Congratulations: Hoh plans to pursue a Master of Science in Advanced Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration at Oxford.
JOHOREAN Hoh Jia Da has been named the proud recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship for Malaysia.
Hoh, a software engineering graduate, will join an esteemed cohort of global Rhodes scholars to commence postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, in October 2025.
The Rhodes Scholarship for Malaysia is a collaboration between the Rhodes Trust and Yayasan Khazanah.
At Oxford, Hoh plans to pursue a Master of Science in Advanced Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration, driven by his vision of combining artificial intelligence (AI) with emerging technologies to create impactful solutions.
Hoh’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination.
Hailing from Johor Baru, he initially gained recognition as a promising swimmer, affectionately nicknamed the “Little Flying Fish” during his primary school years at SJK(C) Nam Heng.
However, a life-altering accident during his teenage years, which left him with multiple fractures and several surgeries, redirected his ambitions towards academic and societal impact.
A graduate of Kolej Yayasan Saad and Universiti Putra Malaysia, Hoh has achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the Asean Humanitarian Assistance Hackathon in Jakarta, Indonesia, and being named Malaysia’s Youth Tech Icon in 2022 by the Youth and Sports Ministry.
The Perdana fellow, dedicated to bridging educational gaps and fostering sustainable practices in underserved communities, is also a co-founder of The EduLab, a social enterprise that aims to promote English among children.
Hoh said receiving the Rhodes Scholarship is not just a personal honour but also a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and the unwavering support of those who have guided him on his journey.
Armed with a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of technology, which was inspired by the European Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, Hoh said the opportunity represents a chance to turn dreams into actions that can create lasting change.
“At Oxford, I hope to deepen my understanding of the intersection between technology, policy and social impact while building connections with other passionate individuals dedicated to addressing global challenges.
“I believe emerging technologies, when guided by empathy and innovation, hold immense potential to uplift underserved communities and transform lives.
“Through this journey, I am committed to not only contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s digital transformation but also inspiring others to pursue their aspirations and make a difference in their own ways,” he said in a press release dated Dec 16.
Describing this year’s pool of candidates as “remarkable”, Rhodes Trust national secretary for Malaysia Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said Hoh stood out for his resilience, innovative thinking, and commitment to societal progress – qualities that exemplify the Rhodes values.
“As the 2025 Rhodes Trust Elect for Malaysia, he has the potential to become a catalyst for positive change, driving solutions to critical challenges both in Malaysia and beyond. We eagerly anticipate the impact he will make during his time at Oxford and in the years to come,” he said.
Yayasan Hasanah chief programme officer Intan Zalila Mohd Yusof said the Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to young leaders of outstanding intellect and character, who are motivated to tackle global challenges and serve others.
“Hoh’s selection as the 2025 Rhodes Trust Elect reflects his unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society.
“We are proud to support him on this transformative journey and are confident he will emerge as a value-driven leader, contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s development and inspiring others along the way,” she said.
Established in 1903, the Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international graduate fellowship.
Awarding 100 fully-funded scholarships annually, the programme seeks candidates with academic excellence, exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
The highly competitive selection process in Malaysia involves two rounds of evaluations before final interviews with an international panel.
Since its inception in Malaysia in 2016, the Rhodes Scholarship programme has empowered 11 outstanding Malaysians to study at the University of Oxford.
