Building Economics

This module is about learning of Quantity’s Surveyor’s role during construction pre-tender stage. Throughout the semester, I have been introduced to the concept of cost control, cost modeling, cost analysis and the effect of cost in forming an economical building. Besides, whole life costing and value engineering are as well emphasized in this subject. 

Along the way, we had a midterm test and in-class discussions on every tutorial sessions. Instead of carrying out discussion in traditional way, we were assigned into groups to present the tutorial answers through power point slides. The in-class discussions enhance learning effectiveness where discussions are now become more interesting and open discussion are allowed. Apart from that, we had a 2 days’ workshop led by Mr Eugene Seah, the group Managing Director of Langdon & Seah Singapore which is now named as Arcadis. Mr Eugene Seah is experienced in construction sector where he emphasized green approach in his projects. 

These two days’ workshop tests the level of knowledge we have towards Building Economics. Generally, the workshop started with presentation by Mr Eugene Seah. He is first introducing about the triple bottom line of sustainability and how it affects the total building performance. He also briefs us about the method of estimating. At the end of the presentation, we are assigned to produce a preliminary cost appraisal for an existing project based in Singapore. Basically, we have to price the building elements accordingly by integrating green elements in it to achieve the expectation of a sustainable building.

Right after the workshop, tasks have been assigned among the group members. As it was our first approach in preparing a cost appraisal, we had totally no idea on how to start initially. Despite this, I am glad that every member was willing to contribute ideas and work as a team for solutions. Besides discussed among ourselves, we as well exchanged opinions with other group members. In fact, we stayed up late in the campus to complete the task and prepare for presentation on the next day. From there, I see the importance of team working and the 100% effort everyone has put into this workshop.

During the presentation, we proposed our findings in front of Mr Eugene Seah, Dean from our school, lecturers as well as two experienced external panels. We were extremely nervous as we are the first group presenting. During the presentation, few questions were being asked and mistakes were found in our preliminaries costing. However, the mistakes have been corrected right after the presentation. After the presentation, every panel contributed their ideas and advises for our future guidelines and self-improvement.  

Throughout the activities carried out in this module, I am able to identify my role as a Quantity Surveyor in real working life and developed a clearer concept about the significance of cost in pre and post contract stages. The knowledge gained is somehow useful in my future career. Last but not least, I would want to thank Ms Dianne for knowledge sharing and her constant guides throughout the semester.

We spent our weekend to do research on the requirement of assignment before the workshop is carried out.

Discussion in progress. 

Discussion among group has been carried out in classroom.

Everyone was preparing for the presentation.

Presentation in progress.

 During the presentation.

Group photo with all the panels after the presentation.

Financial Management

For future QS profession like us, it is important to understand the basic of financial management. The knowledge learnt in this module is somehow related to the construction sector in both financial and organizational aspects. This subject taught about the terms of finance and cost management practices in the construction industry to ensure a proper operation and financial control over the building initial stage until the building completion.

Throughout the semester, we had a midterm test which tests on our understanding towards the financial concepts. After the test, we were then assigned in a group of 6 to determine the financial performance of a construction company, Hua Yang Berhad. As normal practice, tasks have been distributed among the group and we were to analyse the company annual report and work out the solutions. Among the questions given, we determined the cash flow, major investment activities of the company and others. Besides, we evaluated the company performance by using financial ratio. We also forecast the revenue, gross profit and profit before tax of the company based on industry forecasts from the internet. On 29 June 2016, we had a presentation to present our findings about the assignments. It is a good opportunity as we learnt to speak in front of people. Also, it is a platform where we train our presentation skills of eye contacting, speak with confidence and of course dress professionally to get good impression.

Throughout the module, I realized the importance of practicing financing in QS industry and I believed that it will be beneficial  to me in my future career. Lastly, I would want to thank Mr Lai Chee Kin for knowledge sharing and his constant guidance throughout the semester as this subject is not only focus on theoretical part but practicing is as well needed. His passion in teaching is much appreciated.

Ng Wei Lins Group FM Assignment

Professional Practice 2

Generally, Professional Practice 2 is about understanding of construction contracts as it mainly cover the clauses in PAM Contract 2006. In this module, we were introduced to common law and other type of contracts. It is crucial for us as a future Quantity Surveyor to understand the law and practices in order to protect ourselves and to make decision accordingly.

We had a midterm test where it tests on our understanding towards this subject. Apart from that, weekly presentations were held where everyone is given opportunity to present during tutorial sessions. The presentation tests on our understanding based on the lecture taught and prevent last minute reading. Besides, it provides a platform for us to raise questions and to ensure effective discussions. Mr Eddie Lim as well gives real life examples where theories are put into real life practice.

Apart from that, we have been assigned to carry out Coursework 2 which is about final account and solving real life disputes. To tackle these questions, we are to analyse the situations and find a solution by clauses support. Instead of discussing among the group members, we as well seek for advises from seniors from our previous internship companies where their advises are much helpful in our finding.

It can’t be deny that I have learnt a lot from Mr Eddie Lim as in real life examples, not to mention a better understanding of clauses in PAM Contract. It is crucial for us to understand the professional practices in the construction industry. Thus, I would like to thank Mr Eddie Lim for his continuous support and knowledge sharing.

Measurement 5

In Measurement 5, civil engineering works and building services are covered. Throughout the module, I have been introduced to Mycesmm which is a standard for Malaysia civil engineering method of measurement and it is taught by Mr Simon. On the other hand, Mr Ramar lectured us about measurement of building services based on SMM2.

From Mr Simon’s class, we learnt to measure civil engineering works such as measurement of sediment tank, earthworks geotechnical wall, railtrack and prestressed beam. The taking off method is slightly different from the usual way we do and I found it easier to understand by referring to Mycesmm. By attending the tutorial classes, I am able to understand better by practicing the tutorial questions. At the same time, Mr Simon is willing to solve our queries when we face difficulties in solving the questions. Besides, we had a midterm tests for civil engineering measurement. Mr Simon gives his consent and revises the topics to ensure we are able to answer the test questions.

Whereas in Mr Ramar’s class, he taught the measurement of services in a building which includes electrical, cold water, sanitary, fire protection and air-conditioning installations. Besides, we were assigned to a group assignment to take off the cold water installation from the services plans given. Thus, we divided the tasks and discussions have been made among the group members. From there, I realised the importance of team working where all of us come together to complete the tasks. Throughout the semester, Mr Ramar is as well a helpful lecturer who helps us in assignment and to ensure we are able to understand the lectures he delivered.

I believe that the double knowledge gained through this module is helpful in my future career when theories are turn into practical. Also, I would like to thank both lecturers for their knowledge sharing and passion in teaching.

Construction Supply Chain Management

This subject was taught by Ms Tay and I found it the easiest subject among the others as the lecture notes are well organized and straightforward. Generally, this subject is about the integration of business knowledge in the construction sector.

We had an individual assignment and a group assignment for this subject. The individual assignment was about segmentation which has been taught earlier. In the assignment, we were to develop a 10 acres land and target the potential customers based on segmentation. In order to attain the targeted group, I analysed the consumer’s preference, desired lifestyle as well as the existing facilities around the land. I found it difficult at first to target a group as different people may have different desires. Hence, I did it alternatively to target my consumers based on the type of development to be built.

For the group assignment, we distributed the tasks accordingly to ensure everyone contribute effort in it. The assignment was about the current technology trend in the industry of BIM software. Thus, we are required to analyze the impact of BIM software towards the construction supply chain management. By doing the assignments together, we are able to contribute ideas and work as a team. 

Lastly, I would like to thank Ms Tay for her effort in knowledge sharing. Her passion in teaching is much appreciated as I always inspired by her friendliness that motivates me to work even harder.

Construction Supply Chain Assignment 1

Research Methodology

As the title defined, this module introduces the method to carry out the research on the final year projects. This subject is taught by Dr Kam who guides us on the steps to prepare for our thesis. In the outset of the semester, we were asked to come out with a research topic of our choice. Since majority of us have no idea for thesis topic, we were then asked to read up journals and form a research topic based on our interest. By attending the classes, Dr Kam brief us on all the formats and procedures to produce Chapter 1 and 2 of thesis, Also, we were required to submit Proposal and Literature Review on the pre-set submission dates. Throughout the semester, Mr Kam is being helpful especially when we are lost in forming our thesis topic, problem statements, objectives and so on.

Each of us was then assigned to a tutor, who will be guiding us throughout the process of writing up the thesis. I was then being dispatched under an architect lecturer. Yet, due to some reason, I then switched over to Mr Soon. He is a responsible lecturer where he constantly meet up with us to check on our progress and to ensure that we are able to finish the work on time. Also, he never fails to listen to our ideas and gives useful suggestions. Up to this stage, we had done 2 chapters which are Proposal and Literature Review whereas Chapter 3 to 5 will be carrying out on next semester.

Lastly, I would like to thank Dr Kam and Mr Soon for their continuous support and guidance throughout the semester. Their passion in teaching is very much appreciated.

Submission of Literature Review (Chapter 2) on 29 June 2016

8th RICS-RISM International Surveying Conference for Undergraduates

On 27-29 May 2016, my classmates and I attended the 8^th RICS-RISM International Surveying Conference for Undergraduates – ‘Professionalism in Emerging Trends’. The conference was being held in University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Johor for 2 days.

We depart early morning on the first day and reached UTM around 2p.m. We were then being arranged into groups for ice breaking sessions. There are total 5 stations of games where we need to solve before proceed to the next station. Throughout the ice breaking session, I have made friends with QS students from other universities such as USM, UTAR, UKM and so on. It was a good experience as all of us mixed around during the gaming session. At the end of the ice breaking, we took a group photo where photo keeps memories.

That night, all the guests were invited to attend a welcoming dinner where there are performances from every university. The performance presented by every university is unique and somehow delivered different messages to the audiences. Besides supporting my own universities, I personally like the performance delivered by USM students as they integrated 3 major ethnics into their performance.

On the second day, we attended the talk by QS professions from the industry. After lunch, there comes the major aim of the conference where selected students from different universities will be presenting their thesis paper in front of external panels. Thus, I have selected a session which is related to my current thesis topic. By listening and observing the manner of the speakers during the presentation, I found that they were presenting in a more professional way which is way more different from the presentation we usually have in class. Apart from that, they are presenting in a calm and clearer way, where audience can easily understand. Majority of them were as well able to tackle the questions being asked by the panels and floors.

During the closing ceremony, one of the representatives from our university, Chai Khai Yuen has successfully grabbed a prize for her well thesis presentation. Despite we were all busy with our midterm test during the period; we were able to enjoy ourselves in this 2 days conference. It was definitely a great experience ever.

Booklet of 8th RICS-RISM International Surveying Conference for Undergraduates 

One of the presenter from USM was presenting her thesis paper.

After the ice-breaking session, a group picture with friends from UTAR

Presenter from Taylor's University

Presenter Chai Khai Yuen receiving her prize for her well thesis presentation.

A group photo of lecturers and students from Taylor's University.

QS Sport Days 2016

QS annual sports day was held on 26 June 2016. On the day before, me and 2 of my friends registered ourselves as volunteers to work at the registration booth. Our tasks were to register all the participants.

There are 4 types of sports in total which are Dodge ball, captain ball, basketball and futsal. The game starts at 3p.m. sharp with a short briefing by Dr Kam. The games were carried out concurrently at different courts. Throughout the competition, every players did their very best in scoring. Besides, we all are able to mix around and cheer for the participants.

It was totally a great experience to be there. I somehow regretted as I never been participated in any activities organized by Taylors QS Society all this while. However, I hope that there will be more activities coming soon for all of us to know each other. Lastly, I would like to thank all the committees for their effort in organizing this event. 

Students that helped out at the registration counter.

During the Dodge Ball match.

 Representatives from Semester 5 students who participate in Dodge Ball competition.

Picture taken after the competition.

A picture with the lecturers.

Preliminaries Claim Talk, 18th International Surveyors Congress and Viva Voce/Defense of Dissertation

Preliminaries Claim Talk

On 23 April 2016, my course mates and I attended a seminar titled ‘How to evaluate Preliminaries Claim?’ located at LT2, Taylors Lakeside Campus. This event was organized by QS division Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia and the speaker was Sr Amnah Mohammed Salleh. This seminar was open to all QS professions in the industry, 2 CPD Points and 10 CCD Points are giving out for attending the seminar. By listening to the talk, I am more aware of the preliminaries items that can be claimed under PAM contract. This workshop is somehow beneficial to me in my future career.

The Seminar was led by Sr Amnah Mohammed Salleh.

Course mates that attended the Seminar.

18^th International Surveyors Congress

On 13 May 2016, one of my friend and I volunteered to work as student helper for 18^th International Surveyors Congress held in KL Istana hotel. The congress has a theme of ‘The Resilient Professional-Thriving in a Changing Economy’. There was other scholar working on that day as well. Throughout the day, we helped at the registration booth, arranging and allocation of certificates, giving out newsletter and packing goodies bag. This eventually a good experience and improved the civil responsibility and community engagement in us.

Student helpers from Taylor's University

I was helping at the registration counter.

Viva Voce/ Defense of Dissertation

On 24 June 2016, there is a Viva Presentation held at LT21, Taylor's University. There are overall 6 presenters from Semester 6 who presented their thesis paper. They present topic from different interests such as real estate, Industrialised Building System, and so on. From there, it gives me an idea on how a Viva Presentation looks like and the proper manner to present in front of everyone.

Presenter Tay Soon Huat is presenting his thesis topic.

Presentation in progress.