A Role Model worth Learning From

By Lance Corporal Teh Eng Hong of 12^th Kuala Lumpur Company

October 25th, 2014

Many people succeed in life regardless in whatever field. Most had a form of inspiration available through the likes of examples, testimonials and many more.

He stands at 1.7 meters in height; fit, not too stocky or buff, had that sort of leader’s vibe, sports a Bible wherever he goes, and currently sports a red sash in his BB uniform since July 2014. That person really made history in the 12^th Kuala Lumpur Compay. Yes, that person is 12^th KL’s very own Sergeant Ong Wil Sern! He has really made history! But has it been easy for him? Unknown to many, he had to undergo hardships and trials. There was a saying that Rome was not built in a day. Let us see what really made him a role model worth learning from.

Wil Sern joined 12^th KL on the year 2011, just 4 years ago like most of the other Boys who joined The Boys Brigade as a Recruit in the Senior Section. He had plenty of hardships throughout his years in 12^th KL. One of his fondest memories was his times in BNTS (Basic NCO Training School). He had to go through three times just to pass BNTS. On the first time, he failed. Regardless, he tried again. He failed again on the second attempt. He still did not give up. He remained firm in the fact that he would someday pass BNTS. Thanks to God’s grace and love,Wil Sern passed on his third attempt. What we can learn from him is to not give up and persevere.           

Wil Sern’s path to NCO-ship was just as tough as him passing BNTS. At that time, 12^th KL did not have many members. Only few slots for NCOs were available. The officers also picked whoever was ready for the rank. Wil Sern personally felt as if he was not ready for the rank on his first time. When the members found out who got promoted, Wil Sern was not amongst those shortlisted. Still, he did not give up. He tried again the following year and finally got promoted. But did he stop there? No. He continued and continued and lo and behold. He made history in 12^th KL BB as the first NCO who got double promoted from the rank of Lance Corporal to Sergeant. What we can learn from him is that we have to push on when we achieved success, which is to say, continue to endeavor.           

As a Sergeant, he said that one of the greatest challenges for him is that he cannot decide whether to be strict or to be lenient when it came to dealing with issues concerning two parties in conflict, such as a group of people ganging up on another member. In those types of circumstances, he had to be a mediator, to seek peace amongst the conflict, and resolve the matter and not fight fire with fire. Another challenge for him was to adapt to a greater role in the Company after he was promoted. He had lesser rest and had to balance his priorities between his prefect duties, academic work, prefectorial board work but he has learnt how to adapt since. What we can learn from here is to not falter under the toughest of challenges, no matter how they come in.           

In conclusion, Sergeant Ong Wil Sern has many fine qualities worth learning from. He is a good person, or rather a good man, and I’m proud to be working alongside a person or rather a fellow NCO such as he. 

Page Created: 16th December 2014
Last Updated: 16th December 2014