3 UMPSA Cadet Officers crowned Best PALAPES Cadets

PEKAN, 24 September 2024 – Three cadet officers from the PALAPES unit at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) were recently awarded the highest honours as Best Cadet Officers in the categories of Army, Navy, and Air Force at the 42nd Royal Commissioning Ceremony of Cadet Officers from Public Universities (UA), held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

At the ceremony, the Sultan of Perak, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah, representing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, conferred commissions on 1,435 PALAPES cadets from 20 public universities, including 35 cadets who received the Best Officer Awards—16 for the Army, 11 for the Navy, and eight for the Air Force.

Second Lieutenant Ahmad Haziq Zulkifle, a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering Technology (Computer System) with Honours student, was honoured with the Best Cadet Officer Award in the Army category.

Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Nor Irfan Syamil Nor Azmi, a Bachelor of Project Management (Honours) student, was named Best Cadet Officer in the Navy category, and Second Lieutenant Muhamad Yani Juriany, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering student, was recognised as the Best Cadet Officer in the Air Force category.

Second Lieutenant Muhamad Yani Juriany shared that he received the Sword of Honour for being selected as UMPSA's Best PALAPES Air Force Cadet Officer.

“The Sword of Honour is awarded to the 35 Best Cadet Officers from 20 public universities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force services.

“I also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of the Air Force for being the Best Cadet Officer from UMPSA's PALAPES Air Force unit, presented at the Commissioning Parade Banquet during the 42nd Royal Commissioning Ceremony of Public University Young Officers in 2024.

“I am deeply honoured and moved by this recognition, and I am grateful and happy to have received the highest award in the ceremony,” he said.

He added that the most memorable moment was receiving the award from the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Second Lieutenant Ahmad Haziq Zulkifle expressed that UMPSA had provided strong support and encouragement to the PALAPES unit.

“UMPSA’s initiatives for PALAPES included offering facilities and resources, particularly for the Army section's activities.

“This made it easier for the PALAPES Army to carry out activities smoothly, with the cooperation of UMPSA’s ADAB Academy,” he explained.

Speaking further about his aspirations in the military, he hopes to continue serving the nation in the military field after completing his studies.

“My hope for the future is to remain in the military after these three years in the PALAPES Army.

“I’ve learned a great deal about the military, and I intend to pursue a career as a military officer,” he said.

Second Lieutenant, Nor Irfan Syamil Nor Azmi shared that his father, Lieutenant Commander Nor Azmi Ibrahim, Head of the School of Administration and Finance, currently serving at the Royal Malaysian Navy Base, has been his idol since childhood, inspiring him to pursue a military career.

“He has always encouraged me towards the military.

“Furthermore, living in a military environment has naturally motivated and inspired me to delve deeper into this field.

“After graduating from UMPSA, I plan to join the graduate cadet officer scheme, which takes nine months, to become a full-time officer in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM),” he shared.

Second Lieutenant Nor Irfan Syamil Nor Azmi also advised students interested in joining PALAPES to pursue their ambitions without hesitation.

“If you’re interested in joining PALAPES, don’t wait—just go for it. It offers not only various advantages but also helps shape your character for the better.

“Don’t hesitate to join PALAPES.

“To become the best cadet officer, never give up, be courageous and resilient in the face of challenges, and, most importantly, prioritise teamwork,” he added.

At the ceremony, 63 UMPSA PALAPES cadets were commissioned, comprising 19 from the Army, 22 from the Navy, and 22 from the Air Force.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)