitioned into a trainee position at American International Group (AIG), eventually rising to Training Manager (General Insurance Division). She has also worked for HSBC Bank under the Amanah Takaful corporate division where  HSBC Amanah headhunted her in 2007 to be part of their pioneer team in business development when HSBC was awarded the license to operate a Takaful (Islamic insurance) in Malaysia.

It was during her freelance consulting period, assisting foreign companies with Malaysian operations, that Diann encountered a sobering statistic during the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant number of students, particularly from marginalised communities, were opting out of further studies. This news ignited a fire within her: a desire to create a platform for these young people, offering a second chance at valuable education opportunities and contributing to a more diversified workforce.

Leveraging her extensive network, particularly her connections within the Japanese business landscape, Diann envisioned Nihongo Asia Academy & Jobs. It wouldn’t be just a language school; it would be a bridge, empowering young Malaysians with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a globalized world.

Ang Chooi Kean was the Head of the Japanese Language Unit, International Languages Department at Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia, International Languages Campus, Kuala Lumpur.

She obtained her B.A. (Hons) in Japanese Language and Area Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo, Japan and pursued her M.Ed (Administration and Management) at University of Science Malaysia and M.A. (Japanese Language and Culture) at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo, Japan. She completed her PhD in Adult Education and Professional Development at National University of Malaysia. She is passionate and believes in the importance in inculcating the culture of life-long learning among teachers. She has been involved in in-service teacher training programme of Japanese language teachers and facilitated in its subsequent beyond training support programme since 2005. Among her current interests in fields of studies are e-learning, self-directed learning, active learning, e-portfolio and continuing professional development.

Dr Izhak Ibrahim – Holding a Doctor of Business Administration in  Finance from Universiti Utara Malaysia, alongside an MBA in Finance & Banking from the International Islamic University Malaysia, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.

Dr Izhak’s professional journey encompasses pivotal roles, including Vice President at Cagamas Berhad, where he spearheaded marketing strategies and strategized product enhancement by tailoring towards customers’ expectations and feedback. With notable tenures at organizations like Bank Muamalat and RHB Bank Berhad, he demonstrated proficiency in corporate banking, project leadership, and distribution channel management. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Dr. Izhak’s expertise in finance, business planning, general management, and marketing strategy, making him a valuable asset in the realms of entrepreneurship.

Kumiko Omura speaks fluent English and possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, Kumiko came to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in 2019, joining an established Japanese HR company as a Recruitment Manager.

She covers all industry sectors from mid-career to management positions. She has a track record of supplying talent to leading international and domestic firms in Japan and Malaysia. Graduated from Kyoritsu Women’s University & Junior College with a degree in Computer Science, she worked in sales/marketing and public relations for an international Scandinavian design company and a major beauty and healthcare company in Tokyo. Kumiko spends her free time working with non-profit organizations in Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Dian Azura, a graphic designer with a 19-year career, started in advertising before pivoting to digital content creation after winning a travel blogging competition (My Selangor Story) in 2010. For three years, she transformed Selangor into her creative playground, using social media initiatives and events to combine digital and on-ground experiences.

Dian then honed her design skills with project management, strategy, and marketing while working with Tourism Selangor, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Digital Media Management before embracing freelancing to leverage her diverse skillset. To balance her work, she also exhibits her artwork under the moniker āruznadi.

Masataka Komai, President of F5, Inc., brings a wealth of experience to the table.  His  journey began with a solid foundation in electronics, graduating from Sendai Electronics College. He then spent six years honing his programming skills at a company specialising in electronic medical record systems, where he worked on both Windows software development and embedded systems for inspection equipment.

Always curious and adaptable, Masataka later transitioned to freelance work, further expanding his skillset as an internet-related software engineer. He thrived in the dynamic world of e-commerce and community site development.

This diverse background culminated in the founding of F5, Inc. in 2010. Under his leadership, the company has tackled a wide range of projects, from server-side software development for social games to mobile application development and even venturing into the cutting-edge world of VR content creation. Masataka Komai’s versatility and entrepreneurial spirit position F5, Inc. for continued success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Presently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Yusei Saito was attached to F5 Inc. in Sendai, Japan as a software engineer for 4 years before moving here. As a skilled mobile app developer experience in iOS and Android platform, he specializes in designing and developing optimized mobile applications. Highly analytical and detail-oriented, Yusei is capable of creating complex applications that meet clients’ needs for various industries including education.

Mohd  Norhaswira bin Hasan is a Japanese  Language Teacher at  University of Malaya specializing in the Special Japanese Preparatory Programme at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Nagoya University, his commitment to education extends beyond the classroom.

With a wealth of administrative experience, including roles as Curriculum Committee Member, Safety and Health Committee Member, and Coordinator, Norhaswira has played a pivotal role in various aspects of academic and administrative functions. He has been recognized for his outstanding service with the Certificate of Excellent Service from the University of Malaya in 2016. Additionally, Norhaswira has contributed to research projects, including serving as a consultant for a national research project focusing on syllabus changes and their impact on students and teachers. His dedication to social responsibility is evident through his involvement as Chief of the Internal Auditor for self-auditing activities in 2015. With a diverse portfolio of skills and experiences, Norhaswira continues to inspire and educate students while making significant contributions to academic and administrative endeavours.

Hani Sharliza binti Mohd Isa is currently teaching English in Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Sabak Bernam, Selangor.

She used to teach Elementary Japanese Language to secondary school students. She did Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language certificate at International Language Teacher Training College or Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Bahasa Antarabangsa (formerly Institut Perguruan Bahasa Antarabangsa, IPBA) in 2007 and started teaching Japanese Language at Sekolah Menengah Sains Dungun in 2008 before moving to Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Sabak Bernam in 2009. Together with Dr. Zorida Mustafa and Fazilah Mat, she wrote the Japanese Language Textbook for lower secondary level in 2017. Hani Sharliza involvement in Nihongo Asia Academy is on voluntary basis.  

Alex Chin possesses JLPT 2 and a Bachelor’s Degree of Information System majoring in Data Analytics from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, Alex Chin who speaks the Japanese language fluently has experience tutoring students for several years and has excellent experience in the Japanese language translation and interpretation.

Alex believes he is here to make learning enjoyable and accessible especially with his background in IT, helping students use technology effectively and meaningfully to support their learning and development. He is passionate about creating immersive learning experiences and integrating technology and cultural elements into language lessons.