KUALA LUMPUR: Four outstanding Malaysian students have been accepted to continue their studies at prestigious service academies in the United States (US) this year.

They are former Royal Military College (RMC) students Qarin Loqman Safriza and Muhamad Danish Imran Zainudin who will be attending the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Another two students -- Edlan Mikyad Ahmad Syamly and Zarif Mohd Zamrin who had recently completed their foundation programme at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) will enroll in the US Military Academy (West Point) in New York and US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively.

US Embassy Charge d' Affaires Michael Newbill who presented the four students with their certificates of appointment in a ceremony held at the embassy here, Tuesday, said 69 countries were invited to nominate candidates with the goal to enroll 15 students in each of the service academies this year.

"Less than 20 per cent of international applicants were selected. Congratulations to the cadets, and their families for their incredible achievement," he said.

Met by Bernama after the ceremony, Zarif said the opportunity has brought him one step closer to becoming a military officer, a lifelong ambition since he was 15 years old.

"If you strive to achieve the impossible, you'd be amazed at how close you come to it. Do not aim for the sky when there are footprints on the moon," he said of his strong principle which has driven him to excel in all the rigorous and competitive selection processes.

Concurring with Zarif, Qarin Loqman said the passion and good time management skill has led him to achieve his target, especially on how best he can contribute to his homeland.

He also paid tribute to his father, a marine engineer, who he described as his best role model and who continues to inspire him to strive for excellence.

"With all the positive mindset and thinking, all perseverance and hard work will be paid off. I truly believe in that and am glad that I'm currently on track to accomplish what I want to do so much -- marine technology," Qarin Loqman who is also passionate about music and sports, said.

There are currently five cadets from Malaysia in the US Service Academies, one at the US State Military Academy, two at the US Naval Academy and two at the US Air Force Academy.

All the four students from this year's batch will graduate from the respective academies in 2026.

-- BERNAMA