Scotland is more than just tartan kilts and bagpipes.  Home to the world's finest malt whisky, Scotland has a long history spanning seven centuries as the Scots resisted English attempts at domination, vividly chronicled in the movie Braveheart.  And here was my opportunity to explore this great land... .

On 25 September 1997, I arrived in Glasgow to begin my one-semester Student Exchange Program followed by a six-month Industrial Attachment.  Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, with a population of 700,000. Voted European City of Culture 1990, this is a city rich in culture and the arts.  There are countless art galleries and museums and an ever-welcoming blend of friendliness and humour.  When in the city centre, you won't stay alone and disoriented with a map in your hand for very long. Within the next five minutes, a Glaswegian will come and ask you, "Are you lost? Can I help you?"

At the University of Strathclyde, I had my first taste of the Scottish way of life, language and culture.  The Scots have a very strong accent, which was difficult to grasp initially.  But I found out that it wasn't so hard as I interacted with them more. Most Scots enjoy a good pint of beer at the local pub and take to the dance floor for a session of ceilidh (pronounced 'khay-lee').  A very Scottish traditional dance, it has had the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the Titanic movie moving their feet.

Studying in a Scottish university has been a great experience.  The lecturers were very approachable and friendly.  The small student-teacher ratio made learning very conducive.  So did the informal classroom setting.    It was not uncommon for students to sip their Cokes and munch their chips while at an early morning lecture.

Strathclyde has a very visible international community with many exchange students from all over the world.  I had the opportunity to make new friends of different races & cultures.  And to interact and exchange ideas. As an exchange student, I had the privilege of being an 'ambassador' for my university and country.  It was gratifying to meet a diverse group of young people of different backgrounds, experiences and lifestyles, some of whom I am proud to have as my close friends.

I was fortunate to have had the chance to try out horse-riding, ice-skiing, and even canoeing down the rapids of the Highlands - a very chilly experience!  Hill-walking, as I discovered, was more than a 'hike at Bukit Timah Hill'.  Scotland has such high peaks!  But the beauty of the great wilderness, and the Highlands, so rugged and yet so untamed, are unforgettable.

My Industrial Attachment was at CTS Corporation UK Ltd.  CTS is the industry’s leader for automotive sensors.  At CTS, I was assigned to resolve a number of issues concerning its products.  It was a total engineering experience: from hands-on at the production line, discussions with senior engineers, to teleconferences with my American counterparts in Indiana, USA!  At every stage, I was given a great deal of autonomy to go about my tasks.  Creativity was encouraged, so too was the asking of questions.  My colleagues were very approachable and helpful, taking time out from their busy schedules to guide me and point me in the right direction. Besides improving my technical competence, this attachment has given me the opportunity to sharpen my interaction and communication skills, and develop new-found abilities in management and organization.

I would like to thank my supervisors: Dr Cheng Tee Hiang and Dr Siew Wah Hoon; Mrs Loh-Goh Ai Hwa of OPA, Agnes Kwang of IRO and the jolly bunch at CTS, Scotland especially Allan White, Dave Russell and Eddie Gallacher for giving me the experience of a lifetime.  Thank you to you all!  And yes, I did catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster!