Latest news with #HarvardClubofMalaysia
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Door to US education not closed
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian students planning to further their studies in the United States can continue submitting their applications as usual, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has confirmed. However, the embassy stressed that there is a distinction between submitting an application and securing a visa. 'Student and exchange programme visa applicants may continue to apply, and it is important that they are fully truthful in their applications,' the embassy said when contacted yesterday. This clarification comes amid reports that some Malaysian students are reconsidering their plans to pursue higher education in the United States, following policy changes introduced by the Trump administration. Students worldwide, including Malaysians, have expressed anxiety as the United States reportedly prepares to temporarily suspend US student visa appointments. Their concerns were heightened following reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had instructed US embassies to halt the scheduling of student visa interviews, as the administration moves to expand social media screening for applicants. The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur gave an assurance that no previously scheduled appointments have been cancelled. 'For those without an appointment, we recommend continuing to monitor for the availability of new slots,' it said. Foreign students intending to study in the United States are typically required to attend an interview at a US embassy in their home country before a visa can be approved. On May 22, the Trump administration banned Harvard University from enrolling international students. A US judge has subsequently blocked the move but the uncertainty among students remains. The Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) has backed the university in opposing the move by President Donald Trump, saying: 'We at the Harvard Club of Malaysia fully support our alma mater's stand and affirm our commitment to openness, inquiry, and service — principles that not only define Harvard, but also our enduring role in society.' 'To isolate institutions of learning from the world is to undermine the very foundation of human progress,' said the HCM. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that Mara-sponsored students initially bound for further studies in US universities this year will probably be sent to the United Kingdom instead. The United Kingdom seemed to be the best choice given its facilities and Mara's close cooperation with the universities there, he told reporters in London where he is on a four-day working visit. Asked about Public Service Department-sponsored students who are slated to pursue their studies in the United States, Ahmad Zahid said he would discuss with the Chief Secretary to the Government and PSD director-general on the matter.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia committed to inclusive higher education, says Zambry
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia believes that higher education must enable people from diverse backgrounds to learn with and from each other, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic). In a statement yesterday, the Higher Education Minister said the country remains committed to the principles that give education its purpose and reach. 'Malaysia will continue to support inclusive education and stand with institutions and communities affected by measures that limit access and weaken diversity. 'We also affirm the belief that higher education must enable people from different backgrounds to learn with and from one another. 'Our universities reflect this commitment through policies and partnerships that prioritise access, collaboration and respect. 'These choices express our values and shape the future we seek to build,' he said following the move by US President Donald Trump's administration to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students. Zambry added that the US government's decision reflects a wider trend. 'While the case is timely and familiar, it points to a broader retreat from inclusion and openness in higher education,' he said, noting that the deeper issue is the shifting values that such actions reveal, challenging long-standing principles that have allowed universities to build trust across borders and create space for shared intellectual growth. As such, he said, the global higher education community is concerned with the growing rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States. On Friday, the Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) voiced strong support for the university in opposing the Trump administration's move to bar the institution from enrolling international students. HCM declared its solidarity with Harvard's stance, reaffirming its dedication to the core values that define both the university and its alumni network. Its president Khoo Eu Wen said the alumni are ready to meet the challenge by championing intellectual and cultural exchange, while also ensuring that Malaysian students remain motivated to achieve.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia supports inclusive higher education, says Zambry
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia affirms that higher education must enable people from diverse backgrounds to learn with and from each other, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. In a statement on Saturday (May 24), he said the country remains committed to the principles that give education its purpose and reach. "Malaysia will continue to support inclusive education and stand with institutions and communities affected by measures that limit access and weaken diversity. We also affirm the belief that higher education must enable people from different backgrounds to learn with and from one another. "Our universities reflect this commitment through policies and partnerships that prioritise access, collaboration, and respect. These choices express our values and shape the future we seek to build," he said following the Trump administration's move to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students. Zambry added that the decision to restrict international student access at Harvard University reflects a wider trend. While the case is timely and familiar, it points to a broader retreat from inclusion and openness in higher education, he pointed out. The deeper issue is the shifting values that such actions reveal, challenging long-standing principles that have allowed universities to build trust across borders and create space for shared intellectual growth. As such, he said the global higher education community is observing with concern the growing rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States. On Friday (May 23), the Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) voiced strong support for the University opposing the Trump administration's move to bar the institution from enrolling international students. HCM declared its solidarity with Harvard's stance, reaffirming its dedication to the core values that define both the university and its alumni network. Its president Khoo Eu Wen said that alumni are ready to meet the challenge by championing intellectual and cultural exchange, while also ensuring that Malaysian students remain motivated to achieve their hopes and dreams.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Harvard Club Malaysia backs university in face of Trump's crackdown on foreign students
The Malaysian alumni group expressed 'full support' for Harvard's position and reaffirmed its dedication to the university's founding principles. – AFP photo KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): The Harvard Club of Malaysia (HCM) has come out strongly in support of Harvard University following a controversial move by the Trump administration to bar the institution from enrolling international students. In a statement issued today, the Malaysian alumni group expressed 'full support' for Harvard's position and reaffirmed its dedication to the university's founding principles. 'We at the Harvard Club of Malaysia fully support our alma mater's stand and affirm our commitment to openness, inquiry, and service — principles that not only define Harvard, but also our enduring role in society,' the club said. The club added that it remained confident in Harvard's values-driven approach amid what it described as shifting 'political winds.' 'We are confident that the university's ongoing commitment to its values, globalism, the rule of law, and the betterment of humanity will continue to stand it in good stead,' the statement continued. The US Department of Homeland Security yesterday announced that Harvard would lose its Student and Exchange Visitor Programme certification. The revocation effectively blocks the university from enrolling international students and places thousands already studying at risk of losing their legal status. The move, ordered by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, was justified on grounds that Harvard was 'fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party' — allegations the university has rejected outright. Harvard described the action as unlawful and retaliatory, saying it threatened the university's academic mission and the well-being of its international community. HCM president Khoo Eu Wen said the alumni network is prepared to rise to the moment by continuing to champion cultural and intellectual exchange. He added that HCM remains committed to encouraging Malaysian students to pursue their academic aspirations. Deputy president Krishnavenee Krishan also voiced concern over the impact of the ruling on Malaysian students, especially those newly admitted to the Ivy League school. 'These are bright young Malaysians with plenty to offer Malaysia, America, and the world,' she said. 'They should not be robbed of their opportunity to receive a world-class education, and to make world-class contributions.' Harvard, which hosts nearly 6,800 international students — about 27 per cent of its student body — said it is preparing guidance for affected students and reaffirmed its commitment to their education. The Trump administration's decision marks a significant escalation in its broader campaign against elite academic institutions, particularly those seen as resisting federal demands. – Malay Mail Harvard Club of Malaysia Harvard University trump us
