3rd KL's 65th Anniversary Celebration

On August 21, 2022, 3rd KL Company celebrated its 65th anniversary since its humble beginnings in 1957. The thanksgiving dinner was held at the Chung Kwok Primary School Hall (which was designed by my father by the way) and saw around 230 guest in attendance. 

We only had two months to prepare for the event - a rather last-minute call largely due to my own fault as I was trying not to let too many practices dominate the year, as it has with previous anniversaries. To me, this defeats the point of the actual BB programme. That being said, I do appreciate the fact that events like this give members something to look forward to and work towards. There was real cohesion and excitement from the Boys leading up to the day and commitment levels were far better than average. 

Several performance items were lined up for the evening and each member had something to do to entertain guest while there were having dinner. There was a dance piece from the Juniors, a drill performance by the Seniors, a sketch (which was too long, on hindsight), a band performance, and the Company choir. There were also pre-recorded video interviews in between items, speeches, a pop quiz, and appreciation of former members (which included the celebration of ex-captain Peter Siew's birthday - which was on the day itself).

There was also awards and promotions/appointments, as well as the Enrolment Service, which took up almost an hour. Hence, it was an overly packed programme, which on hindsight, was overkill. Guests didn't really have time to mingle as there weren't sufficient (or any) intervals. A lesson leanred is to keep the programme simple and that it is okay to have plenty of idle time. People can find joy in each other's company

The event marks my second Company anniversary event as Captain. To confess, it was not an event I looked forward to (which partly contributed to me dragging my feet getting plans in motion). While I'm eager to bring together parents and supporters - it's meeting literally decades worth of expectations from the Old Boys which I found absolutely nerve wrecking, especially when the Company is not in great shape in terms of membership. A decade ago 3rd KL was 155 members strong. At the time of the anniversary, we were less than half that size - with 64 members. 

Despite my concerns, once I was able to look beyond my pissy lack of self-esteem/confidence issues, I did look forward to catching up with many who used to be in the Company. While not many Old Boys came, largely because I started off the invites late, there were still fair representations of the various batches of 3rd KL members among our guests. It was an honour to play host to them. 

I'd also like to play acknowledge the financial contributions the Old Boys who raised RM3,200 for our general operations! We could truly feel the 3rd KL spirit from their dedication, despite them no longer serving actively in the Company. 

Despite the challenges faced, the night was a success. I want to thank all the Company officers, NCOs, Boys, parents, Old Boys, BBM, KL State Council, as well as other BB companies present such as 1st PJ, 1st KL, 4th KL, 10th KL, and 12th KL for their support! 

In case people were busy eating and/or weren't listening, either way missed out on something crucial I said during my speech - I announced that this will be my last Enrolment as Captain for the foreseeable future (well, I technically the next Enrolment I will still need to be wearing the red rosette before passing it on to whoever's next). That doesn't mean I will no longer be in the Company though - I'll serve as a Lieutenant and back up the new captain. It just means I will be paving the way for a new generation. I believe when a captain's commitment/passion wanes, it is time for a shakeup and release of the top position - otherwise, it will be highly problematic, even deadly for the Company. 

I'm open to coming back as captain many (and I mean MANY) years later if God calls me (even EXCO if need be). But for now, I will be making way. 

Thank you Lord for your guiding hands of 3rd KL for the past 65 years. We continue to seek you as we continue to serve youth and community.