Psychology graduate from UTAR commissioned into Royal Malaysian Navy

Demonstrating exceptional dedication amidst unique challenges, UTAR Psychology graduate Lt M Dickson Cheong TLDM, the only Chinese cadet, was commissioned as an officer cadet in the Royal Malaysian Navy (Abbr.: RMN; Malay: Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia). Lt M Cheong received his commissioning scroll on 28 June 2025 at the Royal Commissioning Parade and Conferment of Commissioning Scrolls Ceremony for Officer Cadets of the Malaysian Armed Forces Year 2025.

Held at Perdana Camp (1st Royal Malay Regiment) in Sungai Besi under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the ceremony marked the culmination of Lt M Cheong’s nine months of rigorous officer cadet training. The scroll (Watikah) was presented by the Panglima Angkatan Tentera (Chief of Malaysian Armed Forces), on behalf of His Majesty.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (Abbr.: MAF; Malay: Angkatan Tentera Malaysia), consist of three branches: the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia.

Lt M Cheong, a UTAR Bachelor of Psychology graduate, was commissioned as a Leftenan Muda (Acting Sub Lieutenant) in the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). His path reflects remarkable personal resolve.

Reflecting on his journey, Lt M Cheong shared, “Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of serving as a soldier or a policeman — to protect the weak and stand for justice. However, making this dream come true has not been easy. Along the way, I faced many challenges, especially due to stereotypes from my family and society. Despite these obstacles, I remained determined to pursue my goal.”

His position as the sole Chinese cadet in the 2025 intake presented a distinct challenge. He said, “As the only Chinese cadet in this intake, I initially saw this as a unique challenge. But I chose to view it as an opportunity to break stereotypes, prove that I could succeed, and show that people from all backgrounds can excel in the Malaysian Armed Forces. I wanted to demonstrate that being part of the military is about commitment, discipline, and a shared purpose to protect the nation.”

Describing the training that began in September 2024, Lt M Cheong spoke of transformative growth. “I have experienced hardships, triumphs, and transformative moments that are almost indescribable. These were not just physical and mental challenges, but personal milestones that reshaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and camaraderie,” he said. He also emphasised, “Nothing is easy in the military. It requires sacrifice, dedication, and resilience, especially during times of peace when many forget the essential role of the armed forces. But the work must continue to ensure national security and regional stability.”

His closing words resonated with hard-won achievement. “By serving, I am doing my part to ensure the sacrifices of those who came before me are not wasted, and that we leave behind a stronger, safer nation for those we love. Through this journey, I have gained invaluable insights into the sacrifices and dedication required to serve in the armed forces, and I am proud to say, with unwavering confidence, ‘We made it,’” he enthused.

Lt M Cheong now begins his career as a young officer in the Royal Malaysian Navy. His journey from UTAR to the parade ground stands as a testament to perseverance, national unity, and the power of dedicated service. UTAR celebrates his significant achievement and commitment to Malaysia.