Q1. Can you tell us about your role and what it entails on a day-to-day basis?

As one of the Directors at AIS, I have the privilege of leading a dedicated team of Quantity Surveyors to manage projects and ensure their successful delivery. My primary role involves actively communicating with clients to thoroughly understand and fulfil their objectives. This close collaboration enables us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the clients’ specific needs and expectations.

In addition, I continuously gather feedback from clients to improve the quality of our services. Listening to their insights and incorporating their suggestions can enhance our processes and deliver better results. This commitment to client satisfaction is at the core of our operations.

I regularly review and discuss project issues with the Project Quantity Surveyors (PQS) to provide clear direction and facilitate knowledge sharing. These discussions are crucial in addressing challenges and ensuring our team stays aligned with project goals. By fostering an open communication and collaborative environment, we can tackle obstacles more effectively and maintain high performance standards.

Supporting the continuous growth of my team members is another key aspect of my role. I am dedicated to providing the guidance and resources they need to develop their skills and advance their career paths. By creating opportunities for professional development and encouraging a culture of learning, we can build a stronger, more capable team that is well-equipped to meet the demands of our industry.

My role as a Director at AISS is multifaceted, encompassing client engagement, project management, team leadership, and continuous improvement. By balancing these responsibilities, I strive to drive success for our clients and team.

Q2. Can you share a bit about your career journey?

I graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia, in 2007. I was greatly inspired by my lecturer, Eugenie Lip, who taught the subject of Contracts. Her extensive knowledge and engaging teaching methods motivated me to pursue a career in Quantity Surveying at the firm where she previously worked. This opportunity allowed me to continue learning from her and further develop my passion for the field.

Following this, I secured a position at KPK, where I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Stephen Wong and Swee Sun. These great leaders imparted invaluable lessons to me, ranging from the fundamental knowledge of Quantity Surveying to the advanced skills I possess today. Their mentorship and support have been instrumental in shaping my career and helping me grow both professionally and personally.

Their dedication to excellence and willingness to share their expertise have greatly influenced my approach to the profession. Under their guidance, I have gained a deep understanding of the industry and the confidence to tackle complex challenges. The knowledge and skills they have imparted continue to guide my work and inspire me to strive for excellence in all my endeavours.

Q3. What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction and infrastructure industry?

Throughout my career journey, I have been fortunate to be guided by inspiring leaders and bosses who consistently demonstrated professionalism and intelligence. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and exemplary conduct has driven my motivation to continue learning and pursue a career in the construction and infrastructure industry.

These influential figures have not only imparted valuable knowledge and skills, but also set a high standard of excellence for me to aspire to. Their ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and precision, while maintaining the highest levels of integrity, has left a lasting impression on me.

Their influence has inspired me to strive for their level of excellence and achieve similar heights in my career. I am inspired to emulate their qualities and incorporate the lessons I have learned from them into my professional journey. By doing so, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the construction and infrastructure industry and make a positive impact through my work.

In essence, the guidance and mentorship of these remarkable individuals have been instrumental in shaping my career path and fueling my ambition to improve and excel in my field continuously. Their legacy is a constant reminder of the importance of professionalism, intelligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Q4. What drew you to AIS originally?

My line manager, Ho Swee Sun, who has been a mentor since graduation, was pivotal in introducing me to AIS. Alongside Stephen Wong and Eugenie Lip, Ho Swee Sun has been a guiding light and a source of continuous inspiration. These leaders, with their vast knowledge and experience, have profoundly impacted my professional journey.

Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable, providing me with insights and wisdom that have shaped my career. Stephen Wong’s, Eugenie Lip’s, and Ho Swee Sun’s ability to lead with integrity, share their knowledge generously, and support their team members has created a nurturing environment where I can thrive.

I joined AIS with the clear objective of ensuring continuous growth and learning from such exceptional mentors. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to fostering a learning culture have motivated me to strive for personal and professional development. Under their mentorship, I have gained a deep understanding of the industry and the confidence to tackle challenges with resilience and determination.

Being part of AIS means being part of a dynamic and supportive community where learning never stops. The opportunity to learn from these distinguished leaders has been a cornerstone of my career development, and I am grateful for the chance to grow under their tutelage.

Q5. How do you manage large, complex projects and ensure they stay on track?

Managing large, complex projects requires meticulous planning and clearly defining work and deliverables. Upon the award of a project, we diligently plan the project schedules and timelines for each deliverable. This information is then communicated with the project team and the client to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards successful project delivery.

Regular discussions with the Quantity Surveying (QS) team are essential to ensure that issues and deliverables are managed according to the planned timeline. During these discussions, we also explore potential value-added opportunities for the client, seeking ways to enhance project outcomes and deliver greater value.

Client and project team concerns are addressed swiftly to prevent delays and keep the project on track. By maintaining open lines of communication and being responsive to concerns, we can swiftly navigate challenges and ensure smooth project progression.

As a proactive measure, we conduct internal lessons-learned sharing sessions to incorporate insights from past projects into our current work. These sessions are invaluable in capturing valuable knowledge and experiences that can inform our approach, improve our processes, and ensure high-quality delivery.

Our approach to managing large, complex projects is built on comprehensive planning, clear communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement. By adhering to these principles, we can deliver projects that meet and exceed client expectations, ensuring successful outcomes every time.

Q6. What are some key challenges you faced, and how do you overcome them?

The world has changed rapidly, and so have expectations for results. One of the key challenges I face includes meeting short turnaround times while delivering high-quality work that clients expect. To address this, I prioritise working closely with clients to understand their specific needs and focus on delivering what they expect, thereby minimising wasted efforts due to miscommunication. By maintaining open lines of communication, we can ensure that our goals are aligned and meet client expectations effectively.

Constant discussions with team members are essential in setting clear directions and ensuring we work cohesively to deliver quality results. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can pool our collective knowledge and skills to tackle challenges more efficiently. Leveraging technology and drawing from past experiences further enhances our efficiency, enabling us to meet the high demands of our clients.

Additionally, I believe in the importance of regular lessons-learned sharing sessions with the team. These sessions are invaluable in equipping team members with the essential knowledge needed to handle project deliverables efficiently. By sharing insights and best practices, we can reduce the need for extensive research and study from scratch, allowing us to work smarter and more effectively.

In this fast-paced world, staying adaptable and continuously improving our processes is crucial to success. By embracing these practices, we can consistently deliver high-quality results that meet and exceed client expectations.

Q7. Who has been a significant mentor or role model in your career, and what did you learn from them?

Stephen Wong, Ho Swee Sun, Josephine Lee, and Eugenie Lip have been significant mentors and role models throughout my career. Their influence has been profound, particularly in leadership, negotiation, and speaking skills. Their ability to lead with integrity, negotiate with finesse, and communicate effectively has greatly inspired me.

I aspire to learn from their wealth of expertise and emulate their excellence in these areas.

Under their mentorship, I have gained valuable insights and practical knowledge that have been instrumental in my professional growth. Their guidance has not only helped me develop these critical skills but also instilled in me the confidence to apply them in real-world situations.

Their mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career development, and I am committed to learning from their example. By embodying their principles and practices, I aim to achieve a similar level of excellence and positively impact my professional endeavours.

Q8. As a leader, how do you motivate and support your team members throughout the project lifecycle?

As a leader, I strive to motivate and support my team members throughout the project lifecycle by sharing my experiences and lessons from overcoming challenges. This knowledge transfer is invaluable in educating and helping them grow personally and professionally.

I often use the stories of Stephen, Josephine, Swee Sun, and Eugenie as real-life examples to inspire my team. Their journeys exemplify how to navigate the ups and downs of a career without giving up. These individuals have faced various obstacles and setbacks, yet they have persevered and emerged stronger, serving as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

Q9. How do you see the industry evolving, and how do you adapt to these changes?

Client expectations and technology in the construction industry have evolved tremendously, especially in terms of ‘time.’ With the advent of new technologies, clients now expect quicker responses and faster delivery. This shift has been driven by tools such as software measurement (e.g., CostX) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), which enable us to extract quantities much more efficiently than in the past when we relied on hardcopy drawings and a scale rule.

To stay relevant and aligned with industry advancements, I prioritise continuously equipping myself with knowledge of the latest technologies and software. By doing so, we reduce the time required for various tasks and enhance the quality and results of our work. Embracing these technological advancements ensures that we remain at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations.

Q10. Describe your hobby.

Playing football has always been a passion of mine, where the essence of teamwork plays a pivotal role in determining the team’s performance. The thrill of the game is magnified when shared with good friends and colleagues, bringing an extra layer of joy to my life. The camaraderie and shared victories create memories that are cherished deeply.

The experience of fighting together on the field with like-minded friends has enriched my life with meaningful experiences. It’s not just about the game itself, but also the bonds we form, the mutual support we provide, and the collective spirit that drives us forward. These moments of unity and shared purpose are invaluable, adding depth and fulfilment to my journey.