KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian student and Harvard University senior, Je Qin “Jay” Chooi, was among three international students awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship this year.
The 26-year-old Chooi, who is pursuing a joint major in Computer Science and Mathematics, was named the sole Rhodes Scholar for Malaysia, according to the Harvard Crimson.
Chooi, also working towards a master’s degree in statistics at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, leads the Artificial Intelligence Safety Student Team, focusing on reducing the risks associated with AI.
At Oxford, he will pursue a three-year Ph.D. in Computer Science, with plans to continue his work on AI safety in collaboration with the UK’s AI Security Institute.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who made this possible,” Chooi said, reflecting on the rarity of a Malaysian student receiving the honour.
“I’m full of gratitude that they put this trust into me and gave me this responsibility, and I want to execute this responsibility well.”
Alongside Chooi, Sazi Bongwe from South Africa and Hairong “Helen” He from China were also named Rhodes Scholars. Bongwe, an English concentrator at Harvard, plans to pursue two master’s degrees at Oxford, one in literature and another in visual arts.
He, a senior at Currier House concentrating in Computer Science and East Asian Studies, is considering pursuing a master’s degree in either computer science or traditional Chinese studies. Regardless of her final decision, she expressed profound gratitude for the support she has received.
“I feel very excited and honoured, very surprised, very humbled,” He said.
“I’ve received so much incredible support from so many professors, mentors, friends, and also various institutes at Harvard. It feels like a dream.”
Both Chooi and He shared a deep sense of gratitude towards those who have supported them throughout their academic journeys, acknowledging that their success would not have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of their communities.
“I’m thankful to everybody who’s been part of this journey with me,” Chooi added.
The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, is one of the world’s most prestigious academic awards, granting recipients full financial support to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
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It is recognised for selecting exceptional students worldwide based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. – November 21, 2025