First Day at Work as the KL State Full Time Worker

My first assignment as the KL Full Time Officer (official title is Executive Secretary, but it sounded too chim for a nature it ought to be) started with a visitation to the 2nd Kuala Lumpur Company on the early mornings of 15th October 2011, a Saturday. Parade was held at their usual grounds at Grace Methodist Church Sentul. Attendance was hampered mainly by exams and a non-BB excursion some of the Boys were having, but that didn't stop a loyal 10 Boys and the one steadfast captain from coming!

2nd KL Opening Parade - Attendance was poor mainly due to exams

2nd Kuala Lumpur is one of those companies which has roughed it out over the years. Having being formed in 1957,  pretty much the same year as the country, was one of the few companies formed when BBM was still the FCMBB. In the past decade, it has constantly been threatened to closure due to its relatively small membership, partly due to the shrinking population of recruitable Boys in their school base, Methodist Boys' School Sentul (SMK (L) Methodist, Sentul). Still, the moral of the 2nd KL story is that not once did it go in-active or close down. That's the meaning of Steadfastness!

The Company has saw three different captains in the last 4 years, dues to various sensitive reasons. At present, Mr Cephas Yap faithfully leads the Boys and it's few officers. The was a standard BB program - the opening parade, singspiration, games, band, Christian Education and closing parade. There was no drill that Saturday as they extended the band to practice for an upcoming performance for school.

Pte. Terence Lee doing a forfeit during an games session

Personally, I do not find 2nd KL Boys any different from those from other all Boy companies. The passion and yearning for brotherhood is exactly the same. This is key towards the attractiveness of the BB, that is fellowship - BB's main source of retention. From there, the Object too can be realised. 

In the last year, Cephas was able to stabilise the programs and make things more consistent - another thing which is extremely crucial. Our Boys can clearly see our mistakes, as much as we like to assume how dumb and inexperienced they are, when in actual fact they see our cover ups and excuses as clear as day. In the past 2nd KL was plagued by officers and senior NCOs who go absent at will, something absolutely unacceptable no matter what background one is from nor whatever the circumstance. This will only lay a dying foundation, spiraling out of control year after year, until one day people just decide not to come altogether, for a few weeks, which eventually turn permanent. Fortunately, this culture is slowly being weeded out of the company through firm discipline and care. 

I'm confident 2nd KL will recover to a greater strengths in the future. With people such as their capable officers and enthusiastic Boys laying a foundation to the future, things will slowly but surely improve. There are talks of them acquiring another school for recruitment next year. I hope I can assist them the best I can. 

It's high time The Boys' Brigade in Kuala Lumpur to shine!

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.

1st Ipoh 20th Anniversary Dinner

I received an invitation over Facebook from friends made in Ipoh. A couple of years ago, I did not have a single contact in Ipoh. Now, they are one of my key partners in the Brigade ministry and I am glad to know so many fine people serving in this Company.

On the 7th August 2011, the Company was celebrating it's 20th Anniversary (since revival) and celebrated together with Wesley Methodist Church Ipoh's anniversary, which is their Sponsoring Authority.

Mr Wong Chee Khoon leading the Guest of Honour Mr Lim Chong Ho, TRAC Representative

In year 1991, the Company was revived with Dr Ting Cheh Sing spread heading the effort. Dr Ting is still going strong serving as the Company's Honorary Captain. Though 1st Ipoh has been through it's ups and downs since revival (I remember seeing their school magazine which needed three pages to report on BB as well as a year when 20 Founder's Man were produced), it has remain to be one best Companies in Malaysia.

Dr Ting doing the first part of MCing

How does one determine the best company? Most would say numbers/sizes or from Competitions. However, I believe success is determined on how many Boys going through the ranks perform well in society and making a social impact. That is - something that resembles the BB Object. Many 1st Ipoh Boys have gone on to do pretty well in their studies and careers (though some may argue that it's due to their Life Chances) which no doubt had help from the BB in terms of character building, especially in the area of Christian Manliness.

The evening's programmes was simple. I had good Company being on the same table as the 1st Teluk Intan Boys. One (Sgt. Wesley) was receiving his President's Badge that night. Congratulations!

Well done 1st Ipoh. Hope more is to come!

Johor NTS Coach Clinic @ Kluang

I've never been to Johor before.. or at least in my recent memory (I did go there in 1994, but I was just 10). That made setting foot in Kluang was something I looked forward.. it was just like going into another country! And finally I get to drive through Ayer Keroh instead of turning off into Melaka.

The purpose of my visit to Kluang was not for a holiday though (not entirely), but to conduct Johor State's first ever NCO Training School Coach Clinic. In BBM, it is mandatory for all Officers intending to coach in the Basic and Advance Levels of NCO Training School to have this clinic. Johor has not had an ANTS before, making this Coaches Clinic particularly important. This would also be the fourth clinic conducted by me this year. After completing this one, BBM has for the first time successfully trained all State's which this Clinic (Melaka joined in as well).

I've put up a night, reaching on Friday.. a day before the clinic. On Saturday I had an early start. Even paid the famous Kluang Rail Coffee a visit.

We first dropped by Herald Presbyterian Church, the Sponsoring Authority of 2nd Kluang Company which was located right smack in the middle of town. There we caught a glimpse of it's programmes with a sizable Juniors Section. Yen and I decided to observe Mr James Soo, it's new Captain and the recently appointed State Commissioner, who was in action teaching the members some Safety lessons. James is only 23 this year, making him one very young, but truly capable State Commissioner.

2nd Kluang Captain and Johor State Commissioner, James Soo, leading Safety class

After a short 30 minute stay, we were lead to the school platoon of 1st Kluang. Mr Charlie Ang, the Honorary Captain and one of the veterans of the Company, lead us to SMK Jalan Mengkibol (which they affectionately call SJM). The boys and girls were running their drill programme. Mr Charlie took some time to introduce me and invited me to give a speech. That caught me a little off guard. Hope I managed to inspire them though..

1st Kluang being briefed by Mr Charlie Ang

We headed back to Herald in time for the clinic which started at 10.30am. Turnout was fantastic with Officers and Instructors from 1st Kluang, 2nd Kluang, 1st Muar, 1st Kulai, 1st Johor Bahru, 4th Johor Bahru and 2nd Melaka.. totalling up to approximately 25 attendees, of which half came from 1st JB.

The clinic was smooth. I personally felt I was out of form.. But I am thankful for the participation and willingness of all that was present to take on this (relatively easy) task. It is the start to something great!

Participants of the Clinic listening attentively

This is also my last Coach Clinic in my official capacity at the BBM Training and Extension Executive. However, it will probably not be the last Clinic I am required to conduct =)

My First Head Coaching Experience

Just a four weeks prior I was around to conduct a NTS Coach Clinic for a hopeful group of 20 plus Officers and Instructors.. soon I found myself back in the humble town of Ayer Tawar, Perak to conduct my first ANTS as the Head Coach. To be honest, it wasn't something I looked forward to. Who in the world looks forward to doing something for the first time which they aren't sure of? Oh well..

There is still a job to do. An odd group of 40 Boys and girls from all 1st Manjung, 2nd Manjung, 3rd Manjung, 1st Ipoh, 1st Teluk Intan and 1st Kulai were present, representing most of the Companies from The Perak State Council. On the same dates (28-30th May 2011) the Basic NCO Training School was also running in the same compound. Most of the same Companies were present, along with an addition of 6th Ipoh, 7th Ipoh and 4th Kampar. I'm deeply troubled that 2nd Kampar wasn't among us.. hope the Company is doing okay.

ANTS Participants waiting for.. something =)

Due to the confidential nature of the ANTS, I cannot disclose the process of what happens.. aka.. no tips for those who haven't attended. But I can comment on what I felt about this batch.

The experience handling and observing this group was quite different from the ones I've seen in KL. These individuals seem more independent in thought and action. Perhaps a result of being in smaller towns, means greater street smartness.. especially if they were required to work part-time which is a more common experience for teenagers out here. In KL, they on start working part time when they are in college at best.. or during the school holidays. However, all groups displayed one thing in common - laziness. Perhaps this is something we need to work on when we "change their mindset" right at the beginning.

I didn't perform as well as I like. Really need to toughen myself up and be more fierce.. and not smile too much. What a challenge. Another ANTS coming in Johor.. hopefully I'll be able to do better in that one. But to be honest, I was disappointed with myself that I couldn't perform as well as Mr Loh Pau Joo.. but I'll try to do better next time.

Squad Hebrews lead by Mr. Wong Chee Khoon (1st Ipoh) having one of it's modules

"Hurry! Time is running out!!!"

I am very glad and proud of the team that I was with. Madam Nga, the State Training Chairperson and the Captain of 3rd Manjung Company did extremely well in putting this NCO Training School together. It is Perak's first State organised ANTS as well as the first combined course. Hopefully this will be carried on consistently for years to come. The helps and coaches we had for this course performed extremely well and I am owe my thanks to each one of them for their hard work put in. In terms of organisation, this NTS is on par with Penang, KL and Sarawak.. which is a great sign. Praise God for his faithfulness.