A day at Outward Bound Singapore

All aboard the ferry and bound for Pulau Ubin

Presentation of a Plaque to OBS Director, Mr Nicholas Conceicao
Up and Away
AAS Management Committee with Mr Sin Soon Ho, Head OBS Professional (centre)
Anchor ahoy
On board the Indiana Multi-Element Challenge Course Ship

The heavy downpour on the early Saturday morning of 17 July almost ruined the AAS excursion to Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) at Pulau Ubin. However, for the undeterred 34 AAS members and friends who braved the rain and made it to the Punggol Ferry Terminal to catch the 10 am ferry to OBS, we were rewarded with cool weather for the rest of the day and an unforgettable enriching experience.

At the Punggol Ferry Terminal, we were greeted by the OBS Director, Mr Nicholas Conceicao, and his staff who accompanied us on the ferry. On arrival at OBS, we were officially welcomed and briefed on the programme for the day before being led in two groups for a quick tour of the impressive facilities. The communication nerve centre, medical centre and staff training attested to OBS’ commitment to the safety of all participants and visitors to its premises.

We had an early delicious lunch at about noon, followed by a video presentation on OBS – its mission, vision and programmes. We learnt that more than 250,000 people had gone through outdoor education and adventure learning programmes at OBS since 1967. These people have benefited from their journey of self-discovery and emerged stronger mentally and physically.

The best part of the visit was the post-lunch activities at the indoor activity centre. Everyone participated in the word/number punching game where we had a taste of team-building. Next, after donning safety gear and going through safety briefing by OBS trainers, the more adventurous and nimble ones took turns at height activities such as rock climbing, snake and ladder climbing and climbing bars. Everyone had a great deal of fun as non-climbers and the trainers provided both moral and physical support to the climbers as they controlled the safety ropes and harnesses. Team work in action again!

After having seen the facilities and experienced some of the activities, we couldn’t agree more that OBS ranks as one of the best in facilities, training expertise and safety among its global Outward Bound network of members. Our sincere thanks to the OBS Management and staff as participants give their thumbs-up to this excursion.

Said Ms Jean Kho, of Axis Intermodal Ltd: “It was a fun-filled trip. It has indeed given ‘young people’ like us an opportunity to know what outbound is all about as we had missed it in our early school years. Yes, Agnes and I enjoyed ourselves so much and do look forward to the next such outing. Many thanks for this experience.”

Mr Ivan Low, of the Student Care and Administration Department, MDIS, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the Australian Alumni Singapore for organising such an event at OBS. Despite the rain which trickled to a drizzle, the programme was carried out as planned. It was my first visit here and I had lots of fun. It was a brand new experience for me. I hope more of such events can be organised in the future.”

Reported by Penny Tan