Harvard Press Statement on Trump Policy

The Harvard Club of Malaysia Believes in Open Global Intellectual Exchange, Academic Freedom and Independence

As the oldest university in America, Harvard has long stood as a bastion for free and independent inquiry, critical thinking, and the free and robust marketplace of ideas. Its commitment to excellence has always led it to seek out the best and the brightest — no matter where in the world they came from. This commitment and openness have always been a key driver of Harvard’s and other top US universities’ achievements and success. This talent in turn has been a key driver of America’s innovation and economic prosperity.

In the current global environment, it becomes ever more imperative for us to broaden our perspectives, deepen our understanding, and lead with courage. To isolate institutions of learning from the world is to undermine the very foundation of human progress. In moments like this, a university is not judged by its history, but by its courage and action. When truth, justice, and academic freedom are challenged, Harvard stands firm — not for politics, but for principle.

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. 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, whatever the political winds of the day.

At Harvard’s gates are etched the words: “Enter to grow in wisdom. Depart to serve better thy country and thy kind.” Today, those words are not just an aspiration — they are a responsibility. And responsibility is never easy. It’s tough.

“As Harvard alumni, we will rise up to the challenge to promote global intellectual and cultural exchange and ensure that our Malaysian students are inspired to achieve their hopes and dreams,” said Khoo Eu Wen, President of the Harvard Club of Malaysia.

While a long way from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Malaysian graduates of Harvard have not forgotten the wisdom and principles we learned at our alma mater, and stand together with her in this challenging time. “We are particularly concerned about the plight of current Malaysian students at Harvard, and students who have just been admitted. These are bright young Malaysians with plenty to offer Malaysia, America, and the world. They should not be robbed of their opportunity to receive a world-class education, and to make world-class contributions,” remarked Krishnavenee Krishnan, Deputy President.

In line with Harvard University’s tradition of academic excellence and civic stewardship, the Club’s leadership is set to double down on initiatives to foster a spirit of curiosity and provide educational opportunities for our youth and Rakyat. We will expand our flagship Harvard Prize Book, awarded annually to outstanding pre-university students across Malaysia who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service. “The Prize Book reflects Harvard’s values, provides mentorship and serves to inspire a new generation of Malaysian and global leaders to create value and make a positive difference in society,” explained Amri Bukhairi Bakh ar, Treasurer.

Furthermore, we will launch a speaker series with distinguished Malaysian and international Harvard alumni and faculty, forums for the exchange of ideas as well as policy engagements to continually foster informed discussions among our citizens. Our next public forum, “Ethics on the Edge – A Public Forum on Healthcare, Profits, and the Public Good”, co-organized by The Harvard Club of Malaysia in collaboration with IMU University will be held on the 29th of June, 2025. “This event aims to foster open and high-level discourses on issues that impact the Malaysian public and help craft better healthcare policies. We welcome working with like-minded partners to further expand our programmes for the benefit of our nation,” said Dr Tan Hui Siu, Honorary Secretary.

Harvard Club of Malaysia

Founded over four decades ago, the Harvard Club of Malaysia has played a pivotal role in connecting Harvard alumni across generations. The Club is committed to nation-building, intellectual leadership, and community service.

The Harvard Club of Malaysia Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term:
President – Khoo Eu Wen, MBA ’11
Deputy President – Krishnavenee Krishnan, MPA ’13
Honorary Secretary – Tan Hui Siu, MBE ’19
Honorary Treasurer – Amri Bukhairi Bakh ar, MPA ’20

Council Members:
Mildred Voon, MPP ’17
Anisha Pradhan, MPP ’17
Izran Salleh, MPP ’17
Zad Chin, AB ’24, AM ’24
Aqil Azme, AB ’24
Zafrina Burukan, HMSEE ’23

Honorary Auditor: Ziad Hafiz Razak, MC-MPA ’15

For further information & enquiries, please contact:
harvardclubofmalaysia@gmail.com

Please note that we are not official spokespersons for Harvard University. Our views reflect the opinions of individual alumni. For official viewpoints, please refer to Harvard’s official statements or contact Harvard Public Affairs and Communications at media@harvard.edu .