Malaysian Cadet Is 1 Of 15 Global Candidates To Earn A Spot In US Air Force Academy
The US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Manu Bhalla, commended him on his stellar performance.
By May Vin Ang — 05 Jun 2024, 04:32 PM
Cadet Akmal Musyrif Mohd Shariff is the only Malaysian to earn a coveted spot at the renowned US Air Force Academy this year
According to the New Straits Times, the 20-year-old graduate from the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) is one of the only 15 international cadets chosen from candidates across 95 countries to train at the academy based in Colorado.
Akmal will spend four years there completing a degree in physics.
The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur hosted a ceremony on Tuesday, 4 June, to recognise and celebrate the cadet's admission.
The US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Manu Bhalla, congratulated the cadet and commended him on his stellar performance during the application process.
Cadet Akmal Musyrif Mohd Shariff (middle) receives his admission letter from the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Manu Bhalla (left), and Major General Datuk Reizal Arif Ismail of the 4th Malaysian Infantry Division (right).
Image via U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur (Facebook)Bhalla said entering the US service academies involves a stringent selection process, with the Malaysian Armed Forces nominating their top cadets
The assessments focus on not only academic performance and physical aptitude, but also character and leadership traits.
"They go through a few rounds of interviews with the embassy and the academies themselves.
"If you are chosen, it is a sign that you are truly a future leader, have achieved amazing things, and have a lot of potential," he said, as quoted by The Star.
Akmal and his family at the ceremony yesterday, 4 June.
Image via U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur (Facebook)Akmal, who departs for the US in two weeks, said he is excited to embark on a new journey as a cadet studying abroad
Hailing from a military family, Akmal dedicated his achievement to his late mother, Lt Colonel Azlina Azmi, and thanked his father, Major Shariff Hussain, for encouraging him to join the air force.
"I'm glad I kept my promise [to my late mother], although I regret I could not share this moment with her," he said at the ceremony yesterday.
The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said Akmal will be joining five other Malaysian cadets who are currently pursuing their studies at US service academies.
