How KTJ’s mentors helped Raja Harith transform clarity into acceptance at Wharton.
Raja Muhammad Harith bin Raja Abdul Halim is clear about the importance of ambition and preparation in achieving success. Now studying economics with concentrations in finance and public policy at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), he credits Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) as the institution that encouraged him to dream big and equipped him to pursue a place at one of the world’s top universities.
Raja’s path to KTJ was itself a deliberate choice to step out of his comfort zone. “Before I went to KTJ, I was in Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), an all-boys’ school. Even before that, I went to an all-boys’ primary school,” he says.
“So I was in all-boys’ schools for 11 years.” By the time he completed form three, he was ready for a change. “I wanted something different,” he explains. “A different environment, different educational experience, different everything, just to learn and grow as much as I can in other environments. So, KTJ was a good choice.”
KTJ: A culture of encouragement
KTJ’s international environment was a new experience for Raja. “Transitioning to KTJ was my first experience in a co-ed school, and the environment was very different,” he recalls.
The diversity of its community stood out to him immediately. “We had students from places like Korea, Hong Kong, and China,” he says. “You get, you know, the whole kind of global perspective on things.”
But what truly set KTJ apart for Raja was the school’s emphasis on academic achievement and its unwavering support for students aiming for top universities.
“Firstly, from an education perspective, it’s an international school, and it is very competitive,” he explains. “The teachers were very knowledgeable. We had very good academic directors, and the whole staff were really supportive of all the applicants applying to universities.”
One individual Raja credits significantly is Emma Davidson, KTJ’s Head of Sixth Form. “Ms Davidson was the overall leader,” he says. “She ensured that we had the resources and support to apply to the best universities in the world.”
This included access to University and Careers Guidance Counsellors, like Susan Renaud, who played a crucial role in shaping Raja’s aspirations.
“Ms Renaud definitely got me into Wharton,” he says. “She encouraged me to apply early and aim high. Wharton, being one of the best, if not the best, business schools in the world, became my target.”
KTJ’s guidance extended to helping students navigate the complexities of university applications across multiple countries. “The university advisors were responsible for planning and advising students on how to apply to UK universities, US universities, or anywhere else you wanted to go—Hong Kong, the Netherlands, you name it,” Raja says. “We had a very good team there.”
A clear focus on finance
Even before his time at KTJ, Raja had a strong sense of what he wanted to pursue. “I knew since form four I wanted to do accounting or finance-related things because my parents talked a lot about those subjects,” he explains. KTJ’s rigorous curriculum and supportive environment gave him the tools to refine this interest.
“The interest in studying economics and the finance world, the accounting world in general, is because of high school,” Raja reflects. “I think my parents got me into it, and I just gravitated towards it as I went along.” By the time he reached KTJ, he was focused on turning this interest into a clear academic and professional path.
The school’s competitive culture also prepared him to excel in high-pressure environments. “KTJ is very much a British school,” Raja explains. “Everything is house-driven, and it’s super competitive within houses. We competed in house athletics, house rugby, house football, even house singing and dancing. Winning internal house competitions really culminates in the experience of the school.”
Raja didn’t just participate—he led. As Deputy Head Prefect, he gained valuable leadership experience. “That helped me to figure out how to lead an organisation, lead other people, and think about target setting and the effectiveness of organisations,” he says.
Reaching for Wharton
When it came time to apply to university, Raja knew he wanted to aim high. Wharton stood out as the perfect fit for his ambitions. “Wharton isn’t just a business school; it’s the best place to learn about how the world operates,” he explains. “It allows you to learn so much in such a short amount of time. You can study marketing, finance, public policy, or management—the diversity in education is something I was really excited about.”
Wharton, renowned for shaping global leaders, has an illustrious list of alumni, including business magnates, policymakers, and visionaries. Among its most notable graduates are Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States; Elon Musk, the entrepreneurial force behind Tesla and SpaceX; and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc.
These figures exemplify the calibre of individuals shaped by Wharton’s rigorous academic environment and its emphasis on leadership and innovation.
For Raja Harith, walking the same halls as these influential figures represents not just an achievement but also an inspiration to make his own mark on the world.
The support he received at KTJ was instrumental in helping him secure a place. “The experiences I had at KTJ shaped my character and helped me write a cohesive essay in my application that got me accepted by Wharton,” Raja says.
Ms Renaud’s encouragement to apply early proved pivotal. “She really guided me in understanding what Wharton looks for and how to position myself as a strong candidate,” he explains. The preparation he received at KTJ, combined with his clarity of purpose, gave him the edge he needed to succeed.
A broader mission
Now studying at Wharton under a Bank Negara Malaysia scholarship, Raja views his achievements as part of a bigger picture. His inspiration comes from his mother, whose story has shaped his approach to education and ambition.
“My mother is my inspiration,” he says. “She came from very little and worked her way up through a scholarship. She showed me that scholarships can be life-changing, not just for individuals but for their families and communities.”
Raja sees his role as a scholar as a responsibility, not just a privilege. “One thing to consider for anyone who’s applying to scholarships is that you have to think that you are an asset to the organisation that is basically investing in you,” he says.
As an intern at Bank Negara, Raja has already seen how his academic background can make an impact. “I was interning on the investment side of the central bank, trying to manage our country’s reserves,” he explains. “When working with the reserves, you see how every decision you make has an impact. My background in finance, from both Wharton and my earlier studies, helps me analyse risks and opportunities effectively.”
Aiming higher
Raja’s time at KTJ was about more than just academics—it was about learning to aspire. “That’s the special part of KTJ,” he says. “It prepares you for more than just academic success—it prepares you for life.” With the encouragement of mentors like Ms Davidson and Ms Renaud, he dared to dream of Wharton, and with their support, he made it a reality.
As he reflects on his experiences, Raja is committed to paying it forward. “With the support of KTJ, Bank Negara Malaysia, and my family, I hope to give back to my community and leave a lasting legacy,” he says. His story stands as a powerful example of how the right environment, combined with determination and guidance, can inspire extraordinary achievements.