FUN DAY AT FRIM

January 12th was a memorable day for Sime Solution Centre. What could be sweeter than to start the first month of the New Year 2008 with an event outside of the office?

Staff members from Payroll, Procurement and Finance Division were treated to a Fun Day at the Malaysian Forestry Research Institute (FRIM) in Bukit Lagong, Kepong. Joining in the excitement were selected employees of Land Rover Malaysia, who were thrilled to participating in the joyous event.

Departing from Wisma Sime Darby, KL at 7.45am by two bus loads, everyone was treated to a hearty breakfast upon arrival the FRIM grounds.

The sun was shinning bright all day long and not a single dull cloud was sighted. Everyone donned their bright tangerine collared T-shirts, giving the impression of a bright mass of orange on the field.

To begin the fun events, Head Executive of Shared Services, Mr. TK Wong gave words of encouragements and called out the strong motto of the new Sime Darby to everyone: to go ‘Ahead as One’.

“Let us build stronger ties and work together to make this a success. But most of all, let’s have fun!” he cried out, “and hopefully, this will not be the first time such an event is held, nor will it be the last.”

The Telematch event saw participants formed into five teams, where each were named after a car proudly distributed by the SD Motor Group: Alfa, BMW, Suzuki, Hyundai and Ford. All five teams saw the women overshadowing the men by numbers.

Led by the FRIM telematch crew, games were played out with the utmost cries of encouragement, support and competitiveness. Everybody was eyeing the large winner’s hampers!

From picking ping-pong balls with chopsticks to

the kampong-style Daun Pinang run, from the unbreakable chain of hula-hoops passing to imitating gorillas, the field was full of laughter, racing, and even a few eccentric moments of mortification.

Nobody was left out of the races, including top management officers and the organizing committee members. Team Hyundai emerged as the overall telematch winners, followed by team Alpha Romeo, with a 1-point score difference. But in the true spirit of competition and team building, everyone was a winner!

And every team was awarded a gift hamper each. More than 25 names were picked from the lucky draws, each attached with unique gifts and souvenirs.

After lunch, the Fun Day event at FRIM continued with the highlight of the day: the Canopy Walk. Suspended at 1,000 feet above sea level, the canopy bridge spanned 200meters long. Getting up to the canopy bridge was an entirely different adventure on its own.

Split into two groups and led by expert trail-guides, it was close to an hour’s walk to hike 1,000 meters uphill. Huffing and puffing and pushing to the limits, the hike upwards was exhilaratingly exhausting!

It was that moment

truth that each and everyone realized just how fit (or unfit) they were.

At the 1,000 meter mark, all pains and exhaustion were completely forgotten. It was time to walk in the air, on the suspended bridge. One by one, each person took the leap of faith to pace among century-old trees, accompanied by the twittering of birds, overlooking panoramic views of KL city.

Energized by the wonderful experience and fresh air, everyone cheerfully hiked downhill for another 1,000 meters. Jokes were shared and smiles were on everyone’s faces.

Waterfalls were heard and seen flowing freely and cleanly right next to the hiking trails. As most of the crowd continued to return to the main field to rest, some decided to take a dip in the cool, rushing waterfalls. Truly, it was nature’s Jacuzzi.

As 5.00pm drew closer, everyone was ready head back home. The team building event was hailed as a success, considering that everybody had a good time, built stronger ties, and returned with happy memories. And not forgetting lots of snapshots. The events carried on without any mishaps.

It was indeed, a fun day.