The UPNM, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional or National Defence University of Malaysia is the first school in Malaysia that provided for the country’s need in modern armed forces. The university is located in Sungei Besi Camp, Kuala Lumpur and is fully a military school. In the year 2008, its student population reached 1,500 and 1,300 of these were Cadet Officers.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional – History of UPNM
Established in June 1, 1995 the school was first known as Malaysian Armed Forces Academy or Akademi Tentera Malaysia. Its central role was to equip the Malaysian armed forces with academic training. With the primary focus on military training, it also provided degrees in management, sciences and engineering. At the start, the degree courses were accredited by the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Some of its lecturers were even taken from the said university. It was in November 10, 2006 that the Academy was upgraded and given a university status. In the school year of 2007-2008, UPNM started to accept civilian enrollees.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional – UPNM Curriculum
There are 11 courses that are offered and these are balance of the fields in management, sciences and engineering. But aside from the academics, the students though are graded through their military leadership and physical fitness. The cadets need to go through a series of training in order to pass. Neophyte cadets will go through the Cadet Basic Training (LFI) but in their first day at the university they already undergo a military program that teaches them the basics. The students or cadets need to pass a physical fitness exam two times in a year. By the end of the school year, they must be able to survive their year-end training which lasts for 6 weeks. This is called the Single Service Training (LKPT).
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional – Admission to UPNM
In order to be considered for admission one must be between 18-20 years of age, is not married and is not legally obligated to support a child. The applicant must also be able to pass a series of screening which includes a physical exam. Aside from this a mental and leadership screening will also be given. This will be at a camp and will last for 1-3 weeks.