23/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 23, 2026

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SPM leavers embark on US youth exchange journey

KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Salam Malaysia (Salam) will organise a Unity Explorace (treasure hunt) and a forum on mental wellbeing and cultural intelligence on Feb 8 in conjunction with the 123rd birth anniversary of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Salam said in a statement the unity themed events, to be held at the Memorial Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra along Jalan Dato Onn, reflect Tunku’s enduring legacy of goodwill, harmony and inclusivity, which continues to inspire Malaysians. It said the explorace will be conducted on foot, with questions based on the background, achievements and legacy of Tunku Abdul Rahman, featured across both the indoor and outdoor exhibition areas of the memorial, adding that no driving will be required. “To reflect Tunku’s noble values of unity, teams will be intentionally formed with participants from different ethnic backgrounds in both the student and adult categories, ensuring that unity in diversity is experienced, not merely spoken,” it said. Salam also announced that Bernama special projects editor M. Govindnair, who is well known in local treasure hunting circles for his cryptic clues and challenging questions, has been appointed as Clerk of the Course. In addition to the Unity Explorace, Salam will host a forum focusing on mental wellbeing, cultural empathy and cultural intelligence, Bernama reported. The forum will feature Malaysian Mental Health Association president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj and Melbourne-based inter-ethnic relations strategist and author Dr Jamel Kaur Singh. About 400 participants, comprising students, professionals, parents, government officials and corporate leaders are expected to attend the events. Additional information is available via 019-382 1930 and 012-207 5951. Foundation to organise unity events

o Students aim to showcase Malaysia’s culture and multiracial harmony during stay KUALA LUMPUR: Excitement was evident among 23 students selected to become Malaysia’s young ambassadors to the US under the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Programme 2026, despite the prospect of being away from their families for six months. All members of the final cohort, from a programme that has been running for 22 years, are 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia school leavers. They will live with host families and continue their studies in the US until June, serving as cultural bridges between Malaysia and the US. Ahmad Hakimi Ahmad Sharizan, a student from Sekolah Menengah Sains Muzaffar Syah in Malacca who will be placed in Bucksport, said age and distance were not obstacles to gaining new experiences abroad. The Johor-born student said he was determined to showcase the uniqueness of Malaysia’s culture and the harmony of its multiracial society on the international stage. “I want to show people in the US how Malaysia maintains harmony and respects sensitivities among races without conflict. “Fear is always there, but I believe we need to step out of our comfort zone to learn. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity and I want to experience living and studying there at the age of 18,” he said. Neoh Sher Meng, a student from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Heng Ee in Penang, also expressed

The 23 students selected for the programme and their parents posing for a group photo during the send-off event in Kuala Lumpur. – BERNAMAPIC

“Although I still worry as a mother, seeing his resilience and courage makes me confident he will adapt well,” she said. Since its launch in 2004, more than 800 Malaysian students have participated in the fully US government-funded high school exchange programme through the US Embassy in Malaysia, in collaboration with the AFS Intercultural Malaysia Foundation, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, US Deputy Chief of Mission David H. Gamble described the programme as a meaningful educational experience for Malaysian students. Speaking at the send-off ceremony on Tuesday, Gamble described Malaysia’s education system as “deep and specialised”, adding that the American system is broader and focuses on

cross-disciplinary learning. “What a cool combination that is. I’m excited not only for what you will do in America, but for what you will do when you return and combine these experiences. People-to-people connections are at the heart of our relationship,” he said. AFS Intercultural Malaysia Foundation national director Kuhan Kandiah Chelvanathan said the selection process was highly competitive, assessing academic performance, character and general knowledge of Malaysia. “They must understand not only their own ethnic group but others such as Indians, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban, because they are young ambassadors of the country. The goal is to show how people of different religions in Malaysia live together in harmony,” he said.

excitement introducing traditional Malaysian cuisine that reflects the country’s cultural and ethnic diversity. “I hope this can be a way for me to give back to the society that has shaped who I am today,” said Neoh, who will be placed in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Meanwhile, Ahmad Hakimi’s father, Ahmad Shahrizan Mohamad Esman, said while it was difficult to let his eldest child go, he viewed the opportunity as a chance for the teenager to gain valuable exposure. “As a father, I was initially anxious as this would be Hakimi’s first time travelling so far. But I see him as an ambassador carrying Malaysia’s good name,” he said. Neoh’s mother, Siok Swee Ching, said she shared similar concerns but felt reassured after meeting her son’s host family online. about