ANTS Malacca 2007
On the 26th to the 28th of May 2007, the Boys’ Brigade in Malaysia organized the Advanced NCO Training School in Malacca. This 3-day training school has a purpose, not only to develop our NCO quality, but becoming leaders for the rest of our life.
There are a few topics in the syllabus, which are problem solving, ethical decision making, values-centered leadership, conflict management and goal setting.
Being the only company from the Selangor state to participate, the First Klang Company has sent four members to participate in this Advanced NCO Training School; Corporal Alan Tan, L/Corporal Jonathan Raj, L/Corporal Roy Ong and me, L/ Corporal Gan Ken Ee.
DAY 1
We were taken to Malacca by W/O Gun, willingly to drive us there. Journey there was indeed dull, as most of us were asleep in the car. Reaching our destination (SMK Methodist (ACS) Malacca), we met 2 of the officers who would be coaching us throughout the training school, Capt. Eric Tan and Lt. Stuart Wong (BBM HQ). We had breakfast with them.
We were supposed to register by 9 a.m.. However, due to some weird reasons, we were late. We tried to register before 9 am, but we just couldn’t.
So we were told that we’re disqualified UNLESS we can convince them to let us participate. Every company sent in a representative, each giving their own reasons.
The companies that participated in this ANTS were the 1st Melaka Copany, 2nd Melaka Company, 3rd Melaka Company, 1st Teluk Intan Company, 1st Manjung Company, 2nd Manjung Company, 1st Klang Company and the 10th Kuala Lumpur Company.
Well, every company managed to participate as we were given a CHANCE by the officers.
It was just the starting of ANTS.
After divided into our EET [Equipping and Empowering Team (best known as Squad)] and checking into our dorm, we played the CHAIRS game. As far as I can remember, we played this game in our company’s Boot Camp last year. The purpose of this game is to promote co-operation and team work as well.
The opening ceremony kicked off after lunch, with members dressed in their day-dress uniform. Reverend Richard Tok, the Brigade Chaplain was there for the opening ceremony. The ANTS Malacca was officially started.
As usual, all kinds of common problems like members not knowing their Table Grace happened (make sure you guys know them well).
After dinner, we watched a movie about values and ethics. It’s a famous Disney cartoon which brings a lot of values. (want to know the movie? Join ANTS next year)
We were asked questions by our EET coach.
The coaches were:
Lt. Stuart Wong (BBM HQ)
Capt. Eric Tan (BBM HQ)
Hon. Capt. Eric Lim (3rd Melaka)
Capt. Boh Chek Sing (2nd Melaka)
Lt. Philip Tan Wee Lee (2nd Melaka)
Corporal Alan Tan and L/Corporal Jonathan Raj were members of EET 1 and L/ Corporal Roy Ong and I were members of EET 2. There was a total of 6 EETs.
DAY 2
We woke up at 6.15 a.m., 45 minutes before breakfast. Some of us had a good night sleep, some were still tired. Most of the day was spent on EET work, creating team rules and doing project together. We learned problem solving on this day. Also, we played a problem solving game right after lunch. Quite tough though, but as you do it again and again, you managed to do it faster and faster. It is a very interesting game.
After this activity, we went back to our classes for our EET project. We learned values-centered leadership and ethical decision making as well. Learning was fun especially when every member is required to give out ideas in a particular project. Many of us managed to communicate well with each other, even though we are from different companies. This actually promotes true BB member to BB member relationship.
One of the greatest advantages of joining this school is that there is NO such thing as RANKING. Every member regardless of rank had the chance to voice out their opinions. Lower ranking members were able to lead the higher ranking NCOs, taking turns to lead their EET. Therefore, the lower ranking members would gain confidence. In this school, everyone is a Leader.
We learned causes of conflicts too. Some of the causes of conflicts are misunderstandings, differences in values, competition and sinful attitudes.
DAY 3
It’s the final day. We woke up about 6.30 a.m. After breakfast, we put on our Mufti (with ANTS shirt) and continued with our classes. All of us were busy getting each others email and contact numbers. We knew that it was the last day, and after that it would be good bye. After swapping emails and numbers, we carried on with our class till 12.00 p.m., which was then our Closing ceremony. All the officers were seated, and the participants are the ones in-charge of the running of the closing ceremony. Then, representatives from each EET were required to give a speech, followed by representatives from each company.
For EET 1, Corporal Alan Tan was the representative; giving speech regarding his EET. For EET 2, L/ Corporal Roy Ong was the representative, giving a speech regarding his EET. When representatives from each EET finished giving out their speech, a member from every company was required to give out a speech. Though nervous, I managed to give a short speech regarding the 3-day event.
When the event had finally come to an end, we had lunch. Lunch was always good on the last day. No more so-called stress. For remembrance, we took pictures
Some members left “nicknames”.
Alan was called Mr. Globe by Capt. Eric Tan due to some special reasons, and Roy was called “Highwayman” by Hon Capt. Eric Lim. (Roy was also called “JEREMY” by two 10th KL members, Aaron Heng and Amanda Wong). Jonathan is one of the 2 Indians that participated in this training school.
W/O Gun picked us up at about 2.30 p.m.. We left Malacca with heavy hearts, but that’s that. Waving goodbye tells you it’s the end of the camp, but the beginning of learning.
God bless!
ONE TEAM ONE VISION I I I
Reported by,
Lcpl Gan Ken Ee
