Brigades Educational Trip 2017

Group photo at State Legislative Assembly Complex

Group photo at Sarawak Energy Berhad Headquarters

The 1st Kuching Company, The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade organised an educational trip to Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Sarawak Energy Berhad Headquarters, Kuching International Airport and Kuching Air Traffic Control Tower on August 28 during the one week school holiday. There were 37 members and 7 officers joining this trip.

The group assembled at the ground floor of the Parish Centre by 7.30 am for opening prayer, uniform inspection and briefing. By 8.00 am, we departed by bus to our first destination – the State Legislative Assembly.

At 8.30 am, we arrived at our first destination and were greeted by our young guide Ms. Nur Shalazia binti Morshidi @ Ramzi. For many of us, it was the first time entering a government building where all matters regarding our state policies were tabled and debated by elected representatives government and opposition. During the trip, we were given the privilege to visit the Banquet Hall, Lapau Hall, Sri Sarawak Hall, Galeri Awam and Aras Tinjau which are located at Level 9, Atrium Level and Parade Ground. By 10.00 am, we moved on to the next destination.

After 20 minutes’ journey, we reached the Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Headquarters. Our group was welcomed by Mr. Rowland George Clarke. Later, he led us to the auditorium for a briefing on Menara Sarawak Energy Berhad’s ‘green Building’ initiatives, the power supplied to our homes, the board of management, and future plans for SEB to work on improving the daily life of consumers. A question and answer session was held during the briefing. After the briefing, Mr. Ronald guided us on our visit to the SEB Museum and Galleria which are located at the ground floor.

After leaving the SEB HQ around 12.30 pm, we went to a nearby coffee shop for lunch before proceeding to the Kuching International Airport. It was mid-afternoon when we arrived at our last destination. We were split into two groups with the GB visiting the Air Traffic Control Tower first and the BB touring the airport terminal. Later, both groups visited the other location. During the trip, we visited parts of the airport that are not open to the public and asked questions based on what services the airport normally provides. The most interesting port was the Air Traffic Control Tower. This is the most essential part of aviation control. The control rooms are handled by experts, who are responsible for thousands of lives every day. We managed to catch a glimpse of flights departing and arriving as well as the sun setting through the airport’s tower.

It was past 6.30 pm when we finally returned to where the day started. We all had fun and memorable moments to share with others on the experience to visiting places we see every day but never actually get to enter.

Reported by: Cpl Nichol Adam Shim Wei Wan

BB Pesta 2016

The National Pesta and Convention of The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia known as ‘BB Pesta’ was first organised in 1966 at Kuala Lumpur. This camp was held bi-annually and Selangor State Council has been trusted to organise the 22nd Pesta with the theme “BE GOOD, BE GREAT, BE STRONG”. The BB Pesta was held from 17th to 21st December 2016 at HELP International School and HELP University, Subang 2. More than 1,900 participants from all corners of Malaysia including International participants from Indonesia, Philippines and Hong Kong joined this camp. For 1st Kuching Company, 8 boys and 6 officers took part in this camp. This year’s Pesta is unique as the Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of its formation in Pesta 2016.

Our journey started on the 16th December 2016, when all of us depart using the morning flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur. After we reached the airport around 12.00 noon, we took the shuttle bus to KL Sentral. Since the registration of the Pesta start at 7.00 pm onward for International and East Malaysia guest, we spent the whole afternoon exploring the bustling metropolitan districts of downtown Kuala Lumpur. After dinner, we took the charter bus from KL Sentral to the camp site. By 10.00 pm, we officially registered into the camp and were directed to our dorm.

On the 17th December morning, the registration process still continued until 12.00 noon but this time only for West Malaysia guest. We see more friends from West Malaysia arrived at the camp site. As breakfast was not provided, we have to look for our own and we are very lucky as the food stalls are nearby to our camp site just distance walking only. After breakfast, we decided to explore the surrounding areas. By pure chance of luck, we had the opportunity to ride on MRT, a new Mass Rapid Transit rail network that had a station close to our camp site. We spent the morning gallivanting along shopping malls close to the train stations. After lunch, we used our uniform and get ready for opening ceremony which was held in the campus car park. The ceremony started with the Guard of Honour followed by the speeches, then performance and lastly marched passed by each contingents that participated in this Pesta. After dinner and wash up, we gathered at the Main Hall to attend the evening service in English and Chinese language before supper and light-out.

On the Second Day, we started with an hour of morning devotion after breakfast. Due to the lack of space, two services are held simultaneously: one in English and another one in Mandarin. After devotion, we proceeded to nearby basketball court to watch the drill competition. This time, campers sat outside the fenced perimeter watching each team marched forth into the field. Three army officers have been appointed to be judges. After lunch, campers gathered at the main hall to watch the singing and dancing competition. Due to the lack of space in the hall, campers have to squeeze themselves for three hours in order to enjoy the performance. After dinner and wash up, campers returned to the hall for brass band competition. This time, the problem of insufficient floor space for campers was compensated with a live telecast of the event to nearby campus lecture hall. Throughout the night campers watched as each competing band group performed familiar yet fresh tunes of music pieces on stage.

On the Third Day, we started our activities with breakfast followed by devotion. After that, we get ready for Inter-platoon games. This games have always been the main highlight of every Pesta and we are required to wear our platoon t-shirts. Two types of games have been introduced by the organising committees called Station Games (played by platoon squad) and Outflank (played by platoon). As evening fell and the games closed for the day, campers proceeded to the canteen for dinner. What is special about dinner was that the food trucks were present at the camp site. Campers need to use the coupons provided to purchase their own meal from food trucks. A wide selection of food and drinks were available. After dinner, we proceeded with our last activities for the day called Youth Rally. A local church youth group was invited to lead us in the Rally. Many campers were touched by the stories that they shared about their journey in Christianity faith. The night ended with heart of rekindled faith to the Lord.

On the Fourth Day after we finished our breakfast and devotion, we continued our activities with Station Games and Outflank Final until lunch time. After lunch, we polish up our uniform parts and get ready for the Closing Ceremony Dinner. Since the site is remotely far from our campsite, shuttle buses ferried campers over at regular intervals. By the time our Company arrived at the Setia Convention Centre, Shah Alam, it was approaching 4.30 pm. With more than two hours to spare, we decided to explore the vast public garden and walks around the Setia Shopping Mall before proceeding towards the main convention centre for the final event of the camp. By 6.30 pm, the highlights of final event were started. Few programmes have been arranged by the organisers such as showcase performance by our fellow members; presentation of Special Awards to members and officers; and prizes presentation for the winners of each competition (Drill, Singing, Dancing, Band and Platoon Games). The closing ceremony ended with the announcement of the next host for Pesta 2018 – Kuala Lumpur, followed by group photo taking sessions.

On the 21st December 2016 (last day), we woke up early to pack our bags and clean the dorm before leaving for Home Sweet Home. Well, apart from all that the 1st Kuching Campers had much fun especially during the fourth day night after the Closing Ceremony dinner where we are able to exchange some souvenirs, phone numbers and social networks addresses with one another. Overall, the camp was great fun, enjoyable and very memorable. It is rare to see so many BB members from different companies, countries, cultures and backgrounds gathered in one place. It showed that how strong the BB spirit prevailed throughout the camp.

Reported by: Lt. Griffin Gelengan and S/Sgt Bryan Wee

Photograph by: W/O Raymond Yeo

The team with campers from Indonesia and Philippines

1st Kuching Campers

Playing Bubble Ball

Food Truck

Dancing Competition

Cultural performances by Indonesian Campers

Singing Competition

Youth Rally

Drill Competition

Brigades Enrolment 2011

The annual enrolment service of the 1st Kuching Company, the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Brigade was held at the St. Thomas’ Cathedral on Sunday, 31 July 2011 at 8.15am service. The service was started by the marching in of the colours. The service was also held to coincide with the Youth Sunday of the Anglican Diocesan Youth Council (ADYC), which are organisations of all Anglican youths under the Diocesan of Sarawak and Brunei.

The Brigades’ Chaplain, Very Revd Michael Buma Galami, who is also the Dean of St. Thomas’ Cathedral, presided over the service. This service was witness by the Brigades members from other churches, members of Stedfast Association, parents, friends and church congregations.

The service was ended at 9.45am with the marching out of the colours and then follows by light refreshment. The 8.15am Choir Ministry members rendered the praise songs. The Brigades wish to thank all present to witness the enrolment service.

1st Kuching Boys' Brigade celebrated 50th anniversary

The 1st Kuching Boys’ Brigade celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, 23 July 2011 in a grand reception dinner at Sarawak Club, Kuching.

The celebration brought together former officers and boys of the 1st Kuching Company who have served in the company over the past 50 years, some of whom came from as far as Australia, New Zealand, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

For many of the former officers, who were already in their 60s and early 70s, the occasion provided an excellent opportunity for a memorable trip down memory lane and a renewal of old ties.

Founded on 17 December 1961, the 1st Kuching Company was the pioneer of the BB movement in Borneo. It was the initiative of Charles Henry Ingka who, after spending years during the colonial era in Singapore, came back and introduced the idea of setting up the first BB Company at the St. Thomas’ Cathedral. (He has been with a BB company in Singapore for many years before coming back).

Months later, the 1st Kuching Company was established, with Ingka as its founding Captain. Joining Ingka were the Kedit brothers, Albert and Peter, who grew up in Singapore and served in a BB Company in the island republic.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration was also held to coincide with the 3rd Regional Games and Fellowship of the Stedfast Associations, which are associations of former officers and boys of the Boys Brigade in the region. Participating in the regional meet were delegates from the Stedfast Associations of Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kuching. They were also guests at the dinner to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1st Kuching Company of the Boys’ Brigade.

In his address, the present Captain, Mr. Norman Ng paid tribute to past captains, officers and chaplains for their contributions in making the company strong and stable and for guiding the boys towards Christian manliness. He also called on present officers and boys of the company to take stock of the past, righting the wrong and overcoming the challenges, with the view to setting their sight on achieving higher goals and targets in the BB days ahead.

The highlight of the anniversary dinner was the cutting of the anniversary cake by past and present captains of the 1st Kuching Company along with chaplain the Very Revd Michael Buma Galami, followed by the launching of new 1st Kuching BB logo and band display by former officers of the company.

The Boys Brigade was founded by Sir William Alexander Smith in 1883 in Glasgow, Scotland. It has since spread its wing to almost all the Commonwealth countries and today the movement has about 500,000 members in 60 countries.

Adapted from the Borneo Post dated 31 July 2011

Community Project 2011- Habitat for Humanity

Celebration year updates

1ST KUCHING COMPANY
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN MALAYSIA
5OTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – 2011
“CELEBRATING 50 YEARS, NEW BEGINNINGS”

INTRODUCTION
This year, The First Kuching Company, The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The following celebration events have taken place so far:

• Welcoming the New Year 2011 and kicking-off celebration of the Jubilee Year– This year was a significant year, therefore a Lion Dance performance was organized at the Chinese New Year Party held on 12 February 2011. Program included a Musical Medley Dance presented by 1st Kuching GB and a Hip-Hop Street Dance by the Boys. Recruitment was also done and 45 new members joined.

• Website & Facebook – with the current popularity of the social network available in the internet, a website and Facebook account was created. These serve as a tool to disseminate information & updates of activities to members, ex-members and the public.
Website:
http://1stkuchingbb.blogspot.com
Facebook:
1st Kuching Company, The Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia

• Fire & Rescue Course was held on 26-27th March 2011 at St Faith’s Parish Centre. The 2-days, 1-night course combined with 3rd Kuching Company saw 21 members going through an exciting programme that aims to better equip members in times of emergency.

• Youth Conference(combined with GB) was held on 2nd  April 2011 at 9th Floor, KTS Crown Towers with the Theme “Under Construction”. The conference sponsored by KTS brought together more than 300 youths from BB, GB and other Youth Fellowships from all over Kuching. The Conference aims at equipping youth for the future, getting them together to learn how to do well enough in school to graduate with life, college, and career-readiness skills. The Conference activities included:-
o Introduction of KTS Group of Companies, its seven main sectors of business as well as job opportunities to the young people
o Fun and informative activities to feed youth on spiritual faith, building a foundation of principles and virtue(with Good moral), abstinence and making wise and positive career and life choices.
o Speakers were Dr Issac Biju and Mdm Grace Lim
o Career direction by 4 professionals –
• Medical by Dr. Judith Tang
• Teacher by Grace Lim
• Engineer by Ngu Lock Tee
• Designer by Roy Hansan


We will be organizing the following events for the rest of this year:

• BB Sarawak 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner will be held in Sibu on 16 April 2011 at Kingwood Inn Hotel.  It will coincide with the 47th Brigade Council AGM which will be held from 15-17th April. The 1st Kuching Company is organizing a group of 10 representatives to attend the Dinner. The 1st batch of Pioneer members of 1st Kuching is also invited.

• Festival of Sports “MIAW Games” (Regional level) will be held from 12th June to 10th July 2011 for all BB companies in Kuching. Captain’s Ball, Basketball, Soccer, Table-Tennis, Carrom, Chess, Track and some novelty events will be held as inter-company competitions for Boys and Officers. This will be a great interaction for members in the Brigade.

• Celebration Dinner on 23th July for 300 past & present BB members
The Celebration Dinner will be held as follows:
Date ​:​Saturday, 23rd July 2011
Venue ​:​Hornbill Restaurant, Sarawak Club, Jln Budaya, Kuching
Time ​:​6.30pm – 11.00pm

• Community work – Habitat for Humanity.(Regional Level) A schedule had been lined up for all the BB companies to take part in this building of houses at various construction sites. The project starts in May 2011 until December 2011. This aims towards building a caring youth generation.

• Founder’s Day Service on 1st October 2011 will be organized by the NCOs’ Council(Regional Level). The venue will be at St Thomas Cathedral as the Host Company is 1st Kuching.

• BB 50th Anniversary Camp will be held from 25th to 28 November at Sinar Serapi Eco Theme Park. The camp will be attended by all the Kuching BB Companies. Expected participants are 100. Various fun activities like team building, water games, canoeing, cross country run will be organized. There will also be a closing ceremony for the 50th Celebration year.

THE OBJECTIVES:
• To celebrate the 50th Anniversary/Golden Jubilee of 1st Kuching BB (1961-2011).
• To assemble former members, present members and their parents, other BB & GB companies and friends for a time of reunion, fellowship and celebration.
• To instill a sense of awareness of the BB impact in the lives of many for an all-round development.
• To engage members in meaningful activities and to develop young people into responsible citizens with sound moral characters.