FOCUS Adventure - BFC 7

True mastery is a journey with no end.

This bunch of greenhorns (including me) was put through a series of activities under the ever watchful eyes of Andrew. Through him, we saw the quintessential qualities and skills of an outstanding facilitator - the ability to observe human behaviour and group dynamics, and the ability to ‘parachute in’ in a way that adds to the team’s creativity rather than taking it away. Most amazing of all, delivering all the learning objectives with lots of fun and laughter, and yet with due respect to everyone on the team!

The BFC has only opened the doorway to the world of facilitation, as I believe true mastery is a journey with no end.

Top

Ho Chin Cheng

Call Sign: Thank God

DISC Profile: Steadiness

We will build a harmonious family with great culture.

The BFC was definitely an enriching and fun experience I’ve ever had. I’m fortunate to know a group of fun and energetic individuals, who constantly gave their support throughout the 5 days.

The activities were very mind-stimulating and through these activities, I knew how significant one's effort could be. With collaboration, we were able to achieve greater results.

Finally, we were up for the ultimate challenge - the Team Challenge Pyramid. We demonstrated trust and support for one another, victory against fear and conquest to reach the pinnacle of the pyramid.

Alas, we graduated. Our last unique challenge was to consume a raw egg that symbolised our birth in the FOCUS Adventure family.

Hooooooo~!! Graduation!! = )

Top

Francis Chew

Call Sign: O Shit

DISC Profile: Steadiness

My experience in BFC 7 was GREAT! ADVENTUROUS! FUN!

It was GREAT because I got to make new friends and learn a lot through Andrew and of course, stayed in Bintan for 3 nights!

It was an ADVENTURE because I got to try the High Elements, Team Challenge Pyramid and the ATVs in Bintan.

It was FUN because of the people in FOCUS Adventure and BFC 7. Friendly, approachable, caring, and full of energy.

Cheers to BFC 7!

Top

Tris Ong

Call Sign: Stress

I am really proud to be part of BFC 7 (not 5, 6, or 8).

Those few days with the team were definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I apologise for spreading the flu virus and thanks again for all the concern.

My only regret is not being able to conquer the Team Challenge Pyramid. *Sniffs* Anyone willing to do it again with me?

The team has shown me what it means by working together as a team. I sincerely hope that we can work with one another again in the future ya? Last but not least, all the best for all the OJTs!

Top

Jacobee Xu

Call Sign: Jiak Ko Pi

DISC Profile: Influence

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

BFC 7 was a once in a lifetime experience that bonded me to a group of people whom I call Friends, Colleagues and Family. The course conducted by Andrew has opened new doors in my life.

I was taught the importance of team collaboration, and the different kinds of human personalities to achieve better interpersonal communication; all of these were learnt not through seminars or workshops but by doing unusual mind-blowing activities.

One of the things I profited includes understanding the concept of collaboration. It took a while during the course till I realised an important truth about humans. Achievement through one’s effort is really small and insignificant. It is only through synergy are humans capable of something great and remarkable. Any success in life we achieve or enjoy is never meant to be solely credited and would be meaningless if we are unable to share it with others.

In BFC 7, we engaged in lots of collaboration-centric activities that challenged the boundaries of our physical, intellectual, and emotional paradigms. Apart from the process of approaching Strangers -> acknowledging them as Course Mates -> sharing common experiences and embracing them as Friends -> Team bonding through ‘life-threatening’ situations, we were introduced to the FOCUS Adventure culture of interdependency, situation awareness (emphasised and hammered into our heads), high energy (a primary attribute of an effective facilitator), and breaking limitations (the culture of not being bound by rules).

These are the very positive values that will surf us through the rapidly changing environment of today’s world; values we are proud to embrace and preach.

At the end of the BFC, we went through a ritual that initiated us as the new batch of facilitator graduates into the FOCUS Adventure family. The ritual involving popping a raw egg including the shell into our mouths symbolised a fresh start in the career of facilitation, and a new direction in life. As being phrased inspirationally by Anthony Robbins, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life.”

Top

Siow Junhao

Call Sign: String

BFC 7 was indeed an eye opener.

Very unique, simply outstanding, and not forgetting it's TOTALLY FUN! FUN! FUN!

The friendships forged and bond fostered in such a short time is amazing and wonderful. Hope we will all cherish the friendship and stay together as BFC 7 forever.

Top

Huang Junjie

Call sign: Meh Meh

We came as individuals and left as a team – the FOCUS Adventure way.

The course was unlike any other that I’ve attended, and I was exposed to the uniqueness of the FOCUS Adventure Facilitator. The activities that we did are equally unique, making us stand back and think of the many things we could have done in our capacity and why didn’t we do them.

I experienced the concept of teamwork from the activities, from working with my fellow facilitators-in-training, and from the life experiences of everyone. This is unlike learning from seminars or talks which do not make you feel for the concept itself.

At the end of 5 days, we could say that we came as individuals and left as a team – the FOCUS Adventure way.

Top

Johari Osman

Call Sign: Papa Joe

DISC Profile: Steadiness

In this real world, there is no box at all.

During my 25 years in the army, I was constantly asked to think out of the box. After BFC 7, I understand in this real world, there is no box at all.

My question to all is, “Why do we need to think out of the box when in reality, there isn't a box at all?”

Top

Ling Nee Ker

Call Sign: Mr Planner

FUN, DYNAMIC and MIND BOGGLING.

As many experts derived, “One key element of success for any company is its people.”, but don’t forget, “One key element of failure for any company is also its people.” Keeping your staff ‘spiritually fit’ is the first step to success. From FOCUS activities, I experienced what ENERGY, PARADIGM SHIFT and THINKING OUT OF THE BOX are.

Regardless of how much experience I’ve gained over the years or how good I get in certain fields, there are many tasks that can be accomplished more efficiently with combined team effort. One good example is the Team Challenge Pyramid. A simple touch from a team mate gives you tremendous assurance when you are high up there with nothing to hold onto.

There's always room to challenge the process and improve it further. Winning is not making sure others lose. Together we are bigger winners.

The person that you have to challenge is yourself. As a team, you can help one another to grow faster. My ultimate goal is not to be the best among all, but to be a better self everyday.

Always be edifying in whatever you say. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Learn to listen rather than just hear. You will be remembered not for how beautiful, rich or wise you are, but for how you have helped and contributed in others’ lives.

From BFC 7, I learnt to be more sensitive towards others and work as a team to reach higher grounds.

Top

Sheila Chua

Call Sign: Lost Sheep

‘Never give up’ is the spirit BFC 7 possesses.

BFC 7 was a discovery journey for me. Lots of fun, challenges and thinking involved. Learning can never be more fun and exciting when you are with a group of team mates who face up to challenges with might and courage. “Never give up” is the spirit BFC 7 possesses.

I am very happy to be part of this team. Each of us has our own competencies and it’s only through working as a team, the best could be shown forth.

Top

Tan Nah Nah

Call Sign: Shanana

As friendship flourished and understanding grew, the TEAM was born!

It all began with meeting 16 other equally adventurous and warm-hearted individuals, who (for some reason) chose to set aside 5 days to go sweat it out in Sentosa and Bintan, none knowing exactly what’s gonna happen. (*GRIN*)

The days began comfortably with the International Handshake Challenge, Helium Hula, progressing gradually to Blindfold Squares, Low and High Elements, and arrived at a climax with the Team Challenge Pyramid.

There was plenty of laughter and fun. Energy was high. People were experiencing paradigm shifts, everyone was trying to think out of the box (if not, breaking it altogether), totally open and responsive to the challenges at hand.

As friendship flourished and understanding grew, the TEAM was born! Everyone was there not for themselves, but to encourage one another to stretch beyond their comfort zones so as to break through to the next level of learning and growth, without compromising the safety of anyone in the TEAM.

At the end of 5 days, I no longer saw a bunch of 17 individuals but rather a TEAM of GEMS, 17 pieces in all, each at their own unique degree of POLISHED-NESS.

Guys, I’ve learnt so much from everyone and would like to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for being such great GEMS! Let us continue to remind and watch out for one another so that ALL of these GEMS will shine in clarity as ONE!

Top

Kersley Chan

Call Sign: Iceberg

The BFC has been a very enriching experience for me.

The intensity of the activities has shown me the kind of person I am in terms of personality and character. I have also seen what can be achieved with proper coaching, support, FOCUS, and trust. I have also come to understand that lessons can be learnt in anything we do.

Top

Mustaqim Bin Mohamed

Call Sign: Big Mus

Even MONKEYS can FOCUS on achieving success if we make them firm BELIEVERS of their capabilities.

When I first decided to take the plunge and sign up for the course, a lot went through my head. ‘Am I really up to it? Will my size get in the way?’ were just some of those that filled my head.

Upon disembarking at Tanah Merah, I was beaming all the way home. Here’s why:

On a personal level, the course taught me a lot of things and brought insights on the ideology of teamwork that we all seem to take for granted. The various activities that we took part in further enhance the notion that we are not in this world alone, and success comes sweeter when a team performs to its full potential.

I overcame many fears. Fears of not knowing what each day brings, fear of heights, and fear of taking on the role of a leader. Again, the activities required us to overcome such obstacles to a large extent.

People-wise, I was fortunate to be part of a team that was full of energy and vigor. We all came from different backgrounds, of all shapes and SIZES, and at various life stages (there are those who have been in the comfort of our own industries for many years and there are those who are seeking that right career to embark on), but yet again the time spent and the challenges that we underwent brought us altogether, all for the sake of being that ‘High Performance Team’.

Looking back at the video and photos, I could not help but wonder at the trials and tribulations that we went through. My deepest appreciation to ALL, especially those who lifted me up in Low Wall and Over the Top. To the ‘best man in the job in the region’, you’re really one good man!

Top

BFC 7 was one hell of an experience!

Not only did I get to learn the valuable skills of facilitation and challenge ropes courses techniques, I also got to know a great bunch of fun-loving, adventurous individuals. The challenge elements were not only a test of physical ability but also mental strength.

Psyching up that's what I say!

Conquering the Team Challenge Pyramid wouldn't have been possible without my 'Team FOCUS' mates, Joe, Jacobee, Nana, and Kersley, not to mention sharing the inspiring journey with the rest of the team in 'Team Believers' and 'Team Monkeys'! The support and encouragement that everyone exuded was unbelievably amazing.

After the experience, the 7s are rejuvenated and raring to go.

We are the 7s.

We ARE the FOCUS Adventure culture.

Top

Sri Yusnita Rahim

Call Sign: Purple Toes

Corporate learning can be fun!

As a BFC participant, I gained insights on what goes on behind the scenes in running and facilitating various FOCUS programmes. I learnt a lot about the types of programmes offered, how to conduct them, and most importantly, the art of facilitation. The BFC showed that corporate learning can be fun!

Top

Ziv Soon

Call Sign: Simple Simple

BFC 7 was a real eye opener for everyone who attended.

It was full of fun, laughter and joy but don’t forget we got through everything with our sweat and blood haha!

Anyway, time flies and BFC 7 has ended. However, it will remain a memory I'll never forget, and I hope that everyone will never forget the time we had together.

Yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery. That’s why we should always cherish the present as it is a gift.

Top