Berita Kampus

To Lead, Serve and Excel – The Leadership Development Camp

With power comes great responsibility, so the saying goes in the Spiderman comic. The “calling” to be a true leader is indeed an important one because a leader must take charge and not fail those under him or her.

During the launching of Student Development Camp 2007, Principal Ms Yoong Lai Thye touched on some pertinent points about leaders. She said, “Leaders are not born; they are trained to be one. Thus, the knowledge and soft skills picked up from participating in such a camp must be applied and put into good use.”

In light of this need for training of society and club leaders, the Student Affairs Department chose to organize a 3-day outdoor leadership development camp at Dusun Eco Resort in Bentong, Pahang. With the camp’s theme aptly called “Breaking the Limits”, the participants were taught to challenge themselves and learn more about soft skills such as teamwork, enhancing leadership capabilities, along with communication, survival and adaptation skills.

The camp’s objectives were also to address the students’ overall development and build strong character. All 120 participants were briefed on a set of rules and regulations which incorporated good values from the very start. After that, there was a continuous stream of activities, one after another, lined up for the participants. The challenges faced were not only physical but also mentally stimulating as well as fun! Team building and crisis management were the order of the day and the students came to understand the meaning of perseverance and hard work.

What a tangled web we weave: Students practise teamwork and communication skills.

Raft-building: Building teamwork and adaptation skills.

Ong Yin Yin, Secretary of the Taekwondo Club said, “I have learnt more about the meaning of tolerance, communication and perseverance. I would take up every obstacle in life with a smile and a brave heart.” Pang Yenn Feng, Treasurer from the First Aid Unit said, “I feel I have become stronger physically and mentally. I would try to stand up against what I am afraid of in real life and do things without fear.” Lim Kah En, Vice Chairperson of the Student Sports Committee said, “I have discovered that everyone is capable of something and has a hidden talent. I would apply what I have learnt from this camp to achieve my personal ambitions.” Kaw Fong Kian, Chairperson of the Quantity Surveying Society said, “This camp is very meaningful and memorable for me. I suggest that we make the duration of the camp longer and hold it during the semester break. It is a camp that is truly beneficial.”

Well, with all the positive feedback about the camp, it would come as no surprise that such camps are here to stay.

Building confidence and overcoming one's fears.	Wall climbing: Students learning the meaning of perseverance and hard work.
Rise and shine: Student leaders sweating it out during an aerobics session before breakfast at the camp.

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