40 years of impacting youth and no turning back
THE 3rd Kota Kinabalu Boys’ Brigade Company held its 40th Anniversary Celebration on 27 Oct 2018 which concluded with a dinner at a local hotel which was attended by more than 500 people, including priests, parents, teachers, ex-members, BB officers, members of All Saints’ Cathedral, family members and friends.
The event was graced by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Poon Ming Fung who was represented by public relations secretary Ku Nyet Fan.
In his speech, Poon advised parents not to focus too much on academic performance but to emphasise on spiritual discipline and physical activities of their children. This will enable the children to grow healthily and emotionally so they can contribute back to the family, society and nation in the future. Many guests were surprised by the special appearance of two emcees of the night. The former Boys’ Brigade duo Adrian Chin and Zack Chin were clad in all white shirt, short pants and socks worn by officers in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was a night of talent showcase by present and former members, with a 28-member junior choir setting the tone for the evening as it gave a rousing performance for which it had practised for many months. PT gymnastics, which was among the first BB activities in the 1960s and which requires high discipline, good concentration and precision in all the manoeuvres was performed by the junior and senior members.
Members and guests were also entertained with a solo song performance by talented 12-yearold Jr. Enoch Chin and a violin performance by LCpl. Chester Christensen. Both members displayed a sense of composure and style in their performance.
The evening ended on a high note with the performance of three songs by Thomas Ho, a musician who joined the 1st Kota Kinabalu Company in 1977 and 3rd Kota Kinabalu in 1978 together with his band. The 3rd Kota Kinabalu Boys’ Brigade Company was formed 40 years ago in 1978 in All Saints’ Cathedral. This happened after Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), which was the Sponsoring Authority of 1st Kota Kinabalu Boys’ Brigade Company, decided to cease operation and leave Sabah.
The late Seah Yun Khong was the first Captain of the 1st Kota Kinabalu Company in 1967 (formerly known as 1st Jesselton Boys’ Brigade Company).
Following his sudden demise in 1971 due to a heart attack, a young Anthony Fong who was his Lieutenant took over to lead the company.
During that time, the serving officers of the 1st Kota Kinabalu Company were from All Saints’ Cathedral and this has smoothen its transition to the 3rd Kota Kinabalu Company officially in 1978 as YMCA was on the decline.
Anthony Fong who initiated the Boys’ Brigade in Sabah was very much involved in the process of numerical and leadership change.
Meanwhile, a proposed alumni was announced with David Liew as the Protem Committee Chairman.
David took the opportunity to encourage former members to join in order to give back to the company which has nurtured them during their formative years.
Prior to that, a short documentary video presentation on formation of the 1st Kota Kinabalu (1967-1977) and 3rd Kota Kinabalu (1978-2018) has enabled those present to understand the challenges, achievements, setbacks and progress made in every generation of leadership in the company.
Thousands of young people have joined and gone through rank and file and are presently among prominent figures serving in the community as pastors, teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, businessmen, corporate leaders and many more.
The work of the Boys’ Brigade to groom responsible leaders in the community and nation will be continued in spite of the many challenges ahead. Prayers, financial and human support are welcome so it can see the fruit of the labour in many years to come.