22nd and 23rd
of November marks the weekend when a team of engineers from two different
regions came to Paradise Valley, Broga, to experience how much they could work
together as a team. The two teams of Matco (Malaysia) from Kemaman and Ampang got
acquainted with each other fairly quickly and were soon assimilated into teams
with a pirate identity.
The team challenges started off
with the first assignment with an activity called Water Wrestling Feud. Teams
learnt the importance of watching each others’ back while going for a certain
goals. At the beginning of the game, teams were seen strategizing on ways to
achieve their goals. When the plans were agreed upon, the teams moved into
their positions and acted on their plans.
The camaraderie and bond between
team members were truly strengthened in this simple activity as much effective
communication has to be carried out. The bond between the teams were so strong
that the teams suggested a round of water polo even after the activity of the
Water Wrestling Feud was over.
The tired teams were then treated
to a sumptuous steamboat meal for dinner. At a meal where all can sit and work
to cook the food together further strengthened the bond between the divisions
from Kemaman and Ampang.
The bonding which the teams have
gone through so far prepared them for the upcoming activity. As important as it
is to have large dreams and goals, teams learnt in this activity that their
goals should be realistic in relation to their capabilities. Setting too far-fetched
a goal may only lead to disappointment.
Being engineers, the teams were
confident of their construction skills in this activity but ,alas, they found
out in the end that the task was not as simple as it seems. Nonetheless, all
teams were able to complete their tasks within the given time. Teams were then
dismissed for the night and were told to prepare for an exciting morning hike
up Broga Hill early the next morning.
The hike the following morning
started at 5am. Although still in a daze from being awakened at such an early
hour, the teams were determined to scale Broga Hill to catch the sunrise. The
steep, slippery muddy slope made it a challenge for the teams to hike up that
dark morning. Through determined effort and the encouragement from one another,
the teams were able to reach the peak before the sun rose.
As the minutes passed and as the
sky brightened, everyone stood in awe at the magnificence of the rising sun
from the horizon. The sun was like being raised by an invisible thread as it
shed its majestic rays, bringing life at the dawn of day.
The sight of the rising sun
renewed the teams’ strength and vigor for the day. After taking a few
photographs to signify the success of climbing up Broga Hill, the team made its
way back to base camp for a king’s breakfast.
The rest of the day’s activities
would require the teams to go through a series of challenges together as a
team. And they did so with such excellence. The teams were tasked to race with
other teams to complete these challenges which included scaling a 14 feet wall,
abseiling, wall climbing and flying fox. As interesting as these activities may
seem, the challenge was further increased by the scorching heat of the morning
sun which has almost reached zenith. Fortunately, the resolve of the teams were
strong and everyone made it pass all the challenges posed.
As a relief for their effort for
going through the challenges, the teams refueled their energy with a heavy
lunch. After a short break, the teams are out and about again to complete the
next challenge. Teams were now tasked to explore the town of Broga by taking
photos of different key landmarks. The twist was that they had to go together
on bicycles. Despite having their energy sapped from the morning hike and
challenges, the teams were still able to pull together to complete their given
assignments.
After a long tiring day of
challenges, the teams found it rewarding to have a get together barbecue
dinner. Everyone had the initiative to take up different roles to ensure that
the food was well cooked and served, ready to be eaten. The teams further
bonded with jokes and stories over stoves of greasy chicken and baked potatoes
cooked together as a team.
As a finale for the night, teams
put together a performance to showcase their talents to one another. Laughter,
cheers and applause were a constant as teams performed gimmicks and dances in accompaniment
of current pop music. All teams truly had a fun filled enjoyable time together.
The next morning, the teams were
surprised to learn that they had to design and paint a batik for their next
activity. It seemed impossible as teams have never done such a thing before.
But with guidance of a master batik designer, the teams were convinced that
they too could paint a batik within the given time. To make it a meaningful
event, the teams decided to design their batik based on the core values their
organization should stand by.
Once completed, the batik design will be
brought and hung in a common place in the organization to remind them of not
only the values which they will start to live by but also of the experiences
they have gone through together.
In these 3 Days 2 Nights event,
the team from Matco Services have gone through a series of physically
challenging activities. However, it is through these activities that they have
bonded well together. Knowing that they it is possible to complete difficult
and almost impossible tasks together, these teams will remember that they too
excel through tough and demanding circumstances at the workplace as long as
they stick together as a team.
Congratulations
Matco Services! You have successfully completed the Ultimate Team Challenge!
