Sarawak Southern Region the Boys’ Brigade celebrated their annual Founder’s Day by hosting a two-day event in Vivacity Megamall on 29 & 30 September. There were around 450 Members and Officers assembled for this event, and it was honoured with the presence of the Sarawak State Commissioner, Honorary Captain Hii King Ong and Methodist Kuching East District Superintendent, Reverence Lau Kiong Ping. Vivacity Megamall was the venue sponsor for the event.
The highlight of the event was the special ceremony held on 29 September afternoon. The ceremony commenced with the military formation of Guard of Honour by Members and Officers to welcome the arrival of State Commissioner. The other main programs were drumline, brass band performance, fancy drills, reflection on Founder, special awards presentation, introduction of Southern region companies video presentation, and bucket drumming. It was also noteworthy that the Anchor Song and BB Vesper were first time in history sung by 450 Members in a shopping mall.
The Boys’ Brigade (BB) is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by Sir William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values. Following its inception in Glasgow in 1883, the BB quickly spread across the United Kingdom and became a worldwide organisation by the early 1890s. Today, The Boys’ Brigade continues to see lives enriched by supporting children and young people to reach their full potential by providing opportunities to meet together and engage in a range of fun and developmental activities and experiences.
This year marks the 135th anniversary since The Boys’ Brigade inception. State Commissioner Honorary Captain Hii reminded all those in presence to learn from the founder’s spirit of pioneer as demonstrated in his decision while facing a group of rebellious youth. Because of his different approach, millions of youth and children’s lives were transformed. “You can make a difference in your life as well just like the spirit of pioneer in our founder,” he said.
He further encouraged every Members do not be afraid of new arenas and changes. “You need to take your first step to establish something, then probability will occur,” he said.
BB Southern Region now consists of 11 companies, and their membership spreads across Kuching and Sri Aman. BB Sarawak has over forty companies and there are more than a hundred companies across Malaysia.
Throughout the two-day event, there were other performances and interactive activities like “character gym” and colouring for everyone to participate and win special gift. The mini exhibition also provided a platform for general public to learn more about the Boys’ Brigade and their past activities.
By Donny Lau