a day ago
Despite tough life, good time management and self-discipline helped me to excel, says best armed forces cadet
KUALA LUMPUR: A deep passion for a career in the military since his school days has driven Second Lieutenant Muhamad Amir Akhtar Saiful Azmi to give his best and emerge as the armed forces' 2025 overall best cadet.
The Selangor-born officer, who holds a degree in civil engineering from the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), said he looked up to armed forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar as his role model.
"He is a source of inspiration for me. This is the third time I've had the honour of meeting him, and I hope, God-willing, to follow in his footsteps and one day become the chief," he said.
He was speaking after the commissioning parade and presentation of appointment letters to armed forces cadet officers at Kem Perdana, Sungai Besi, here today.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during training, Amir admitted that balancing physical training and academic commitments was no easy task.
"Military training is undoubtedly exhausting, but I made time to study. Good time management and self-discipline were essential in ensuring I performed well in both areas," he said.
Second Lieutenant Fazril Azim Shaharuddin, who was named Best Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) cadet at the Armed Forces Training Academy (ALK), credited his mother as a key influence in developing his leadership qualities.
"Of course, within the military, we look up to the senior commanders. But my mother, Nor Asma Mat Dam, who is a headmistress of SK Kuala Krai in Kelantan, has taught me how to lead and give clear instructions — a vital skill in military service," he said.
Fazril, who is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at UPNM, said the demanding academic and military schedule required immense discipline and determination.
"Our classes run from morning to evening, followed by military training sessions from evening into the night.
"So I had to stay focused. If I didn't understand something, I would immediately ask the lecturers. The same goes for training — I always gave my best," he said.
He added that his interest in discipline was nurtured from a young age in primary school, forming a strong foundation for both his academic and military success today.
Earlier, a total of 509 officer cadets were commissioned during the ceremony, which was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Sultan Ibrahim also presented the Sword of Honour and accompanying trophies to five other top officer cadets from each branch of the armed forces.
Other top honours went to Lt Adam Daniel Suhaily (Best Army Cadet – AFTA), Lt Azrul Naiem Shah Amer (Best Navy Cadet – AFTA), Lt Fazril Azim Shaharuddin (Best Air Force Cadet – AFTA), Lt Mohamad Syahmezan Amat (Best Army Cadet – ATA), Lt Ayman Saharuddin (Best Navy Cadet – KDSI I) and Lt Muhamad Shahrul Amran (Best Air Force Cadet – RMAF-OTS).
