If I am not mistaken, JPA only covers for degree level. For postgraduate level, they cover until master level (not for Ph.D) and only if you are a JPA holder previously in degree. You could just give them JPA a call. The policies might have change again.

For scholarships to Japan, I have a friend for got a scholarship to Japan. I don't remember the name of the scholarship but most probably is this one.

http://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/English/JIS/...scholarship.htm

When he applied, I remember it is quite troublesome. You have to have JLPT (dont know till what grad), the university over there has accepted you, and a series of interviews. Oh yea, limited to research only and not by taught course.

Good luck!

From what I know and read (they posted the syarat in JPA website sometime ago), JPA scholarship for postgrad level is limited to undergraduate students who were JPA scholars and not for public. But pls check again by giving them a call. Who knows they suddenly open to public? haha

For scholarships, you could try surfing the webpage for japanese companies which are based in Malaysia. I know Panasonic has a scholarship to Japan. I am think other Japanese company might have it. In regards to Panasonic scholarship, the competition is very fierce and if really managed to get, you are really the best among the rest of the applicants.

However....do note that it takes quite a while to apply for postgraduate level scholarships to Japan. The interviews and results  can span over half a year to 1 year. In the meanwhile, you have to get your JLPT to a certain level. Then write a research proposal and find a university that accepts you.

My friend who got the scholarship to Japan told me that JLPT is an added advantage in getting the scholarship. The interviewer told him that they do give extra marks if your JLPT level is high. Plus, I am pretty sure your future supervisor would prefer to communicate in Japanese rather than English as Japanese are very proud of their own language.

For panasonic, my friend applied when he was in his final year. He did not need to submit his final results first because he has not graduated yet. At the same time, you need to pass your interviews (my friend failed his 2nd tier interview  ) . After you got the scholarship, you need to pass up all documents (including your transcript/final results) and apply for a university in japan.

http://www.panasonic.com.my/wps/portal/hom...hip/eligibility

My other friend who got a scholarship to Japan waited for around half a year. After he graduated from his degree(last year), he applied for it and went to Japan around CNY 2013.

In a gist, it depends on the terms set by the sponsors. You can apply early if they allow it. If not, just wait for it 

Another suggestion is to call the Japanese embassy to ask about their scholarship. At the same time, ask them about other entities which offer scholarships to Japan. They should know as any MY student visa goes through them. So..who knows they might tell you some extra info on those scholarship.