Outward Bound Malaysia (OBM) at Lumut was the first sea school to be established outside the UK in 1954. It was known as Outward Bound Malaya prior to independence in 1957. The initial start-up staff were trained in OB Aberdovey for seamanship skills which was the mentor school. The main aim of the establishment was to prepare the civil servants, youths and upcoming generation with leadership skills to prepare and lead the nation after independence. Today, 69 years on, OBM continues to be the pioneers in outdoor experiential education in Malaysia. It has remained relevant and plays an integral role in conducting training for the public, civil servants, government sectors, government linked organizations and corporates.
OBM is located at the west coast of the peninsular of Malaysia in the state of Perak. It is blessed with both the primary tropical rainforest and with beautiful beaches facing the Straits of Malacca. The challenging jungle treks and the serenity of rainforest solo camps provides meaningful and impactful experience for course participants. Often, courses are coupled with whaler sailing at the Straits of Malacca and sea kayaking around the nearby islands and marine parks with overnight camps.
The children and youth public programs remain a popular choice of courses yearly during the school holidays. A template of this youth program was used by the Ministry of Youth & Sports of Malaysia to conduct the National Youth Development Program called ‘Malaysian Future Leaders School’ in 2019 which was led by OBM for programs conducted throughout Malaysia. Despite various challenges, OBM continues to thrive, strive and sustain while remaining as a private non-profit organization and is thankful to its sponsors, wellwishers and alumni.