Hi everyone,

What a couple of weeks! Time is really flying here.

As I mentioned, my role at the moment is to forge relationships with key industry contacts. On top of that, I've been viewing offices, helping my colleagues prepare for an ISO audit and researching the decision whether Opito should attend an oil and gas conference in Jakarta next week.

I have met a lot more interesting people in this project- directors of multinational oil companies and government ministers. Yes, actual Malaysian government ministers! The Director of Occupational Skills complemented me on my English. Matthew- I got the same thing... by a government minister of all people!! It was still an amazing opportunity to meet with these people and to be given the responsibility of promoting Opito. (and the government buildings were VERY impressive)

As I said, a busy couple of weeks for all of us here but each and every one of us has put in the hard work and effort. It is commonly assumed in Malaysia that Malays are lazy due to the government's affirmative action program but my colleagues at Opito could not prove that more wrong. Their commitment and dedication is inspiring and I believe that is what ensures success in a company.

I have also met with a Scottish Development International representative to discuss expanding the role of Scottish education and training providers in South East Asia. It was very interesting to compare notes with someone looking at the region as a whole. We could both agree that the oil and gas industry in Malaysia holds some mysteries- one day I would like to see them unfolded.

It's coming to the end of my placement and I will be very sad to leave. It has been a wonderful experience, working for a fantastic company and I will certainly miss the friends I have made here.

I can't say enough what a beautiful country Malaysia is. Over the past couple of weekends I have been able to visit new and intriguing places. Batu caves is one such place- lots of colourful Hindu temples inside enchanting limestone caves.

I spent last weekend on the island of Penang. The main town, Georgetown, is an historic colonial town with charming rainbow houses. Hawker stalls line many of the streets casting spices into the air. Penang is famous for its hawker food and I must say it's delicious!I have also met some of the nicest people on my travels here.

Penang Hill was beautiful- 800m sea level gave amazing views over the island and the mainland beyond. Penang is covered in greenery and lined with beautiful beaches.

Lots of magnificent temples are dotted around the island including Kek Lok Si, a huge, grand Chinese temple which blends in with the nature that surrounds it. I fell in love with the Buddhist temples I visited- they were strangely calming and beautifully decorated with bright colours and gold.

I spent the next day wandering round temples and market stalls. There is so much history to the island it was hard to absorb in just two days!

I'm really enjoying reading everyone else's blogs- keep up the good work! :)