Speech By: Mr William Lim, Course Commander Officer Training Course 2009
Professor Lau Cheng Hock, Advisor To National St. John Council

Mr. Bobby Lim, Chairman National St. John Council

Dr. Chen Sze Hua, Chief Commissioner St. John Ambulance Brigade Singapore

Senior officers , fellow officers and my dear officer cadet

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

1. It is indeed an adventure for me these 3 months as the course commander of Officer Training Course 2009. I would like to use this opportunity to thank Mr. Chua Sock Kiang, Commissoner Training, for placing his trust on me to conduct the premier course of the brigade- The Officer Training Course 2009.
   
   Introduction
2. The course is set out to fulfill the mission to educate and train potential brigade NCOs into commissioned officers with an outcome that each of them are leaders who can produce professional work and be committed to the brigade. Living by the Values the acronym for HONOUR. Humility, to lead is to serve, Ownership, Accomplishing all task with the best of our ability with pride, Network, building strong relationship with superiors and peers, Overcome,  To overcome adversities with courage and zeal, Unity, United as a brigade and Respect, all our words and our actions;. This outlined the basic principal of the course.
3. Its my honour to report  that today 93 young man and women completed the rigorous 3 months training. The officer Training Course has basically not only increased their knowledge on the brigade but also strengthening their mind and soul.
    
4. There are 2 phases of training in this year course. Phase 1, Camping phase, focusing on building character and self awareness through interactive activities. Phase 2, Theory Phase, focusing on brigade knowledge and sharing of good practices. This allows the trainees to be mentally strong to take on the responsibility as brigade officers to lead the future of St. John Ambulance Brigade Singapore.
5. This year we have made many several breakthroughs and many first in history. This year is the first year we reduced the no. of course days for our trainees, the first year that we had a commissioning parade in a military camp, the first year we organized strategic planning presentation to zone commissioners and Senior NHQ officers, the first year that we organized dialogues that allow the trainees to understand more about the running of the brigade. Officer Cadets and instructor of officer training course 2009 we have made history and you are part of it.

   The Recollection …

6. As a junior officer myself who have walked that path that you are going to take, remember the path ahead is definitely not as smooth sailing as what we thought it would. Challenges arise every day. Juggling of school work, career, family, friends and St. John is definitely not an easy task. But remember, lead your life well and know your priorities! Know what or who you love. Love what you are doing and you will definitely do a good job because when there is love nothing is too much trouble and there is always time to take action.
7. Do you remember the run that we had on the first day of the camp, that you were made to run 2 rounds of 2.4, that you realized that unlearning is the toughest part of your learning process that you need to go through?  Do You remember the run on the second day, that we ran to pasir ris park to do our reflection and realised your own purpose in coming to this course? Do you remember the OTC ultimate Challenge, that we completed as a course, that we conquered the challenges together, and nothing is impossible? Do you remember? Do you remember the setting of your priorities that you start tearing off the important things in your life, the things that you thought it was important but it actually waasn’t? Do you remember the 3^rd day run that you ran as a group and finishing it together, that you realised that its not about the timing but about completing it together as one team? Do you remember these memories? Do you remember the 1 hour of silence that you realised the love you have for the special someone that you wrote to, the things that matters to you. Do you remember the camp fire  that we had, that we enjoyed ourselves with all the dance and performance, a true display of fun in training. Do you remember the march that we had from East Coast back to Green View Secondary school, the march that signifies your growing up from NCO to Officer Cadet. Do you still remember? Do you still remember the countless meet ups and discussion for our project 2014 ? Do you still remember all these memories?
8. For I will remember because these defining moments in my life, that each of everyone of you have made an impact to me and my instructors. I will remember the laughter we shared and tears and sweat we shed together. I will remember the secrets that we knew about each other that perhaps your closet friend might not know. I will remember we supported one another pushing on to achieve the best that we can be. I will remember the “Nobody Nobdody But You” and the crazy dances that we did that night. I will remember the effort by each of everyone in the project 2014 presentation. I will always remember 17/09 Officer Training Course. This is definitely a defining moment for me and I hope it is for you as well.�

   What’s Your Standard ?

9. What’s your standard! My favourite phrase in this year course. So What’s Your Standard? Just merely a pass or excelling? What’s your standard? A Corps Achievement Bronze or Achieving the Gold. What’s your standard? Hallmark excellence in our core subjects or jack of all trade master of non? What’s your standard?  I have set mine for you in the course and it’s time to set yours.  So What’s your standard ? Challenge yourself and tickle your mind each day in your life and ask yourself what’s your standard? You definitely will improve!
10. As I have mention many a times in the camp and in the course, there is no such thing as you are from zone 1 or zone 4 or zone 8 or zone 9, There is no such segregation that you are in corps or  zone, there no segregation between you and me as senior or junior officer, there is no such segregation, caused we belong to one unique identity together,  – the officer corps of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Singapore, the leaders, the elite, simply being the best who is always striving to achieve the best for our cadets, the best for our corps, the best for what we stand for, doing the best for the place that we together grew up in. This is what we are and this is what we will be.

    Believing in yourself

11. I believe in you that you can make a difference to the many cadets under your charge, I believe in you to lead by example, I believe in you to walk us out together from the valley of darkness bringing beacon of light to the brigade. I believe in you. I believe in you that we can move the brigade as one together. I believe in you in making positive changes and improve the lives of many. I believe in you. Do you believe in yourself?
12.  This year course is not only about St. John but it’s about living your life well, knowing your inner self and breaking your limits. Remember when you live your life well; the rest of the things will fall in place nicely.  Remember the role that you are playing, be it a son or a daughter, an officer or a student, just continue to do your very best and I am very sure all of you will definitely made it in life one way or another!
13. I will take this opportunity  to thank the Zone commissioner for their support for the course and all the instructors for contributing their time and effort in making this course a success. Thank You to all my officer Cadet Trainees, you have been a wonderful company in our journey together. I will never the wonderful memories we spend together, I will definitely etch these memories in my heart for a very long time.�

    Story of LOVE

14. But before I end my address I would like to share with you 1 stories, just 1 story. This story is about a dad and his daughter playing at the nearby playground. While at the park, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground. “That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
15. “He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
16. Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”  Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.” The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?” Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.” The man smiled and said, “OK.”
17. “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded. The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
18. Life is all about making priorities and what are your priorities? Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today. Treasure every moment of your life and never regret. You never know the future, so just do it.
19. This evening you will be standing proudly in front of your love ones who have sacrifice countless of 5 minutes for you, the people who are willing to do anything for you just for love, the people you have been part of your life. Today Share this moment with them and tell them  how you feel, give them biggest hug and tell them that you love them while they help you mount the deserving rank on your shoulder.  Share the joy and be thankful

    CONCLUSION

20. I will like to end the speech with a quote by President of the united States of America, Mr. Barack Obama. “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. it’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.”
21. Last but not least, Remember our course motto:  Lead with Honour
22. Thank You.

Saw this news article on the sunday times last week. The guy in the news is Dr. William Tan. A wheel Chair Marathoner and a surgical doctor specialised in Pediatric. When he was 2 he contracted a diesease called polio and resulted him to be disabled from pelvis downwards. A very very extremly strong in mental strength who crosses all odds. 

Very unfortunately, he was contracted with leukemia, few months back and in this article he said that he wanted to give up and just die off. Giving up on the treatment process of chemotherapy and giving up on life. Of cause … He is Dr. William Tan, How can he give up a fight? That is not his way ! He battled on ! Well.. for more info go read the papers…

I read his book no journey too tough,  he batteld the undulating terrains of antartica where even man who are NOT disabled not dared to challenge, he completed a marathon.Quoted from his book, he said ” I am physically disabled but there are many who are disabled in their mind” Many feared challenges and gave up just because they have met with difficulties or perhaps their own “reasons” (Actually is excuses).

So what is your way of your life ? Fight or fright ? Give up or Fight On? Think about it … and tag me and tell me your answer

Hey Guys ! I have done it finally … after a year of procastinating I have finally have the courage to step forward to do a bit for charity !

Tadah!!! My very first video podcast and it shall explain everything:

My new look :

Shall update more on the why in my next post !

The six most important words: “I admit I made a mistake.” – Author unknown
The five most important words: “You did a good job.”
The four most important words: “What is your opinion.”
The three most important words: “If you please.”
The two most important words: “Thank you,”
The one most important word: “We”
The least important word: “I”

I found this story over the internet and I really think its really meaningful :

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

“We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

“We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Sometimes we aim for wealth and power. We never look back on ourselves actually the poorest of all is those who do not have happiness.

Many a times when we faced with challenges in life  we often focused too much of our attention on the problem and not getting the solution in the end. In the show Patch Adam, there was one scene which best illustrate this point.

Arthur Mendelson: How many fingers do you see?
Hunter Patch Adams: Four.
Arthur Mendelson: No no! Look beyond the fingers! Now tell me how many you see.
Arthur Mendelson: You’re focusing on the problem. If you focus on the problem, you can’t see the solution. Never focus on the problem! See what no one else sees. See what everyone chooses not to see… out of fear, conformity or laziness. See the whole world anew each day!

Everytime we see a problem we often will choose the easy way out of avoidance due to fear, laziness or any other excuses that you can think of. Focus on the solution, and you will see what others do not see. Just like the finger experiment that Arthur Mendelson did on Patch Adam, many a times we need to look beyond the problem, solutions are just right behind your problems and often we are blinded by it. Look beyond!

Start your own journey as your everyday hero, remember focus on the solution and you’ll get there.

Have you ever wonder if you are left with only a few months to live with what will it be your reaction?? What will you be doing ? Will you kill yourself, to bring forward your “Dead-line” or Will you do something that you ever have not dared to do but because of this incident you decided to do it?

I recently watched this movie called “The Bucket List”, staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. It is about two guys with diversed background, a blue collar mechanic, carter and a billionaire hospital magnate, cole both being diagnosed with Cancer, becoming friends while undergoing treatments. Both are diagnosed with a year or less to live. Carter(Morgan Freeman) begins to write a “a bucket list” or things to do before “he kicks the bucket”. Upon hearing that he has only a less than a year to live, he tossed the bucket list on the floor, which was picked up by cole and cole Pushes carter for fulfiling the bucket list together.

They begin a journey in doing the things that they always wanted to do but for some reason they didn’t do it because of time, because of family, because “Im too old for this”, because of many other excuses. They went on skydiving, race car driving, having a tattoo and many more. This show has several very important messages.

In life, the feeling of lost  hurts but definitely REGRETS hurts even more. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way you know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked and there is no reason not to follow your heart. Regretting of not doing something is by far in my dictionary the most painful experience that I would want to avoid. No want wants to die, even people who wants to go to heaven do not want to die to get there and yet death is the destination that all men has in common, so why procasinate in the things that you would want to achieve in life?

Ask yourself this every morning “If tomorrow would be my last day of my life, Will I be doing the things I am going to do today?” If the answer is no for too many morning, You need to change and change is the only constant in life.

At the end of the show, cole and carter died of cancer, they fulfiled all the items in the bucket list together, even the last item on list, Witnessing something truly majestic. Maybe ask yourself, do you have a bucket list? Must you wait till that you know your final hours in your life to do it? 

Well, life is definitely short so live it and do what you want to do in life and never regret.  Don’t waste your time living in someone else’s life, living with the results of other people thinking. Follow you heart and you will know what you truly want to become.

Ever wonder whats the power of love and self-belief? Ever doubt yourself in doing something. Have you ever give up on something that you wanted to do but due to some setback you gave up on your dream and hope?

If you have, take a look at this video – the love of a father, determination of his son.

My tears will roll whenever I see this video:

This is the story of an amazing father : Dick Hoyt and an inspiring son Rick Hoyt. Rick at birth suffered from Cerebral Palsy- a cut off oxygen to the brain during birth causing disabilities.

The strong belief of Dick Hoyt to raise Rick just like any other childern was amazing. He sent Rick to local public school and  graduated from university. It was amazing. It proves that as long as you want to do something it can definitely be done.

Rick communciate through an interactive computer which he called it “My Communicator” which a cursor would move across a screen filled with rows of letters and when the cursor highlighted a letter that rick wanted, he would click a switch with the side of his head. It is real difficult to do it and you really need real patience to do it.

In 1977, Rick told Dick that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a local lacrosse player who had been paralysed in an accident. Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair. This is where their adventures begins.

Rick told his dad that he didn’t feel handicapped when they were competing. That statement spur Dick in all the runs they particiapted. Till date they have completed in 224 Triathlons, 6 Ironman, 5 Half Iron Man, 20 Duathlons, 65 Marathons, 25 Boston Marathons. Its definitely amazing.

The journey that Rick and Dick took its amazing. The video has an important message called “I CAN” It proves that human can do wonders, despite all the problems and odds that the Hoyt family has faced they know what they really want and go for it.

There is nothing that is impossible, as long as you say I CAN. BE that someone. Be that inspiration. You CAN definitely CAN.�

I read the news paper today and wanted to share this story with the rest of the people on this journal. It is Hero’s journey of Mr Yap Leong Sun. At age 51 he is old enough to be the father of all the graduating students in Temasek Poly but this year he is attending the graduation not because of his son but for himself for getting the Tay Eng Soon Gold award in his course of studies.

DISABLED BUT NOT ‘UNABLED’: Mr Yap, who needs a walking stick to get around, is moving on to NTU to take a degree and hopes to become an ITE teacher. He is seen here with sons Eddy, 15 (left) and Adi, 14. — PHOTO: JOSEPH NAIR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

His journey was not a smooth one, he met with an accident 20 years ago while during a parachute exercise he collided with a fellow parachutist and landed a 20-floor height and landed feet-first on hard tarmac.

He smashed his ankles, broke his right leg in four places and his spines as well. He was hospitalised for 6 months and another 3 years for him to get back his feet. He is not able to do what he likes for than on. (ie. dragon boating,running and Swimming)

Since he can’t participate in active outdoors, he decided to hit the books and signed up for a course in ITE in 1998 and went on to Temasek Poly. Due to his condition he has to get around witha walking stick. he is also unable to control his bladder and bowels thus to avoid any “Accident”  he will go without food 3 times a week during his evening classes.

Against all these odds, he has bagged a diploma with merit with 10 distinctions, 15As, 2Bs and a C. His next goal is to move on to NTU.

Quoted from Straits Times Interactive:
Said Mr Yap, the father of two teenage boys: ‘I was miserable for a long time after the accident. Getting this award has enhanced my self-esteem. I can tell people I’m disabled but not ‘unabled’.’

He has not yet sorted out how to get from his home in Pasir Ris to the NTU campus in Boon Lay, but said: ‘I want to study. I don’t know how far I can go…But I will keep going.’  

Sometime in our life we will meet with a lot of setbacks and things that we can’t fulfil cause of somethings that might happen. Have you imagine that you loved to do outdoor sports and you can’t do anymore. Many people will complain that life is not fair … blame the whole wide world. Why not like Mr Yap, Channel your energy to other areas and don’t give up on yourself. For those guys are studying, there are no one in this world born to be a C or F Student. You need hardwork and shear determination to achieve that. Keep motivating yourself to push forward. If a guy at 51 with disability, can against all odds and achieve this kind of results, you have no excuses not to achieve.

What your mind can conceive, You can achieve. You CAN

There are times where you really want to do something big in your life but many a times you are often hit with a big no cause you think that you have no capital, you have no luck, you don’t think you can do it … so on and so forth …

I recently went to Bugis to buy some stuff, something caught my attention. It was a bike filled with international flags and a helmet which was on the floor filled with money in it. Then I saw a lot of photos of lined up on the floor of different countries. There was a poster that wrote : “My Gas (Petrol) Comes from your donations. If you like what I do. Please support to keep going” I went closer and than did I realised its actually the famous Mr. Vladimir A. Yarets. This guy is deaf and mute and his ambition is to travel round the world with his bike. He started his journey on 27th May 2000 in Minsk, the capital of the Republic of Belarus and YES his now in Singapore and he is starting his journey up north and hoping to reach Beijing for the olympics games in August.

His journey was not as smooth as everyone thought it is, he was hospitalised on october 2003 due to an accident in america. A kind family in america nursed him back to health and his back in action again to complete his dream. He did not give up even when he met with adversity.

If you see him in Singapore, remember to make a donation and support his movement.

His spirits of inspiring the disabled that even he is mute and deaf he is able to do extraordinary things that not every human beings can. All he do is to take actions of his goals and dreams. He has no resources neither money, all he has is only courage to take this big step. So if you are a man/women with no disabilities what is stopping you in achieving your goals in life?