Once-in-a-lifetime offer

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian military officers are among 10 cadets worldwide who have been granted places to study in prestigious military colleges in the United States. 

Cadet Officer Muhamad Zamir Hashim, 22, will attend the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and Cadet Officer Shazarul Ridzuan Shaari, 19, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, this year. 

Both of them, who will be reporting in mid-June, have been offered full four-year scholarships amounting to RM64,000 per year for a bachelor’s degree in science. 

In presenting the certificates of admission to the officers at his residence here yesterday, US Ambassador to Malaysia Christopher J. LaFleur congratulated them on their accomplishment. 

WELL DONE: LaFleur congratulating Cadet Officer Shazarul Ridzuan (right) while Cadet officerMuhamad Zamir looks on after the certificate presentation ceremony yesterday. — Bernamapic

“The appointment process is long and very competitive. You are one of 10 international cadets worldwide to attend each academy. 

“For each international acceptance, there are 89 other candidates who applied. You have distinguished yourselves and earned a four-year scholarship that will develop you academically, morally, physically and professionally,” he said. 

Each academy recruits about 1,000 students each year with only 10 places given to international students. 

LaFleur said it was an impressive achievement for both the officers and Malaysia to get two positions out of 10 international entries. 

“This also underlines the fact that the Malaysian military services are among the very best in the world, and that the United States and Malaysia share a very important partnership,” he said. 

Malaysia has had 17 graduates from various US service academies since 1991, and currently, a cadet officer has been at the USNA since last year. 

Meanwhile, Cadet Officer Shazarul Ridzuan, who had his early education at the Royal Military College, said he was happy but a little nervous about meeting the new challenge. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After completing my studies, I will return to serve with the military in Malaysia,” said the eldest of seven siblings. 

His father, Lt Kol Shaari Baba, who was present at the function, said, “I am proud of his achievement. I have always encouraged my children to join the military.”  

Lt Kol Shaari is chief instructor at the army institute in Port Dickson. 

As for Cadet Officer Muhamad Zamir, he said he was thankful for having been given the opportunity to attend the West Point academy and vowed to study hard to garner as much experience as possible. 

“I may elect to study engineering there,” said Muhamad Zamir, who hails from Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. – Bernama