Actor and comedian Suhaimi Yusof admits that when people look at him now, they may not think that he served national service.

But his experiences in the army are something that he treasures deeply.

They helped to shape the man he is now, the 47-year-old said.

The lessons he learnt went beyond learning how to defend himself and the country.

They also taught him how to forge relationships with people from different backgrounds. Race and religion were never barriers.

"As a platoon, everyone received the same punishment, for instance. This taught us to work for one another, whatever our differences," he told Berita Harian.

This camaraderie can be seen in society as well.

"Sometimes, we take for granted the good relationship there is between different segments of society. But we have to realise that it is our responsibility to protect and strengthen this harmony."

He explained that the main way for him to get others to connect is through comedy. "It breaks down walls between people."

Adrian Lim