Our 24-week Industrial Attachment with Hitachi Limited, Singapore Branch, was a fascinating experience for us.  It was the first time we were able to apply the knowledge that we had learnt at the University into real practice and, at the same time, expose ourselves to the working environment.

During the attachment, we had the chance to visit the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur to attend Transmission and Distribution Asean 98 (T+D ASEAN 98).  This exhibition was organized by Malaysia Utilities – Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) and Hitachi was one of the major exhibitors.  We took the opportunity to familiarise ourselves to other companies’ products, ranging from Gas Insulated Switchgears to Protection Relays.  Although it was a short visit, the knowledge acquired is infinitely useful for our studies and future career.

Towards the end of the Industrial Attachment, we were put on a two-week training programme in Kokubu Works, Japan.  The working environment and style in Kokubu Works are different from those we are used to in Singapore.  Ten minutes before eight in the morning, we would see a lot of workers walking toward the factory from all directions.  As we got closer, a soothing classical musical would be heard from the PA system.  The employees of Kokubu Works are very punctual, friendly and hardworking.  Once they have settled down, they would work until lunch time.  The seating arrangement of the office is traditional, where everybody is in sight for discussion.  There is a smoking corner provided for the employees to release stress and exchange ideas.  The official knock-off hour is 1700 hours but nobody seems to go off at that time because most of them work late.  On Fridays after work, our colleagues would invite us for sushi and drinks.

Within the two weeks’ stay in Japan, we were invited to visit the Hitachi Research Lab located on top of a mountain.  The visit to the Hitachi Research Lab was rewarding.  There, we were invited to view some of the products and innovations that had been brought up to date.  Although it was short stint in Japan, the experience was refreshing for all of us.  There were no regrets in taking up this assignment. We were grateful for being given the chance to savour the country’s beauty and culture at the same time.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff in Hitachi Limited, Hitachi Plant ENC Company Limited, OPA and also our NTU supervisor (Mr David Chang Tat Wai) for their great assistance and for giving us the opportunity to widen our horizons.