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Kota Kinabalu: Outward Bound Sabah (OBS), Malaysia’s pioneering outdoor experiential learning centre, is celebrating its 40th anniversary next month with a public open day and a charity gala dinner. 

Chairman Dato’ Seri Tengku Dr Zainal Adlin said it would honour four decades of personal development, leadership training, and international recognition. 

Founded in 1985, OBS Kinarut was the first centre in Malaysia, following the original Outward Bound school established in England. 

Located on a 100-acre coastal site in Kinarut, the centre offers direct access to the South China Sea, rivers, and tropical rainforest an ideal setting for immersive outdoor education.

Tengku Adlin, the founding chairman and first warden of OBS Sabah, had been a guiding force since its beginning. 

He fondly recalled the visit of Prince Philip shortly after the school opened, a moment that highlighted OBS’s global significance.

“Our philosophy has never changed. We remain committed to experiential learning that builds character, resilience, and leadership,” said Adlin.

OBS now operates across Borneo, with centres in Sabah and Brunei, and another in Lumut, Perak. Its programmes have benefited thousands of individuals and corporate teams through activities such as kayaking, trekking, sailing, and team-building challenges.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, OBS temporarily halted all physical activities. However, the centre has since resumed operations and is planning for the future. 

A small portion of the land is being considered for development into a five-star eco-resort, with plans to sub-lease rather than sell, the property to support long-term sustainability, Adlin said.

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, OBS would host an Open Day for the public to explore its facilities and learn more about its programmes.

“We will also hold a Gala Charity Dinner, a fundraising event with the Chief Minister of Sabah as our patron. It will be a momentous occasion with several highlights during the evening,” Adlin added.

As OBS celebrates this landmark year, it continues to uphold its motto: To Serve, To Strive, and Not to Yield, and remains committed to making a lasting impact on individuals and communities.