I could still remember vividly the voice of Mrs Loh, OPA’s Senior Assistant Director, who called to break the good news that I was selected for an overseas attachment in Glasgow, Scotland.  I was simply ecstatic with eager anticipation as I knew a chance like that was rare.

I arrived in Glasgow right in the middle of winter.  The snow was mild yet beautiful.  Watching snowflakes float gently to the ground constitutes much to my memorable experiences.

I had read in travel guides which sang praises about Glasgow being a friendly city.  And I am certainly not one to dispute that, having experienced its friendliness and hospitality myself.  My colleagues made me feel very welcomed and comfortable as they made every effort in getting to know me.  They were also very helpful and approachable.

I was attached to the metering department under the Power Systems division.  I was exposed to a wide variety of work and advanced technology through big projects, sub-assignments and attachments to the different sections within that department.

My main project was to set up a test laboratory and develop software for database management.  I had a chance to visit a nuclear power station as well.

The 6-month stint has been of invaluable learning experience to me.  It was a chance to brush up my interpersonal skills and experience independent living.  Picking up cooking skills whilst over there is something I am proud of.

I stayed in the Strathclyde University hostel where I shared a flat with 7 others who came from all around Europe and were themselves exchange students.  Mingling with other students in the university allowed me to experience cross-cultural living.  Weekends were spent usually travelling all around the United Kingdom.  One thing I will always miss is driving up to the highlands of Scotland for camping, hill-walking or mountain trekking trips.

An overseas attachment in Europe is not complete without touring the continent.  So I went backpacking alone in Europe after the attachment and before coming back to  my homeland.  And that trip was a fitting finale to a wonderful and unforgettable 6-month experience.  Oh, how I wish it was longer!