Sysmex Malaysia team building trip in September 2018 focused on the two words of “Gratitude” and “Challenge” highlighted in Sysmex 50th Anniversary theme. Therefore, Sabah was selected as the venue as it boasts impressive natural attractions and adventures

Our trip started off with the sent off for the SMA heroes, the MKCC(Mount Kinabalu Charity Climbers) for their 2-days-1-night ascend of hope to the highest mountain of South East Asia to raise funds for the Shelter Home for Children. For the rest of the non-climbers, their first destination was Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang, which has refreshing mountain green landscape resembling that of New Zealand. We enjoyed visiting the milk processing plant, milking station, enjoying fresh milk, cheese pizzas as well as their signature dessert – milk frozen yoghurt. Then we adjourned to our CSR activity at Don Bosco Children Home at Bundu Tahan. We really enjoyed our times spent with the children. To show their gratitude, the children performed 3 group traditional dance whole heartedly and all of us felt so touched by their performance.

Visiting Sabah Tea Garden which is a beautiful tea plantation in Sabah and we enjoyed our morning walk and the breathtaking view of rainforest around the tea plantation with majestic Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop. We also explored the 41-metres-high canopy walk, witnessing the grandeur of a hundred-million-year-old rainforest, and the fabulous view of Borneo’s rainforest’s flora and fauna. We were very lucky to view the rare Rafflesia plant blooming which reputedly only happens once in 16 months and only last for 8 days. Finally, the day ended with soaking our tired muscles in the invigorating waters of hot sulphur springs at The Poring Hot Springs.

After the MKCC heroes rejoined us, we participated for the team building activities at Zip Borneo Adventure Center. Adrenaline pumping activities such as zipline, white water-rafting and wall climbing were carried out in teams which we all enjoyed very much. Many colleagues had to overcome their fear for heights during the zipline and the shrieks of laughter were heard along the river as we rafted and splashed water between rafts.

Finally we took a boat trip to Sapi Island – one of the five spectacular islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It was a leisure day with some snorkeling, sea walking, relaxing on the beach and as well as jet skiing. Some who opted to experience scuba diving had a chance to examine closely underwater life and the lucky ones also swam with a whale shark! The final night was a gala seafood dinner with lobster accompanied by lively cultural performance of traditional Sabahan dance.

From watching the sunrise at the peak of Mount Kinabalu to those who can immerse in the waters of Poring Hot Springs or go river rafting or enjoying their dive and getting close to underwater life, this is certainly a memorable trip of Gratitude and Challenge!