Two exceptional Malaysian students, Athena Siow from Kuala Lumpur and Namira Lee Tzu from Kuala Terengganu, have secured admission to Harvard College’s Class of 2029, marking a significant achievement in their academic journeys.
Athena, a Yayasan UEM scholar and alumna of Kolej Yayasan Saad, intends to major in Government with a focus on Data Science. Her dedication to climate justice is evident through her representation of Malaysia at the Conference of Youth during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) 2023 in Dubai, where she articulated youth perspectives on environmental challenges. Locally, she has enhanced climate awareness by training over 100 youth leaders via the Girl Guide programme, impacting more than 13,000 students nationwide. Additionally, Athena, a national chess competitor, offers free coaching to underprivileged children in Melaka and volunteers as a teacher for lower-secondary refugee students, supporting marginalised communities through organisations like Women of Will.
Namira, a PNB Global Scholar from SMK Chung Hwa Wei Sin, plans to pursue Environmental Science and Engineering. Her commitment to environmental conservation began with her participation in the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Programme in the United States. She successfully obtained grants from a US State Department programme for two consecutive years, leading a turtle conservation project in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which she expanded to include students with limited exposure to environmental initiatives. Namira also advocates for educational advancement as a committee member of the BASE (Basic Aid for Scholarship Essentials) Initiative, providing resources for students, particularly in under-represented regions like Terengganu, who aspire to pursue higher education.
Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob, president of the Harvard Club of Malaysia, highlighted that Harvard College continues to seek talented students globally who demonstrate a commitment to utilising available resources to contribute towards a better world. She noted with pride that many Malaysian students admitted come from government schools and increasingly from middle-income backgrounds outside the Klang Valley region.
Harvard College maintains a need-blind admission policy, ensuring financial support for students from diverse backgrounds. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, students from families earning below US$100,000 (RM447,150) annually will receive full financial aid covering tuition, housing, food, and travel costs. The Admissions and Financial Aid Office estimates that 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive need-based Harvard scholarships in a typical year.
The accomplishments of Athena and Namira not only reflect their individual dedication but also serve as an inspiration for future generations to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
