 I'm Thomas the Jose. I studied a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Diploma in Engineering Practice at the University of Technology, Sydney. I went to a university information session and then they spoke about this new Colombo Plan initiative and the opportunities available. So I knew that I had to apply straight away. During my time abroad, I studied a Bachelor of Business Administration at Chilolocone University in Bangkok, Thailand. Followed by that, I studied Thai Language at Sirupathana Language School over a period of one month. I then undertook several internships, the first being at MindHeart Thailand Limited as a Civil and Structural Engineer Intern. Living in Bangkok, going through traffic, is a complete organized chaos and it really highlighted to me the importance of good transport infrastructure. Throughout my entire experience, I've accumulated such strong networks and lifelong friendships with various people. From Thai colleagues at Chilolocone University, from my work colleagues at MindHeart, from the Strait Embassy in Thailand, from the locals who sold me Pad Thai every morning, to my motorcycle driver who drove me to university. It's just these memories and these friendships that make you who you are and I've carried them with me. Currently, I'm a project engineer. I'm working on the Gateway to the South Pinchpoint program, which aims at reducing congestion and improving journey reliability in Sydney's Key Southern corridors. Then you colombo plan the equipment with the skills and the right mindset for me to be ready on today at ACOM. I learned a lot of empathy skills, intercultural skills, and that's important when working on a large infrastructure project such as the East Sydney's congestion program. You work with the communities, you work with the design teams, you work with the client in a very collaborative environment. For anyone considering a new colombo plan experience, take the risk. It's an opportunity for anyone who aspires to be the best that they can be.