Malaysian Cadet Earns A Spot At US Air Force Academy

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Facing fierce competition from a global pool of applicants, Akmal Musyrif Mohd Shariff has earned a coveted spot at the renowned United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) this year, joining the prestigious ranks of a handful of Malaysians before him.

Akmal Musyrif, 20, a graduate of the Malaysian National Defence University (UPNM), is set to enrol in two weeks in Colorado, United States (US).

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Manu Bhalla presented the acceptance letter at a ceremony held here Tuesday and said this achievement continues to underscore the robust and growing partnership between the US and Malaysia.

“The partnership between Malaysia and the US has opened up broad opportunities and exchanges for Malaysian students to come to the US and Americans coming to Malaysia to further their studies.

"This (academy to academy) has been in the framework of this wonderful collaboration,” Bhalla said.

Bhalla also extended his gratitude to the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, and other military agencies for their unwavering support in strengthening the ties between the US and Malaysia's service academies.

This year, 95 countries were invited to nominate candidates, with the goal of enrolling foreign students at each US service academy.

Currently, there are seven Malaysian cadets training in the US – three at West Point’s US Military Academy, two at the US Naval Academy (USNA), and two at the USAFA.

For Akmal Musyrif, who is on track to graduate from the USAFA in 2028, he is excited to embark on a new journey as a cadet studying abroad.

When asked if he would also be responsible for social media updates like previous cadets, he responded, “I would like to do the same to continue inspiring young people out there. Study well and study overseas.”
-- BERNAMA