KUALA LUMPUR: Cadet Akmal Musyrif from Putrajaya has been accepted to attend the United States Airforce Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, class of 2028.
The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur hosted a simple yet significant send-off ceremony to recognise Akmal's achievement and celebrate his admission to the academy today.
Manu Bhalla, Chargé d'Affaires from the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, congratulated the cadet and commended him on his stellar performance.
He said Akmal's family played a big role in supporting the 20-year-old's development.
"Thank you for what you have done and thank you for entrusting him to us, to go and serve for four years at the academy."
Hailing from a military family, Akmal's parents, Major (R) Shariff Hussain and the late Lt Colonel Azlina Azmi had played an integral role in raising their children with values that have now resulted in Akmal being selected to USAFA
In his speech, Akmal said his late mother was upset with him for turning down a Public Service Department scholarship to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering, in Japan.
His father had convinced him to become an airforce pilot which led him to join the National Defence University Malaysia instead, with the goal of gaining admission to USAFA.
"But still, I promised her that I'll do my best and still be selected to go overseas. I dedicate my achievement to my late mother, Lt Colonel Azlina bt Azmi. I'm glad I kept my promise, although I regret I could never share this moment with her."
This year, 95 countries were invited to nominate candidates with a role of accepting 15 candidates in each of the US service.
Bhall said: "The selection process is rigorous, competitive and the candidates are selected based on their academic performance, physical aptitude, character and leadership potential."
Since 1971, 39 Malaysians have graduated from the US service academies. Akmal will be joining the seven who are currently studying at the US Service academies, with two at the military academy, two at the US Naval Academy and three at the USAFA.
In attendance was Major General Datuk Reizal Arif Ismail of the 4th Malaysian Infantry Division, who is also an alumni of this programme. Reizal graduated from the US Military Academy, West Point, New York in 1994 and was subsequently commissioned into the Royal Malay Regiment (Infantry).
"You have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy your stay in Colorado Springs, make lots of friends and it will last you a lifetime," Reizal advised the beaming Akmal.