Harvard Club of Malaysia Defends Academic Freedom Despite US Visa Ban

SHAH ALAM – The Malaysian chapter of the Harvard Club remains steadfast in its dedication to academic freedom, intellectual discourse, and the values that have consistently characterized Harvard University.

As the The US government takes action to strip Harvard of its authority to admit international students. —posing a threat to thousands of Malaysian and international scholars—the Club emphasized the significance of bravery, transparency, and dedication in molding future leaders and protecting the university’s heritage.

In a statement, The Harvard Club of Malaysia voiced strong support for their alma mater’s dedication to free and independent inquiry amid recent political pressures faced by Harvard University in the US.

Being one of the oldest and most distinguished institutions in the United States, Harvard has traditionally served as a light for critical thought, academic liberty, and a worldwide forum for exchanging ideas, drawing talented individuals from every corner of the globe.

As the premier educational institution in America, Harvard has consistently been a stronghold for unrestricted exploration, analytical reasoning, and an active exchange of thoughts and concepts.

Committed to excellence, it consistently strives to attract top talent regardless of their origins across the globe.

This dedication and transparency have consistently been crucial factors behind Harvard’s and other leading U.S. universities' accomplishments and triumphs. Given today's worldwide landscape, it has become increasingly vital for us to expand our viewpoints, enhance our comprehension, and guide with bravery.

"The separation of educational institutions from the real world undermines the fundamental basis of human advancement," the statement read.

The club stated that universities ought to be assessed based not solely on their historical records, but also through their bravery and deeds during challenging periods. According to the club, Harvard's position is grounded in principles instead of political affiliations.

The president of the Harvard Club of Malaysia, Khoo Eu Wen, has declared that his organization wholeheartedly backs the stance of their alma mater and reaffirms their dedication to principles such as openness, investigation, and community service.

“These principles 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," Khoo said.

Khoo also highlighted the lasting message etched above Harvard’s entrance: 'Enter to gain wisdom. Leave to improve your nation and aid humanity.'

Today, those words are more than just a hope; they are a duty," Khoo pointed out. "And duty is never simple. It’s challenging.

As highlighted by Krishnavenee Krishan, who serves as the deputy president of the Harvard Club of Malaysia, this issue is especially pressing for current Malaysian students at Harvard and those who have been recently accepted.

We are especially worried about the situation faced by present Malaysian students at Harvard as well as those recently accepted. They are talented young Malaysians capable of contributing significantly to Malaysia, America, and the global community.

Krishnavenee stated, "They must not have their chance at obtaining a top-notch education and making significant global contributions taken away from them."

The context surrounding the Harvard Club of Malaysia’s statement involves the recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to rescind Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) certification. This action essentially prevents Harvard from admitting new international students.

This action endangers tens of thousands of students worldwide, with numerous Malaysians among them, and also presents significant fiscal hazards for the institution.

The Department of Homeland Security, headed by Secretary Kristi Noem, justified the revocation by pointing out Harvard’s non-compliance with specific governmental requests and claimed "an unsafe campus atmosphere."

Harvard denounced the move as "illegal," cautioning that it would significantly interfere with the institution's educational objectives and adversely affect its constituency as well as the nation.

International students have voiced significant worry and ambiguity, with an Austrian student characterizing the circumstances as "frightening and disheartening" and expressing apprehension about a potential decrease in the U.S. being seen as a top choice for further studies.

Study clubs and scholarly organizations have criticized this action as dictatorial and punitive, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign students to American education.

A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction halting the termination of international students’ legal status temporarily, allowing some stability while the legal process unfolds.

Institutions such as Columbia University have similarly encountered comparable penalties, underscoring the politically charged character of these issues.