MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/2011 - MINDS

► Reaching the Woodlands Checkpoint
INAUGURAL
OVERSEAS
TRIP TO
PENGERANG
Text by: Ms Salina Ismail, Supervisor, CTDC
Photos by: Mdm Shafiyah, Head of CTDC
On 26 February 2011, 15 trainees, seven caregivers
and 16 staff from Clementi Training & Development
Centre (CTDC) embarked on a maiden voyage
across the straits of Malacca into Malaysia. There was much
excitement and anticipation generated as this was the centre’s
first overseas trip together. The centre picked the quaint town
of Pengerang in Johor Bahru (JB) as their destination for this
one day excursion.
The group left Singapore at 7:30am and travelled by coach
into JB. Upon entering JB, the group headed straight for a
hearty breakfast at a food centre. It was heart warming to see
the trainees freely deciding on what they wanted to have and
then proceeding to buy their own meals. After breakfast, the
tour started with a visit to a chocolate factory. The trainees
listened intently as the sales staff explained the chocolatemaking
process to them. They were happy to sample and buy
the chocolate.
Next, they came into contact with some ‘feathery friends’
whilst visiting an Ostrich Farm. You could tell by the look on
our trainees that the ostriches were an eye-opening experience
to some. Afterwards, the group went to the Desaru Fruit
Farm where they visited a plantation and were acquainted
with agricultural processes and produce. Following that, the
trainees dropped by Jusco Shopping Centre where they were
given room to make purchases of simple food items and
souvenirs. The biggest highlight in the trip was the delicious
seafood lunch and dinner the trainees had at a restaurant.
The Training Officers used the opportunity to reinforce proper
dining etiquette as well, whilst the trainees lavished themselves
on lobster.
The challenging part of the trip was when the group had to wait in
line for their passports to be stamped at the Immigration Check
Point. The trainees seemed restless and a little uncomfortable
as they had just alighted after a long journey and have to wait
in a long queue amongst a big crowd of people. However,
even in that challenging situation, good things sprung out of
it. The use of public facilities was particularly a good learning
experience for our trainees. For staff, it was nice spending one
on one time with the trainees in a different environment and it
was certainly a wonderful achievement and experience for the
entire centre.
► Admiring the beauty and tranquillity of the fruit farm
► Taking a group photo at the chocolate factory
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