Prem  Rajalingham
Former MSc Student with the ISLI and originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Hardware Engineer, EPSON Scotland Design Centre

When did you first arrive in Scotland?

I first arrived in Scotland in October 1999. 

What attracted you to come to Scotland?

 I was originally working as a research assistant in North London and had finished my project on Chip Design / System Level Integration and was looking to complete a Masters course when I heard about the MSc in System Level Integration offered by the ISLI based at the Alba Centre. I read the prospectus and the courses being offered were just what I was interested in. The ISLI was a major influence on my decision to come to Scotland. 

Did you enjoy studying at the ISLI and what was good about it?

I definitely enjoyed studying at the ISLI because unlike most universities which have very limited resources the facilities at the ISLI were excellent each individual has their own workstation, PC, small groups, good lectures and one to one attention for each student. 

Was your course beneficial in helping you find a job?

Yes, although I already had my Masters Degree in Electronic Engineering I found that by doing the MSc I was able to narrow down my job options and apply to companies to do the job I wanted. There are so many jobs out there in chip design and finding the right one was not a problem. 

What made you decide to remain in Scotland and what factors influenced you?

I had many job offers from companies in England but I felt that after staying in the North of London for four years, Scotland was a whole new experience and one that I’d enjoyed. I felt that staying here for one year wasn’t enough because I wanted to explore more and I love Edinburgh where I live.  

How did you find a job here and was it easy?

I was very lucky. After studying at the ISLI, I sent my CV to Fred Westall, Manager at Epson and had an informal interview with Fred a week later I was offered a job. 

How long have you been working for Epson?

I started with Epson in October 2000. 

What is your job title and describe your duties?

I am Hardware Engineer and I design hardware to support DSP Algorithms.  

How challenging and satisfying is your job?

I love coming to my work and enjoy the working environment within Epson. Even though the work is very serious there is no pressure and it’s very relaxed. I work as a team and my colleagues are helpful and friendly.  I work on one specific project giving it all my attention and then I move on to the next project. Here at the Alba Centre Epsom is a small team but we are not a small company it’s good to be part of a global organisation too. That part of the job gives me the best of both worlds. 

How different is Scotland compared to your home country and other places you have lived, i.e. quality of life, cost of living, finding accommodation etc?

I am originally from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and even though people may earn the same amount of money, the cost of living is much higher back home than it is here in Scotland. Going out in Scotland is very different from Kuala Lumpur because the restaurants are open much later in Kuala Lumpur but Scotland does offers excellent theatre and drama and I did enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. Both countries are different and offer. 

It can be very difficult to move about in Kuala Lumpur and finding accommodation can be very difficult, as places are very expensive. When I moved from England to Scotland I found a place to live in one day. It took about six months to settle down after moving away from Malaysia but I now consider Scotland to be home.

After work what activities do you enjoy i.e. restaurants, sport?

I play badminton every week and I a member of the Edinburgh League. I also enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants and so may to choose from in Edinburgh. I also enjoy going to nightclubs, and again there is a great selection in Edinburgh. 

What’s the best thing’s you like about Scotland?

The highlands you’re only a two-hour drive away. The people in Scotland are very friendly and helpful and I enjoyed the New Year Celebrations and I think Edinburgh is a beautiful place. 

Worst thing about Scotland?

Public Transportation can be unreliable. When I was a student and didn’t have my own car I found it very frustrating having to take several buses to try and get to my studies but that is the only complaint I have. 

What advice would you offer others who may be considering job opportunities in Scotland or studying at the ISLI

If someone is doing chip design then I would say definitely come to Scotland. Every company is opening up a branch here i.e. Motorola and it’s easy to get a job here which is good and interesting as a lot of development work is being done here. Scotland isn’t just about manufacturing. Edinburgh is also a great place to live. The ISLI is an excellent institute with good courses and the lecturers are very experienced and have got hands experience within the industry. 

I would say to anyone considering moving or studying in Scotland – Go for it you won’t regret it!

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