Matco (Malaysia) Ultimate Team Challenge

22^nd and 23^rd 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!