My First Day As A Lieutenant

Saturday, 4th August 2007, First Baptist Church, Subang Jaya – It was Enrolment and Awards Day for 2nd Subang Jaya Company, Boys Brigade Malaysia. It was your typical E&A, with the Guard of Honour to start things off when the VIP (Selangor State Commissioner) arriving and then moving on to the marching in of the colours, worship, short message by our Chaplain and then the performances from all the sections.


The Arts and Craft team led by the newly promoted Lance Corporal Julian Lau did a terrific job in developing an entire exhibition for the foyer of the main sanctuary. It comprised of videos, uniform placements, photos and statistics of the company. Their artistic capabilities were proven with the many “creative” captions and photo layouts on the boards. Their capability of compensation was also to be praised as they utilised many unwanted materials to keep costs at a minimal. The exhibition was enjoyed by all as it was something different from what we had normally experienced. The fresh layout and funky colours helped keep the audiences glues to look at every picture.


The Pre-Juniors were the first to take the stage. Their cuteness almost melted the whole crowd. Led by our very own Corporal Veronica Lok, the lil guys were great with their smiles so big that it reached from ear to ear. I think the parents were the ones who were more excited than anyone else, with video cameras, hand phones, and any recording devices, they looked like reporters trying to get a glimpse of a movie star. People were singing and we were dancing along with them. Truly it was a great performance.


Then it came! The Juniors!! Wow their song rocked! The choreography was great. I think some of the juniors were born talents, they moved with STYLE!! Singing and dancing along with the song. Some of the juniors were getting taller and taller. Led by our Private Can Su Teng, they truly blossomed into great professional dancers. I think parents become more and more “not soo excited” sure there were cameras and photos. But I think there is not much “fan” like excitement within them anymore. OR maybe they just dint want to “embarrass” their kids, by ninja jumping around to get the “perfect shot”.


Last, it was the seniors turn. This year with more and more of the older ones in College, the NCOs did a terrific job in organizing and shooting of a fun yet informative video. It starts off with our company sergeant Josef informing the recruits that they will be placed into their respective platoons. Then the war begins, with Platoon One and Two trying to impress the recruits and show off their skills, a drill competition was held. Unfortunately the nuttier and blurrer Platoon One failed miserably with failing to do basic turning movements. Their respective commanders were also given “special voices” Corporal Benjamin Jon commander of Platoon Two was given a “feminine” voice while Corporal Lim May Hsien was given a more “masculine” voice. As Platoon One failed so so miserably, they were laughed off stage. But the strong willed Corporal Lim challenged Corporal Benjamin to a face off in movement drill! THE CHALLENGE BEGINS!


Platoon One and Platoon Two finally faced off after an hour of practise. Both teams did exceptionally well (Yeah right!) but without a neutral judge, both argue that they are the winner. The Final showdown was when Corporal Benjamin was so enraged by Corporal Lim’s lack of “submission that he marched is whole platoon directly at Platoon One. The result were catastrophic. With members injured all over the helpless recruits merely ran around lost and confused till Sergeant Josef walked out and “sapu-ed” them nicely. His prep talk consisted of team work, loving each other and all those normal blah blah blah…


Finally, the two platoons marched together forming the words “BB” and the recruits making up the words 2SJ. Together We Stand BB2SJ.


It has finally reached the epic of every E&A. The awards and promotions! The Pre-Juniors and Juniors were the first to show off their drill and collection of their well deserved awards. Their cuteness was reason enough for any mistake to be overlooked by even the strictest drill officer. Their faces filled with joy and their parents’ faced filled with pride for their children.


As for the seniors, the awards were given out according to each member’s achievements. Slides of their faces and the list of awards achieved were displayed on the projector. This was the great work of another new Lance Corporal Jonathan Ng and Warrant Officer Alicia Choy. The list was long and there were about 60 members. Phew! Finally it was over!! Now to the exciting part, the PROMOTIONS!


From Lance Corporal to Corporal – First up, Corporal Ruth Choy (coincidentally it was also her 18th birthday), then Corporal Veronica Lok, Corporal Leow Ji Ming, and Finally Corporal Lye Ann Li.

As you might have already guessed from the top some of the new Lance Corporals, the newly promoted were: Lance Corporal Julian Lau, Lance Corporal Jonathan Ng, Lance Corporal Samuel Ong, Lance Corporal Kenneth Hiew, and Lance Corporal Sean Ng.


As all enrolments, new members are enrolled and for those who have served faithfully beside us through the years have also to leave us. As for this year we celebrate the faithfulness and commitments of those who have reached the end of their path with us and will begin their walks on different paths. We thank them with all our hearts for their service, love, dedication and memories. Those Discharged from service this E&A are: Corporal Michelle Lau, Corporal Lye Ann Lye, Lance Corporal Hannah Lee, Lance Corporal Grace Tan, and Lance Corporal Chai Chern Fei. We might not see them in uniform with us, but I know that they will forever be a Pioneer of Second Subang Jaya Company, Boys’ Brigade Malaysia.


Right before the closing ceremony, there was still one last hidden surprise, and it was for ME!! The announcement started with a brief mention of the works and character. At first I was quite blur, as I thought I made a mistake as the awards officer that I left out another promotion. Well, it turned out that I was not supposed to know about it. Lieutenant Timothy Chan. It came to a shock for me, and I think most of the seniors were in shock too. Warrant Officer Alicia whispered “don’t cry!” well I tried to hold it in. and I DID! It was truly a nice surprise. I had a wonderful time day dreaming while driving to dinner.


This was only the first day… In front of me, the path is uncertain and I pray to God with all my heart that I will not screw up… I sincerely, hope that what I do today will be beneficial to those around me…

Be Sure, Be Stedfast!
PIONEERS OF BB2SJ
Lt. Timothy Chan.