PEKAN: Yoong Zhen Xuan's childhood dream of serving in the military had fuelled his interest to be part of the Officer Cadet Reserve Training Team (Palapes) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) here.
Now, after serving three years with Palapes, the 24-year-old mechanical engineering undergraduate is preparing himself both physically and mentally to join the army.
"I only have one dream which is to continue serving in the army upon completing my studies to achieve my childhood dream. I never regretted my decision to join Palapes, which has been instrumental in cultivating a sense of love for the country.
"I am filled with pride each time I wear the military-style Palapes uniforms. I never felt left out when participating in parades and warfare with teammates from other races.
"Race is not an obstacle for me to sacrifice for the country and it motivates me to continue serving in the army and the country after completing my studies at UMPSA," he said.
Yoong was met during the closing of the annual joint parade training between the 505 Territorial Army Regiment (Askar Wataniah) and Umpsa's Palapes at Camp Force 136 in Sungai Miang near here on Aug 6.
He said the opportunity to be part of Palapes had exposed him to the gruelling military training that tested his physical and mental strength.
"I had the opportunity to learn how to cook, experience jungle survival and made a lot of friends who helped me embrace the spirit of loyalty regardless of our race.
"I hope that more Chinese and Indian undergraduates along with those from other nationalities will take the opportunity to join Palapes while studying at the university," said the Ipoh-born student.
His friend, Tan Wei Qie, said Palapes had given her the exposure to become more independent and easily blend with friends of various nationalities, and backgrounds.
The 22-year-old said although sometimes she was tired after participating in the parades and military activities but remained in high spirits and was proud of being a Palapes member.
Meanwhile, D. Yuganathsn, 21, said joining Palapes had instilled the spirit of patriotism to create love for the country and form a sense of identity.