Captain (CPT) Abdul Lateef Bin Mohamed Nasim (middle) is as a Platoon Commander at the Officer Cadet School in the Singapore Army. He is a recipient of The SAF Scholarship and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence from Oxford University and a Master of Arts in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences from Columbia University.
Captain (CPT) Abdul Lateef Bin Mohamed Nasim’s path to the Singapore Army was Anything But Regular. Aspiring to be a lawyer initially, his experience at Officer Cadet School (OCS) and subsequent role as a Platoon Commander in the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment during his National Service changed his course.
Inspired by the strong bonds he formed with his fellow servicemen and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on his community, Lateef was drawn to the Singapore Army.
As a Platoon Commander at OCS currently, he is responsible for training and mentoring the future leaders of the Singapore Army. Through rigorous training, he shapes cadets to lead with courage, resilience, and duty, ensuring Singapore’s military stays strong and prepared for future challenges.
We sat down with Lateef to uncover the passion and drive behind his dedication to shaping the next generation of Army leaders.
Going from wanting to be a lawyer to joining the Singapore Army is a pretty big shift! What made you decide to make that change?
The Singapore Army offers me the perfect mix of things I was looking for: the chance to work closely with people, contribute to my community and enjoy a dynamic career where no two days are the same.
Another big draw was the camaraderie and strong bonds I quickly forged with my peers and fellow servicemen. Overcoming tough training and challenges together created a natural sense of brotherhood, something I knew I wanted in my career.
As an Officer, you are entrusted with the lives of other servicemen under your charge—many of whom are full-time national servicemen (NSF). It’s an opportunity to develop a sense of purpose, helping them become not just better soldiers but brothers and sons.
CPT Lateef with his platoon in OCS, just after completing their Platoon Assault Course
How has the SAF Scholarship supported your personal and professional journey so far?
The scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my university studies overseas in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) without financial concerns. Having a career to return to also gave me the freedom to explore new interests in university, from sports to clubs, and immerse myself fully in the collegiate experience.
Additionally, the scholarship also encouraged me to pursue a master’s in a quantitative field, which exposed me to new ways of thinking and analysing the world.
During my studies, I returned for vacation attachments across various branches of the Singapore Army. Over three years, I contributed to COVID operations, worked on Army-level training plans, and participated in capabilities development at a Formation Headquarters (HQ).
CPT Lateef with his fellow PC in 6SIR, when he first decided to sign on
What's it like being a Platoon Commander at OCS? Walk us through a typical day on the job!
As a Platoon Commander at OCS, I have the privilege of shaping future leaders of the SAF. A typical workday varies depending on the training that my cadets have scheduled for the day. It could include classroom lessons to build their technical knowledge, physical training to enhance their fitness, or field training to boost their competence and confidence in our cadets. In addition to daily trainings, we plan for upcoming sessions and often take on external projects to strengthen the SAF’s training systems.
How has your academic background in law shaped your perspective and approach as a leader in the Singapore Army?
Having studied Law, I have learned to identify and apply different rules to different contexts. Being taught and challenged by some of the brightest academics in the legal world has honed my critical thinking. Both have been immensely useful in my career in the Singapore Army. The logical reasoning I developed during university has strengthened my decision-making and clarity of thought as an Officer.
Additionally, the data analysis and quantitative skill sets I gained have proven essential in many projects I’ve been involved in. We should leverage data to strengthen our decision-making processes.
Shaping the future leaders of the Singapore Army is no small feat. What drives you to stay committed to this role?
I have the privilege of witnessing the growth of my cadets throughout their 38-week course. The training is meant to be difficult and push them to their limits. It is always heartwarming to see them overcome their challenges, build their resilience, acquire new skills, and transform into confident and capable young men and women.
More importantly, I know that every Officer Cadet I mentor will eventually lead their own soldiers. By instilling the right qualities, skills and values in them, I’m able to create an impact that extends far beyond my platoon. This ripple effect drives me, knowing that I have the opportunity to influence so many more people.
CPT Lateef with his trainees, just before their Commissioning Parade
Could you tell us about some unique opportunities you've had in the Singapore Army and how they've shaped your growth as a leader?
In May last year, I had the chance to participate in the LANPAC Leadership Forum in Honolulu, organised by the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). The three-day conference allowed me to meet young military leaders from other countries such as the US and Japan, where we exchanged our experiences on junior command. We also gained valuable insights from senior military officials, both active and retired.
I’ve greatly benefited from similar strong mentorship within the Singapore Army. Senior leaders take the time to guide and develop the next generation, and this investment in our growth is something I truly value in my career.
Surprise us with an interesting fact about your work!
It’s not just about outfield exercises or "chiong sua"—there are many office-based roles in the Singapore Army too. What I appreciate is the variety the career offers. Rotations across different postings allow us to become well-rounded, pick up new skills and take on diverse responsibilities. Some of my colleagues are working in fascinating areas like human resources, futures planning, operations, defence policy, data science, digitalisation and more.
Any advice for those considering a career in the Singapore Army?
My advice to those considering a career in the Singapore Army is to be prepared for a calling that sometimes requires sacrifice. There will be times when the needs of your soldiers come before your own. But leading them is always a privilege, and few things are more fulfilling.
The career is dynamic, and everyone’s experience is unique. You’ll need to adapt to change and uncertainty, but rest assured, you’ll receive the support and training needed to face these challenges head-on.
