Outward Bound Singapore (OBS)

Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) is a compulsory 3 day 2 night Outward Bound Experience for us to get to know ourselves and each other better. This enriching team-building experience is an integral part of the UniSIM's BUS100 Business Skills and Management course. These help the student body build cohesion while promoting the development of leadership, teamwork and other soft skills. Hence, I gained upskilling, reskilling and cross-skilling opportunities from this OBS experience.

I attended Session 2, which was from 4th to 6th August 2015. I was quite worried before the camp as it was my first OBS camp and I heard from my friends and family that it was physically tough. However, my concerns were unfounded as it was a fun and memorable experience for me. OBS allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and try out new activities such as outdoor cooking, rock climbing and kayaking as a sea expedition.

Throughout these activities, I learnt how to work as a team and built better communication skills as we had to communicate well with each other in order to succeed in the activities. It was also important to voice out our own opinions and suggestions in the group so that a fruitful discussion can take place. We also forged new friendships and united as one during this short 3 Day 2 Night OBS Camp. Although we were shy at the start of the camp, we overcame all challenges by helping one another and bonded by the end of the camp. There were times where some of us felt like giving up, but we encouraged each other and persevered on as a team.

I also honed my leadership skills through this OBS experience by leading my team in the kayaking expedition, as well as other group activities and challenges. I took the initiative to solve the various challenges and perform the activities more efficiently, while taking into consideration of others' voices and opinions. I also consistently motivated my team with positive encouragement in order to complete the tasks.

In conclusion, I learnt teamwork, leadership skills, communication skills and determination even when facing difficulties. These skills are definitely useful in my future career as an auditor. The collective effort of working together is stronger than an individual's effort. I also learnt that attitude is very important, especially towards the difficulties faced as having a positive attitude will push you to succeed while having a negative attitude will determine that you will definitely fail.