Kota Kinabalu Division Founder's Day

It's been 8 years since I visited Kota Kinabalu, the biggest city in Sabah, after the Brigade Council Meeting in Sandakan and after climbing the mountain. Back then, I didn't get much chance to see the city, hence unable to remember very much of the place. I recently have a breather in work and with AirAsia so happened to be selling cheap tickets, I decided to take the opportunity to visit KK as well as visit Mr. Sim Guan Jian, formerly serving in 3rd KL, who is now back in his hometown. 

The Kota Kinabalu Division so happened to be celebrating its Founder's Day on the 27th October 2013. Having been busy the day before due to many events, I was initially unable to come. But curiosity (once again), had the better of me. I got on a 6.45am flight on Sunday the 27th itself, arriving in KK at 9.30am. Sim fetched from the airport and we had to kill time till 3pm. The KK divisions were having rehearsals at the Putera Ballroom, one of the local halls. 

Before the event - 2nd KK's BB Room

Before heading over to the hall, Sim brought me to the Kota Kinabalu Basel Church, home of the 2nd KK company for a tour of his BB room. It has tons of stuff in there and held a rather meticulous records system. I mean, even Dr. Danny Wong's squad roll book was intact. Wow. 

After a waiting for his Staff Sergeant to collect some drums, I got myself checked into DM Hotel, a nearby budget hotel, took a quick shower.. and it was off to Putera Ballroom. 

The Best Recruit Medal, worn by the recipient for the year. Not a bad idea!

What is the KK division? Well you see, in Sabah, several companies in a town form a "Division". So there are three Divisions - Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau Division (in contrast to Sarawak which has "Districts"). The KK Division, used to be called the Kota Kinabalu Battalion, is made out of 2nd KK, 3rd KK, 4th KK, 5th KK, 10th KK, 1st Penampang and 1st Keningau. 

KK Division Guard of Honour

The event officially started at 6.30pm, but couldn't really commence until an hour later as we were awaiting the arrival of the Guest of Honour, YB Encik Masiung Banah, Sabah's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.  We were also expecting Mr. Henley Liew, Sabah's State Commissioner to arrive, but he never came due to flight delays. Still, it was great to have someone from the government gracing this event.  

The arrival of the Guest of Honour, YB Encik Masiung Banah, flanked by Mr. Michael Lee, 5th KK captain and Mr. Donald Soh, 2nd KK's Hon. Captain. 

All the colours (with the exception of 10th KK and 1st Keningau) getting prepped for the drumhead service

Normally a Founder's Day or dinner banquet would be quite standard. But this event was special for me cause it was the first time I attended a Founder's Day Dinner. Normally, it's just a parade, service, games and go home. So this was indeed special. Another thing out of the ordinary was what they called a Drumhead Service, which, according to them, was a service conduced during wartime in the absence of a physical church building. The drums will be laid out to form an alter and the Colours will be laid on the makeshift alter, consecrating the battlefield. I found the whole process to be eye opening and meaningful. It was great seeing almost all the Colours present too.. something we wanted to do in KL this year (we did have all the Colours last year).. I'm gonna make sure KL companies bring their Colours in 2014. Maybe not a drumhead service though. 

Rev. James Wong conducting the drumhead service

Marching out of the Sabah State Colours

The organising chairman of their Founder's Day this year is Mr. Anthony Fong, who is the founder of the BB in Sabah. He started the 1st KK and 4th KK companies (1st KK formed 2nd KK, while 1st itself morphed into 3rd KK when their sponsors closed down). Despite his old age, Mr. Fong came out of retirement and chose to serve once again in the BB. 

Mr. Anthony Fong, Honorary Captain of 4th KK and the event's organising chairman, giving his speech

YB Encik Masiung Banah giving his speech

Praise and Worship 

Cake cutting. It is after all BB's 130th Anniversary

The rest of the evening was filled with presentations and performances, entertaining the audience made out of parents, members, ex-BB Boys and supporters. Did I mention the price? It was RM40 per ticket! That being said, it was free for me, thanks to Mr. Sim who generously paid for my ticket. Thanks Sim!

2nd KK Percussions

Mime by either 3rd or 4th KK

4th KK Juniors presentation. Cute performance! Questionable song though..

1st Keningau dancers

I'm glad I came to KK, making new friends and learning a great deal about how the BB operated in KK. I hope God's working will continue to expand in this land.

The retreat was sounded, flag lowered and the singing of the BB Vesper marked the end of the event

Congratulations to Mr. Wong Chee Khoon & Yee Leng!

I would like to offer up my congratulations to my friend and captain of 1st Ipoh Company, Mr. Wong Chee Khoon. We first met at the ANTS in Penang, 2010 and work together once in a (very long) while, especially EOTC and the first ANTS hosted by Perak State Council. Chee Khoon recently became 1st Ipoh's captain in 2013 (or was it 2012?). He is very soft spoken but very strict when it comes to BB matters. 

Presentation of what happened earlier that day

The happy couple got married on 26th October 2013. I wasn't able to witness the occasion as I had duties to perform. Apparently, he got married in ceremonial BB uniform. What passion. Though I personally will never get married in BB uniform.. 

Me posing with the newly weds, who look absolutely stunning that evening.. Yea, don't mind my shoelace. 

Well, congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wong! Wish you a happy life and that the Lord will watch over your marriage.

Together We Are One - KL State Founder's Day 2013

Founder's Day! The day we commemorate the existence of the Founder and show appreciate for his life, enabled by the Lord, whose vision gave birth to The Boys' Brigade and eventually all other uniformed-youth movements around the world. As a Boy while still in my blues, this event used to be one of the National/Battalion events I looked forward too, mainly because we got to see other BB companies. For me, this date is also a cruel reminder how time flies.. it really felt like it was just yesterday we did the previous Founder's Day at MCKL.  

This yea'r Founder's Day was held at the St. Gabriel's Anglican Church, home of the 4th KL company. It was initially supposed to be held in KL Wesley, but we were able to secure the venue. To me, this was a blessing in disguise as it is good to try different venues for Founder's Day. 

Founder's Day 2013 Banner

It was the morning of the 5th October 2013, just one day after the 130th BB Day. I was in-charge of the Guard of Honour. Unfortunately, half the companies came late and we were only able to start rehearsals at 9am - the time the event was supposed to begin. I'm glad to say that all KL State companies were represented in the Guard of Honour (with the exception of the brand new 13th KL which was recently approved by Brigade EXCO, which doesn't yet have uniforms). So yes, all KL State companies were present! 1st KL, 2nd KL, 3rd KL, 4th KL, 6th KL, 10th KL, 12th KL, 13th KL and 1st Seremban. I believe this is the first time all companies in KL State have come together in a long, long time. Praise the Lord! 

Colour Party led by Mr. Darryn Chiew of 2nd KL 

I was leading the KL State Council Guard of Honour, with only 0 minutes, (yes, no typo there) to practice, it was a major rush. To make matters worse, more than half of them were in a GOH for the first time. I had to perform the first magic trick of the day, which was to train up in a GOH-ready team in 30 minutes. 

KL State Council Guard of Honour

It was unavoidably messy and barely acceptable. I haven't led a GOH since 3rd KL's 2010 E&A. I did the biggest mistake of the day by forgetting to "Tutup Barisan" and reforming the line to three ranks. Quite a major embarrassment, but I hardly had time to ponder as we needed to move on to the next programs for the day. 

Me reporting to Mr. Tony Chow, KL State Commissioner

An overflowing sanctuary

The event proceeded on with a group photo session, then praise and worship led by 10th KL. This event, we took the opportunity to give prizes to the recent winner of the Writing Competition, which main prize was an iPad, 2nd Prize a Windows Surface, with the winning company receiving a LCD projector. It a bold and risky experiment, not to mention costly, but the prized did attract 57 articles from all the KL State companies. Surely, it was worth it. The special presentations was followed by Special Awards, where Founder's, President's and Gold Awards were given.

Winners of the Writing Competition and T-Shirt Design

Sergeant Au Kar Fei receiving his President's Award

After the formalities, the invited speaker and 6th KL chaplain, Pastor Joe Loon, presented his sermon and testimony. I wasn't in the hall most of the time as I was coordinating several things, but Pastor Joe shared about his life, formerly being a 4th KL member. 

The State Colours resting at the alter. Nice shot. 

During the sermon, the Junior were split and went to a nearby hall to have their own session. We got an entertainer, a former-2nd Penang Boy who works in MCKL, Mr. Reuben Chan to conduct the session. Based on the picture, I guess he did very well as it was all smile from the Juniors.

Juniors were given a treat by Mr. Reuben Chan

The last round of events saw telematches organised by 4th KL. It was just something to get the KL State members interact with one another, otherwise, it would've been a real shame to just come and go not making new friends. Not sure if they did make new friends or not in the end, but try we did.

Telematches

This year we tried to bring back a few old traditions, like selling a event souvenir badge for Founder's Day and also t-shirts. The t-shirt design was via a competition meant to create awareness and excitement for Founder's Day. Initially there were many interested to submit designs, but this lazy generation doesn't have enough stamina. However, we did get a great design by Staff Sergeant Benjamin Yap of 10th KL, who also received his Founder's Award this day. An unintended side effect we discovered was that selling these limited edition stuff could actually cover cost for the event, even a profit. Therefore, I am recommending that we do this every year for similar events. 

Limited Edition KL State Founder's Day 2013 badge. Only 100 pieces were made. 

I set up shop to sell the t-shirts and badges. Felt pretty good actually. Brought out the stereotypical chinaman capitalist-lust within in which I haven't felt for sometime. 

 All in all, a great Founder's Day. And Happy 130th birthday Boys' Brigade. Well done to Mr. Tan Choon Lun, the organising chairman and Boys of the 4th KL company for successfully organising this event. 

 

At night most of us went for Stedfast Association's Grand BB Reunion Dinner, held at Menara PGRM. There were around 80 tables and it was not only to commemorate the Founder, but to reconnect past members of the BB. A special thanks to SAKL too for allowing KL State to conduct an offering which saw us bring in over RM5700.

Judging in GB's KLFT Junior Drill Competition

On 28th September 2013, I was called upon by our friend's at The Girls' Brigade Malaysia to be one of their judges for their Junior Footdrill Competition, organised by their Selangor-Federal Territories Group Council. I was roped in together with Giok Hui (1st PJ BB Captain) and Choy YIng (GBM Training Coordinator), who as the chief judge. There were four teams, one from 1st KL, one from 4th KL and 2 teams from 1st PJ. 

1st KL GB Team

GB's Junior wear the same, if not similar uniforms with their Seniors and Pioneers. Cadets have another type of uniform (there was one cadet competing). It was a new experience for me, not that I have no judged for Junior BB teams before. There is always a dilemma - should I "reduce" my drill standards, knowing they are Juniors, who usually have lower standards of drill? Or should I just maintain the standard I was always used to. After some deliberation, I found that the best way is to always maintain ones drill standard, not "shift" or have double-standards for various groups. It is more consistent that way. 

4th KL GB Team reporting for inspection

But one can't help admire the cutest with Juniors. Okay, I have to be careful saying it like that here cause it's judging for girls.. but I assume readers know what I am talking about when I said cute and be more innocent minded about it. So, yes, they are so small and young .. but its adorable seeing them try their best to march in sync and executing commands together and correctly. 

My partner in crime, judging in this competition

Naturally, Giok Hui and I can't help in the uniform inspection since I have no clue how the GB uniform works (though I think I should), hence don't know what to look out for. Giok Hui started of in GB back in 1st Kota Bahru, but it has been too long and she's not familiar with changes in the uniform. We both of us were able to sit back for this one.

Choy Ying carrying out uniform inspection for one of 1st PJ's drill teams

All the teams did well, though I do feel they could tap on some experience from their BB brothers, who generally have higher standards of drill (no offence, but its true for now). GB Drill competitions are also a fairly recent thing and a way to keep the standard going is to have more of such competitions annually. The idea and goal of such competitions is not to show "who is the best" anyway, but to encourage better standards of drill.

(Forgottenwhatshername) announcing the competition results 

At the end of the day, results came to be:

1st Place - 1st KL

2nd Place - 1st PJ

3rd Place - 1st PJ

4th Place - 4th KL 

Best Commander - 1st PJ

Participants celebrate as the results are announced

1st KL officers celebrate after their team was announced winners  

1st KL Drill Team winners of 2013

Great effort by all the participating teams and congratulations to 1st KL GB for winning 1st Place. 

Best Commander goes to 1st PJ, posing with 1st PJ Advisor, Lee Fuang 

Lest We Forget.. Mr. Stanley Woodruff - The 3rd KL Founder

56 years after the founding of 3rd KL, we sadly have forgotten the figures who made all this fun possible in the first place. Although 3rd KL prides itself in its reasonable amount of archive and record keeping, there is a giant blip at the start of our history. 

Every recruit going through 3rd KL will have to learn BB History, of which one section will focus on company history. Recruits will learn about the man who founded the company - Mr. Stanley Woodruff, who was then an officer with 1st KL. Unfortunately, that's all we knew about the man. Towards the end of 2012, we tried to trace back the origins of this mysterious person. Through various contacts and "Boys" who were founding members of 1st KL, we were able to piece a few details together. 

It is known that Stanley Woodruff service in BB Malaysia (or Malaya, back then) was as a lieutenant with 1st KL. At the time, Khoo Onn Soo was the Captain. Later, Mr Woodruff succeeded Mr. Khoo and became the Captain of the 1st KL. He was a good officer and a no-nonsense disciplinarian but very fair in treating his charges. He was also a strong believer in promoting the other pillar of BB, that is, the development of the spiritual side of the movement.

Mr. Wooduff was instrumental in teaching the new BB company at the YMCA the ropes of starting the company, of which was captained by Mr. Paul Peter, 3rd KL's first captain. Mr. Stanley Woodruff was never an officer with 3rd KL. It is also known that Mr. T. Mori, a prominent figure in YMCA, played a major role in making arrangements to start the BB. 

Unfortunately, from there what we know about 3rd KL's founder is little. He was Central District President and was involved in drawing up the District's Constitution. What he did, occupation, country of origin (probably British, but one can never be sure - might have been from any Commonwealth Realm) and if he is still alive is completely unknown. It is a sad loss that this part of history could be loss forever. Yet, we can be thankful that we did piece together something.. putting a face to the man that started it all for us. 

Mr. Woodruff is seen in this 1st KL group photo taken in 1958.

Possibly the only picture of the 3rd KL founder in uniform. 

Special thanks to Mr. Martin Chong, Mr Eddie Chong, Mr. Tan Kim Soon, Mr. Terence Tay and Mr. Alfred Ong  who used connections within the Stedfast Associaiton KL. Without you, we would never have been able to put a face on the man. 

3rd KL Enrolment and Awards Day 2013

Another year with 3rd KL, the company where it all started. All the way back in January 1997, on a weekend unfortunately forgotten, when I first walked into the YMCA for a taste of the BB.

For me, taking an enrollment pledge is important.. otherwise I won't be doing one at all. It is also important for me to remain connected to a BB company.. doesn't matter which one. Some may criticise me for it, but they've never been in the shoes of a true full-time officer, which will always find a need to belong somewhere for support, emotionally and spiritually. Otherwise, again.. where does one who does not have office colleagues turn to?  Even Sir William Alexander Smith, while being in full-time ministry as Brigade Secretary, was still attached to 1st Glasgow (probably even still as it's captain, but I'm not sure about that one).

It is always a solemn moment for me taking that enrollment pledge, reminding myself why I'm doing this in the first place. A promise to God and to my comrades to serve another year.. which is redundant because I've already decided to serve for life (not necessarily in a full-time position.. don't jump it).

Officers and Staff Sergeants taking the Enrollment Pledge

Group photo of 3rd KL Company 2013

Congratulations to those promoted, too many to name.. and those appointed to Staff Sergeant as well as Warrant Officers, particularly Bryan Fernandez and Arvind Gomez, who were my Target Recruits while they were in Form 1, 2006. Congrats to Jarod Kok - you made it bro!

Despite the usual hype from enrollment, we move into an uncertain year plagued by non-commitment attitudes - our new enemy which we must overcome. 

Band Concert Festival 2013

On June 6th, 2013, the 1st Kuala Lumpur Company embarked on a bold quest to host BB Malaysia's first ever indoor band competition. Getting to this stage was difficult and full of miscommunication, but finally the event materialised and was a success - as do most things last minute for the BB. This seven was held at Wesley Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur brand new premise, Wesley Legacy Centre, which was able to fit over a thousand people.

Six bands took part, 1st KL, 3rd KL, 4th KL (with 2nd KL GB), 1st Klang, 1st Kajang and 3rd Kajang.

It was a great idea, one which isn't new since school bands have been doing it forever, but has never before been attempted by The Boys' Brigade in Malaysia. This is an attractive prospect, particularly when the "contemporary" BB company lacks time to practice formations for a Pesta Band Competition, which requires months to prepare. This competition format only requires two songs, one for evaluate skills and another to determine the most entertaining band.

Organising chairman, Mr. Yee Mun Theam, 1st KL captain

Five judges were invited, one or two from overseas (ie. Singapore). 

1st Klang band

1st Kajang band

3rd KL band

1st KL band

4th KL (& 2nd KL GB) band

3rd Kajang band

Skid by 3rd Kajang during the band.. but it was so deep.. I couldn't understand what it signified

Though BB bands standards are far less than our secondary school (even some primary school) counterparts, it is amazing of what we can accomplish with just 2 hours of band practice together weekly. School bands have the luxury of more time and convenience as their instruments are already in the school premises. Most bands are able to practice 2-3 times a week. Some even an hour or two every weekday. For us in the BB with other programs, it may not be possible to have the best of both worlds without compromising other aspects of BB (not to mention studies, family and non-BB friendships!).

1st KL GB hand bell team giving us a treat during the intermission

After a long day, the competition ended and the event, which was a more a band "festival" than it is a competition. moved on to a time of workshops lead by the individual instructors. The results were only announced the next day. 4 bands remained and the rest of the event, with 1st Klang and 4th KL excusing themselves due to other events. The 4 played their performance pieces at the end of service on Sunday for the viewing pleasure of the Wesley Methodist Church KL goers.

Another unique feature (to the BB) about the competition was that there was no traditional placing like 1st, 2nd or 3rd, but instead, band were given "medal categories". There was, however, one best performance piece, based on the second songs.

1st KL - Best Performing Band with the song "Party Rock Anthem" 

The placings were:

1st KL (Gold Medal)

3rd Kajang (Gold Medal)

1st Kajang (Silver Medal)

4th KL (Silver Medal)

3rd KL (Bronze Medal)

1st Klang (Bronze Medal)

Best Performance - 1st KL 

Well done to all!

I foresee this format taking precedent for many future BB events, with even word that Pesta may consider this format. If so, I'm glad we did it first here in KL. Well done and thank you to the officers of 1st KL for their hard work.