I'm back

Whew! Time flies really fast when you're super busy. Didn't realise it's more than 8 months since my last posting! So many things had happened I don't know where to start.

Ok, let's start with our favourite past time - Scout badges collecting. I'll focus more on badges that I have directly involved in or badges that I have come across and like it.

First, my district. We had only produce one badge so far this year - our District Patrol Leaders Course 2009 in March. Sorry, sold out but left with just one for trade.

I was also involved in helping the Beaufort District Scouts in their 60th Anniversary camp in December 2008 especially the Indaba and Activity badges. You can actually get these badges from the State HQ.

Then our State King Scout Brotherhood badge where we produce our Miniature badge and Shoulder badge. Sorry, for members only!

The latest badge that I designed and produced is the Cycling Expedition Badge in conjunction with the Scouts Day Celebaration from 1-2 August 2009. Unfortunately the expedition didn't materialised due to low participation response but the badges were made. So this I have heaps for sale. Email me if you need one!

Last but not least, there's one badge that I really like - the first time I saw it I was mesmerised. It's the Telupid District, Sabah badge in conjunction with the goodwill visit by the Scottish Scouts. Keep it up Telupid Scouts!

Johor International Jamboree 2008

The Johor International Jamboree 2008 was finally held on 15-20 November 2008 after it was postponed twice. Because of the postponement, Sabah only managed to send 26 Scouts and Leaders to the Jamboree. Nevertheless, the Sabah Contingent did managed to produce a Contingent badge (Picture attached). Again if you need one, let me know.

From Sabah to Jakarta

Sabah sent a strong 54 contingent member to the 2nd ASEAN Jamboree held from 18-26 October 2008 at Cibubur, Jakarta, Indonesia. About 1,400 Scouts and Leaders from around the ASEAN region attended the Jamboree. To commemorate the Jamboree, the Sabah contingent has produced a Contingent badge (picture attached). The badge is very limited and I only have a couple left so if you are interested to trade let me know.

80 Scouts from JOTA JOTI Camp at Sabah, Malaysia

80 Scouts from around Sabah attended this year's JOTA and JOTI camp at the B-P House, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, The Camp was officiated by the Assistant State Chief Commissioner of Sabah, Mr. Philip Chin and the Camp Warden was Mr. Zainuddin Onon. Beside experiences radio amatuer and chatting on the internet, the Camp was also filled with various scouting activities like backwoods cooking, estimation, pathfinder etc. The Camp started on 17th October 2008 and ended on 19th October, in line with the world JOTA and JOTI from 18-19 October 2008. A commemorative badge was also issued during the Camp. If you need one, let me know.

3rd International Peace Jamboree 2008 Melaka

Sabah was represented by 18 Scouts and Scout Leaders, all from the district of Inanam to the 3rd International Peace Jamboree held from 18 - 24 August 2008 at Bukit Katil, Melaka, Malaysia. Ms. Hudayana Sapri, the ADC for Inanam (Women's Affair) headed the Contingent. About 1000 Scouts attended the Jamboree which included countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and Indonesia. Overall our boys and girls enjoyed the Jamboree.

Korea - Loving it!

The 12th Korean International Jamboree 2008 at Mt. Sorak was simply superb!! For 8 days (5th - 12th August 2008) it was like a dream for the 17 of us who attended the Jamboree. 12,000 participants from over 20 countries, comparable to a regional Jamboree. What was even more special to us was that we, from the State of Sabah, represented Malaysia as there were no one else from the rest of Malaysia that attended the Jamboree. And even more for me as I was appointed as the Contingent Leader. Would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sabah Scouts Council and the South Gyeunggi Scout Council for the sponsorship and support. Missing Korea already.

The Merlions have landed

We had the honour of receiving a group of 36 Scouts and leaders from Singapore (Toa Payoh District to be exact) lead by Mr. Kumanan (Also a collector that I've known before) who came to visit Sabah from 10 to 16 June 2008 recently. Two receptions was held for them; first at the Sabah Scouts Headquaters at the B-P House in Kota Kinabalu on the 11th June 2008 and second at the Scouts Nature Park in Sandakan on 14 June 2008. In both receptions, besides the singing and dancing and the laughters, a unique badge swapping activity were held where Scouts from Singapore and Sabah, Malaysia swap badges to get a complete set of the Singapore Scout Visit to Sabah Malaysia 2008 badge.

The receptions are part of the long week adventure program where the Singapore Scouts went for snorkeling at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands, whitewater rafting at the Kiulu River, Tamparuli, exploring the world reknown Mt. Kinabalu, the Poring Hot Spring and the Desa Tea farm in Ranau, observing the Orang Utans at the Sepiliok Rehabilitation Centre, the Proboscis Monkeys at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the POW Memorial both in Sandakan.