On 15 December 2006, LTA Abubakar bin Abduillah Alkatib completed a 12-month Commissioning Course for British and international students, the equivalent of an Officer Cadet Course in Singapore. He has done our nation proud by winning the Overseas Sword-of-Honour, given to the foreign student with the best overall performance. This is the first time the award has been won consecutively by a Singaporean student, the previous winner being then-2LT Iskandar bin Abdullah. In addition, LTA Abubakar was named Best Overseas Cadet in Defence and Internal Affairs, while fellow Singaporean LTA Emerson Ang came out Best in War Studies.In the course of training, participants had to complete gruelling tasks like the Army Combat Fitness Test, an uphill run while carrying a heavy load. They were also exposed to complex scenarios from war experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. LTA Abubakar proved that he was up to the challenge. He said, “Wanting to do Singapore proud was a driving motivation during the course. The fact that I was representing my country inspired me to go the extra mile.”A military man since his NCC days, LTA Abubakar expressed his comfort with a regimental lifestyle and his hope for an instructional tour in Officer Cadet School. He said, "As an officer, I am able to help determine the path which my men will take for the rest of their lives. I like the idea of leading people to become leaders, and Officer Cadet School would be the best place for that."

To all CLTs and Cadets, here is living proof that nothing is impossible. The sky is the limit but your dreams has no horizons. Believe in yourself and serve with pride and dedication.

SM NCC