Azmi Othman

Outward Bound Singapore

Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) was first established in 1967 under the name Outward Bound School. It was Dr Goh Keng Swee, Minister for Defence & Interior and the Defence & Deputy Chairman of the People's Association, who suggested setting up an Outward Bound School in Singapore to help build a "rugged society". It was a period of uncertainty for Singapore, who just gained independence. An island with limited resources, Singapore needed a "rugged society" that was ready to meet challengers & help ensure its survival. The school was set up by New Zealanders, Hamish Thomas & Al Cameron, who under the "Colombo Plan" were instrumental in developing Outward Bound. The first OBS course was organized on 17 February, 1968. In 1971, for 20 years, OBS was placed under the care of Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) from the People's Association. It was returned to the care of People's Association in 1991, under the name Outward Bound Singapore. Despite changing management & name, the original purpose of the school "to provide education, leadership and character training; developing the physical, mental and spiritual faculties of boys, girls, young men and women of all races of Singapore" still hold true till today. 1967 - Outward Bound School c/o MINDEF 1971 - Outward Bound Singapore c/o People's Association 2015 - Outward Bound Singapore c/o National Youth Council