1st KL's And There Was Light

We were given a real treat by the 1st Kuala Lumpur Company on the 2nd September 2011 with their highly anticipated Cantata.. which is a musical-story telling thing. Many 1st KL Boys, past and present were involved in this production, but what raised my expectations was the involvement Mr Terence Yap, who is well known for producing quality performances. 

That night, the Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur Sanctuary was transformed into a dazzling display of colourful lights. The Boys did well.. each item held it's own surprises. Above all, it was FREE.. even had a free bookmark to bring home.

With 3rd KL celebrating it's 55th Anniversary next year.. hopefully this didn't cause my own officer to dream too big... as such productions require mammoth amounts of time and effort. 

KL State Basic NCO Training

On an odd Saturday morning, I was dragged out of bed to ferry the KL State Treasurer, Mr Terence Tay,  to Sekolah Sri Sempurna as he was the Guest of Honour.. and he didn't know the way there. 

The NCO Training scene in Kuala Lumpur is one of ups and downs.. but at least it's been consistent for the past three years. I was not at this year's BNTS, but it looks like it went okay. Special thanks to Mr Andrew Tan and the 10th Kuala Lumpur Company for hosting the State. 

Well, it was a worthwhile trip to see the members in the closing ceremony. Pity Mr Terence, had so many hands to shake and salutes to give. 

Johor State's NCO Training and 3rd KL's Leaders Retreat

Another round in Johor, this time for the real show. Finally after several attempts, there is finally an ANTS in Johor Darul Ta'zim. Praise God! In total, there were 23 ANTS and 56 BNTS participants, and roughly 20 of so Officers and helpers converging in the humble town of Kluang, Johor in the confides of SJK (C) Chong Eng from the 27-29th August 2011. It was (supposed to be) a combined effort by both Selangor and Johor State Councils, with Selangor contributing (one) Officers and Johor hosting.

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with the outcome of the camp, despite a few unforeseen circumstances and some questioning of how the NTS system works. All in all, some mistakes made, lessons learnt and all that is necessary to lay foundations for the future. I was focused mainly on the ANTS side while the BNTS was managed by the 1st Johor Bahru Company. I believe they did an excellent job, so well done. 

As for the members, participants from 1st Johor Bahru, 4th Johor Bahru, 1st Kulai, 1st Kluang, 2nd Kluang, 1st Klang, 1st Kajang, 4th Petaling Jaya and 8th Penang made up most of the participants in this course. This group was an interesting one and I am touched by their willingness to make sacrifices for one another. Good stuff. 

Late night jogging! 

There was one unpleasant moment when we had no choice but to chase away 6 participants from a local Company of which has not been through the Basic NCOs' Training School. Their Officers have claimed that they have conducted their BNTS as part of the regular Company programme, but after thorough investigation, we found that their syllabus is outdated - which is the current ENTS syllabus. It pains me to break the news that they needed to be transferred out of Advance and be put into Basic.

I hope BB Officers man up and be responsible for their members. All BNTS and ANTS organised needs a green light from Headquarters and the Brigade Training Chairman (at the moment it's Mr Loh Pau Joo). That goes with a Training Application Form and other formal procedures. Only ENTS can be done by Companies on their own without need for application.

 BNTS and ANTS participants from Johor and Selangor 

My special thanks to the young State Commissioner and 2nd Kluang Captain, Mr James Soo Ya Ge for his efforts in making this course possible. You are a living testimony to the saying "let no one despise your youth". Also would like to thank all coaches.. Madam's Ang Yiu Fei (1st Kulai), Tan Wee Ling (1st Kulai) and Tan Giok Hui (1st Petaling Jaya) who have made so much preparations in terms of materials.. as well as Joel (1st Klang), Leshvind (1st Klang), Peow Teik (4th Petaling Jaya), Jye Yng (4th Johor Bahru) and Boys from 2nd Kluang for all the hard work put in.

3rd KL NCOs Council 2011/2012

The course ended at 1.30pm and I wasted no time in hitting the road again. I was hoping to reach Fraser's Hill by 7pm in time for dinner. 3rd Kuala Lumpur was having it's Leaders Retreat and I was hoping to catch the last night and day at least rather than missing out completely. No regrets rushing up and down - it was fun.