Two cadets from Malaysia’s Military Training Academy (ALK) have been selected to undergo training at two of the most prestigious military academies in the United States this year.
According to Berita Harian, 22-year-old Cadet Rakis Ruhaim Abdul Rahman has been accepted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, while 20-year-old Luthfil Haikal Haswadi will be heading to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Photo via Kosmo
They are among only 15 international cadets chosen globally to participate in the rigorous military education programmes offered by these institutions.
Their official appointment certificates were presented by the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, in a ceremony attended by Major General Datuk Ts. Reizal Arif Tan Sri Ismail, Chief of Staff for Personnel Services, Malaysian Armed Forces.
A Dream Born from Loss
For Rakis Ruhaim, being selected is a deeply meaningful achievement. A former student of the Royal Military College, Rakis shared that his interest in joining the Navy began following the passing of his father in 2017.
“As the only son in the family, I felt a huge responsibility to step up and lead. I believed the best way to build discipline was through military service,” he said.
His journey began when he entered the Royal Military College in Forms 3 and 4. In Form 5, he was selected for a two-year naval cadet programme in Germany. After completing the programme, he returned to Malaysia and joined the Military Training Academy (ALK).
“The eight months I spent at ALK prepared me well—physically, mentally and academically—for what’s to come in the United States. While Malaysia has equipped us thoroughly, I know there’s still much to learn when I get there,” he added.
Choosing a Lifelong Goal
As for Luthfil Haikal, the offer to study in the U.S. wasn’t the only one on the table—he also received an offer from the National Defence Academy in Japan. Still, he chose West Point, a long-held dream.
“West Point has always been my goal,” said Luthfil. “Even though I don’t come from a military background, that didn’t stop me from wanting to serve.”
A former student of MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Pendang—a school known for academic excellence—Luthfil acknowledged that his interests may not have aligned with the typical military path.
“But even with strong academic results in my SPM, I never saw that as a reason to choose a different career. The military also needs excellent students who can lead in the future,” he said.
Representing Malaysia on a Global Stage
Photo via airtime.my
Both cadets will be pursuing a four-year Bachelor’s degree programme and are expected to graduate in 2029, Kosmo! reports.
Ambassador Kagan expressed great pride in their achievements, pointing out that the U.S. service academies receive over 1,500 applications from around the world but accept only about 15 international students each year—approximately just one percent.
“This speaks volumes about the calibre of the Malaysian Armed Forces and its citizens,” he said. “Malaysia has consistently sent outstanding candidates to the U.S. over the years.”
A Longstanding Partnership
Their selection follows a highly competitive process that evaluates academic excellence, leadership potential, and physical capability.
Since 1971, 40 Malaysian students have graduated from U.S. military academies—contributing not just to global security, but also to the strengthening of defence ties and cooperation between Malaysia and the United States.
This long-standing collaboration in military education continues to foster not only professional networks but also the growth of principled leaders committed to peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
