INSPIRED TO LEAD, COMMITTED TO SERVE

Teamwork, discipline and resilience: These values were instilled in 2LT Nithira and 2LT Dylan Loo in sport and at school, and continue to guide them as newly minted SAF officers.

She has proudly represented Singapore in red and white on the hockey field, competing in regional and international tournaments.

Today, she dons Army green fatigues, ready to embrace her new responsibilities as an officer in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

For 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Nithira D/O Manimaran, the discipline of sport and the demands of being a military officer share a common thread: teamwork, resilience and staying composed under pressure.

A new calling

Starting hockey at the age of 10, 2LT Nithira quickly grew in both passion and ability.

In 2017, she joined the Youth Development Squad and debuted for the national women’s team in January 2022. As part of the team, she took part in the 2023 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia and the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Yet even as she pursued excellence on the field, 2LT Nithira felt the call to serve the nation in another way.

Since young, she had been inspired by her father, 2nd Warrant Officer (2WO) (Ret) P Manimaran, who served in the Armoured Infantry.

“I remember our family outings to camps during Family Day – this sparked my interest in uniformed organisations (since I was a child). He was very supportive of me signing on.”

Her experience as a sports coach also played a pivotal role in shaping her decision to join the SAF. From 2022 to 2024, she provided coaching in gymnastics and helped out in sports camps for students at the International French School.

“Through coaching, I discovered the fulfilment that comes from guiding others, building strong team dynamics, and helping individuals unlock their potential. It made me realise that leadership and service are not just passions, but callings.”

Building resilience

She took the plunge and enlisted in October 2024. One of the toughest experiences 2LT Nithira has faced is the Jungle Confidence Course (JCC) during her Officer Cadet Course (OCC).

A milestone experience for many officer cadets, the gruelling JCC comprises navigation exercises and survival training in diverse jungle terrains.

“Being outfield—working together on our tasks, problem-solving under pressure, and adapting to harsh conditions — was challenging but rewarding. It was during these moments that strong friendships were forged,” said 2LT Nithira.

Drawing parallels to her sports journey, the 23-year-old added: “Endurance was not just individual; it came from how we collectively adapted and supported one another through fatigue.

“(It’s) just like in hockey, where staying composed under pressure, pacing through tough matches, and trusting teammates are all vital to achieving success.”

Servant leadership

For fellow OCC graduand and motorised infantry officer 2LT Dylan Loo Dejun, National Service (NS) has been a continuation of his journey in servant leadership.

During his student days in secondary school and at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, he took up leadership roles in Student Council and the robotics club, as well as in founding student-focused startups.

“To me, leadership is not about giving instructions – it is about understanding your people, bringing out their best, and having the discipline to hold yourself to the highest standards,” said the 21-year-old.

“OCS (Officer Cadet School) reaffirmed that leadership, at its core, is about people. It is forged in quiet moments: sharing the weight in the rain, being present when morale dips, and uniting others around a shared mission.”

Citing an example, 2LT Loo recalled how his commanders had planned a training mission a day after a four-day outfield exercise, as part of resilience training.

His platoon had been assigned as the “enemy” to counter the rest of the company.

“We were frustrated and exhausted having to go through yet another mission that seemed never-ending. (But even though we were outnumbered,) we were able to punch above our weight and draw strength from each other in the face of challenges.

“It reinforced the lesson that leadership is forged in adversity — and when united by a common goal, no challenge is insurmountable.”

For his efforts and outstanding performance in his OCC, 2LT Loo received the Sword of Honour – an award given only to the top of the cohort – at the commissioning parade held at SAFTI Military Institute on 13 Sep.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which I see not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the people who shaped me.

“This recognition is a reminder to myself to keep learning, growing, and giving back.”

After being commissioned as officers, 2LT Nithira and 2LT Loo will serve in 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR) and 2 SIR respectively.