Record-Breaking 6 Malaysians Accepted Into Harvard College For The First Time Ever

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In a statement on 2 April, Harvard College alumni and interviewer Nadiah Wan announced that five students were accepted into the college's Class of 2026.

However, in an update on Twitter yesterday, 4 April, she added that a sixth Malaysian, who was interviewed in Singapore, was accepted into the esteemed college too.

"Correction. There's actually six Malaysians admitted this year!" she tweeted.

The alumni said she is thrilled with the record-breaking number of Malaysian students accepted into Harvard College in a single year.

At most, only two students from Malaysia are admitted to Harvard College per year, and sometimes even none.

The six students were selected in stiff competition out of 61,220 international applicants, and at the lowest acceptance rate in the school's 386-year history at 3.19%.

The Malaysians who made it into Harvard College are:

– Chooi Je Qin, who hails from Johor and studied in SMK Sultan Ismail. He is now pursuing A-Levels at Kolej Tuanku Jaafar.

– Herman Leong Xin Yang, who hails from Penang and studied in SMJK Chung Ling. He is now pursuing A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM under a Public Services Department (JPA) scholarship.

– Ishant Shah, who hails from Penang and studied in SMK Bukit Jambul. He is pursuing studies in the Canadian International Matriculation Programme at Sunway College.

– Carisma Michaele Wong, who hails from Sabah and studied in SM Stella Maris. She is now pursuing A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM under a Yayasan Khazanah scholarship.

– Lee Ee Jenn, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, and is now pursuing A-Levels at Garden International School.

– Alyssa Yap Xin Yi, who hails from Sarawak and studied in SMK Green Road. She completed A-Levels in Anglo-Chinese Junior College in Singapore under an ASEAN Pre-U scholarship and is currently doing an internship before leaving for Harvard.

Nadiah said they all showcased outstanding qualities, including outside of academia.

This includes Chooi competing in various Astrophysics and Astronomy Olympiads, Ishant also being a national squash player, Leong playing the double bass for the school orchestra, Wong having a passion for Kadazan karaoke and language, and Lee representing Malaysia in debate competitions while championing climate action and philanthropy.

"Looking at their backgrounds, it is clear there is no 'one typical Harvard student', though they all share a dedication to pursue excellence in their fields of interest," said the alumni, who is now the group chief executive officer (CEO) of TMC Life Sciences Bhd and CEO of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara.

Other alumni interviewers, Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang Church service pastor Jacintha Tagal and Khazanah Nasional Bhd head of research Nick Khaw also gave high praise to the students, and underscored that they are all by and large products of the national education system.

"We love that multiple states in Malaysia are represented, demonstrating that outstanding young Malaysians are to be found all over Malaysia," said Khaw.

"The key for us, as a nation, is to give them the opportunities they need to thrive."

The university practices 'needs-blind' admissions, which is to ensure that the application process is independent of a student's financial ability to pay.

The amount is an increase from the previous threshold of USD65,000 (RM274,000).

"It has always been the mission of Harvard College to provide educational opportunities to the best and brightest students around the world from all backgrounds, regardless of their social or economic status," explained Nadiah.

"This singular focus on excellence is integral to Harvard's vision to serve as a haven for the world's most ambitious scholars and leaders."

The alumni said this initiative makes Harvard amazingly affordable compared to many other local or international higher education institutions, as all students regardless of citizenship or nationality, receive the same financial aid.

"Malaysia has amazing talent to offer and since finances are not a barrier to attending Harvard College, we would like to encourage more young Malaysians to apply, and we look forward to meeting them," she added.