The annual trip to Brunei has become a routine for the last 21 years. Just as we long for the beaches in summer, I always look forward to visiting Brunei during the holidays. Many of my friends, most of whom had only heard about Brunei'swealthy Sultan and its oil fields, used to wonder aloud why I "waste" my holidays there. Firstly, my maternal family resides there and it's a time for family gatherings, and secondly, the simple lifestyle there particularly attracts me.

Theus, when the time came came for choosing our firm for Professional Attachment, it naturally occurred to me to go to Brunei. This way, I would not only get to experience an external working environment, but also a chance to perhaps live life like a local, instead of just being a visiting tourist.

Unlike Singapore's Orchard Road or Shenton Way, the heart of Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, is lined with double-storey shophouses (like how it was in Chinatown) with buildings scattered sparsely. Standing by the roadside, just before entering the building, where Deloitte and Touche is situated on the 5th floor of Wisma Hjh Fatimah, I suddenly had second thoughts of working there.

Sitting in the reception area that first morning filled me with much anxiety, so much so that I forgot the presence of my accompanying cousin. But all anxiousness quickly dissipated with the warm and cheery welcome extended by the partner's secretary, Chit, who rapidly whizzed me round the office (which, to my surprise and relief, looked very professional). In the short tour that followed, I was to meet all the people in the 5 departments of DT who would guide me patiently for the next 8 weeks. Having been introduced, everyone returned again seriously to work. After a brief welcome by Hajah Hartini, I was quickly introduced to the Tax regulatory framework of Brunei. This marked the start of my PA at DT Brunei Darussalam.

During the 8 weeks that I stayed there, I was able to acquire and learn the various skills such as analysing, report writing, communicating and problem solving in the 4 departments, namely tax, management consulting, audit and secretarial, that I was attached to. It gave me a clearer and broader picture of how an audit firm works and it enabled me to receive hands-on experience in these areas.

I am proud to say that the people here are very supportive, appreciative and pleasant. Even though I had problems understanding Malay initially, I had overcome that problem over the 8 weeks by becoming a master at guessing. My colleagues, who grew very dear to me during this period, were more than happy to help out in any problems which I faced. In particular, I am extremely grateful of the fact that I received constructive criticisms and positive feedback on my performance.

One interesting feature of the firm is the monthly meeting held at the end of each month. Each of the staff will take turns to chair this meeting, and during this meeting, opinions and suggestions will be voiced. It certainly builds up camaraderie in the office, since most of the time, all will be very busy with their own work and there is hardly time for social talk in the office. Following this meeting, there will even be a cake later in the afternoon in celebration of any birthdays that fall in that month.

Before the PA, I always had doubts about working in an Audit Firm. But my experience over the 8 weeks has changed my mind. A job can be mundane to the ordinary man if he just carried out his work without interest. But if he were to take the initiative and learn, I am sure he could never terminate the learning process.

I have to especially thank the partner of Deloitte & Touche Brunei, Mr Ng Hui Hua, who made sure that I got an opportunity to work in all the departments of the firm, and for always offering tips om how to become a successful accountant.