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Two Malaysian Cadets Appointed to Top US Military Academies
United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan and Assistant Chief of Staff Personnel Services, Malaysian Armed Forces, Major General Datuk Ts Reizal Arif Ismail, pose for a photo with Cadet Luthfil Haikal Haswadi and Cadet Rakis Ruhaim Abdul Rahman at the US Chief of Mission's Residence. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- Two Malaysian cadets have been appointed to the United States (US) top military academies, reflecting the long-standing security and defence partnership between Malaysia and the US.
They are Cadet Rakis Ruhaim Abdul Rahman, 22, who will attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and Cadet Luthfil Haikal Haswadi, 20, who will be appointed to the US Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Both cadets were officially appointed as members of the Class of 2029 during a send-off ceremony hosted by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
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Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan said their selections exemplify the tremendous talent that Malaysia has.
He described the the two cadets as impressive, intelligent, articulate and determined individuals.
'This selection process is gruelling and competitive globally, making their achievement even more remarkable,' he said.
The ambassador highlighted that only about 15 international students are accepted annually into each US service academy.
He also pointed out that while international students make up just one per cent of each academy's student body, they represent a significant leadership pipeline, especially in Southeast Asia.
'The Malaysian Armed Forces have a proud track record of sending cadets to the United States.
