First 41 UMPSA students awarded PASKAM Second Lieutenant Rank

GAMBANG, 9 August 2025 – A total of 41 cadets from the Malaysian Maritime Cadet Corps (PASKAM) Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) successfully completed the first training series and received the rank insignia of Second Lieutenant in a full ceremonial event held at the Dewan Astaka, UMPSA Gambang Campus today.

The ceremony was officiated by the Pahang State Maritime Director, First Admiral (Maritime) Haji Mazlan Mat Rejab and was also attended by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, as well as senior officers of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in conjunction with the Completion of Training and Conferment of Rank Ceremony of PASKAM UMPSA Second Lieutenants Series 1/2023.

This programme was held for the first time since the establishment of PASKAM UMPSA on 17 August 2023.

In his speech, First Admiral (Maritime) Haji Mazlan Mat Rejab expressed pride in the achievements of the cadets who demonstrated high discipline, team spirit, as well as physical and mental endurance throughout the training.

“The establishment of PASKAM in public universities provides students with exposure to the duties and responsibilities of MMEA, while shaping the identity and leadership of the younger generation for the future of the nation.

“Safeguarding the nation’s waters is not solely the responsibility of MMEA, but requires the cooperation of all parties, including students and the community.

“PASKAM serves as a platform to foster awareness of maritime issues and patriotism,” he said.

Meanwhile, UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, also described students’ involvement in uniformed bodies such as PASKAM as a strategic platform to produce holistic graduates who embody a balance of academics, character, discipline, and soft skills.

“PASKAM training is not just about fulfilling co-curricular requirements, but about building excellent character, resilience, and leadership needed in the real world.

“Today’s success is the beginning of greater responsibilities as ambassadors of UMPSA’s values and leadership on national and international stages,” she said.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed; MMEA Headquarters Human Resource Director, Mohd Hamzah Murgayah Abdullah; and Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs & Alumni (Student Development), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Nizam Mohmad Kahar.

The PASKAM UMPSA training programme was implemented in collaboration with the Malaysian Maritime Volunteer Corps (PSMM) Branch and PASKAM, MMEA Human Resource Division, as well as A.D.A.B Academy and the UMPSA Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA).

The training modules also involved the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS), which emphasised discipline, leadership, time management, and teamwork.

The ceremony also recognised three cadets as recipients of the Best Cadet Awards for PASKAM Series 1/2023, namely the Overall Best Cadet Award, the Best Outdoor Training Cadet Award, and the Best Academic Cadet Award.

The Overall Best Cadet Award was presented to PASKAM Second Lieutenant Nurwaldan Wasiq Khairul Nizar, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours at the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA).

The Best Outdoor Training Cadet Award was presented to PASKAM Second Lieutenant Muhammad Amirul Hakim Bizun, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Oil and Gas Facilities Maintenance with Honours at the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP).

Meanwhile, the Best Academic Cadet Award was presented to PASKAM Second Lieutenant Eeswarri Mani Wanan, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Project Management with Honours at the Faculty of Industrial Management (FPI).

This ceremony marks the success of the first phase of PASKAM at UMPSA and is hoped to continue producing students who are not only knowledgeable but also actively contribute as agents of change and future leaders.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press