1. Mr. Lau L.Y. is a civil engineer that currently works in HAB Construction
Company. He has more than 20 years of experiences in construction
industry and he is currently holding a position of project manager of a
high rise building in Kuala Lumpur.
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1. Can you introduce yourself?
I am a civil engineer who has worked in both design office as well as
at construction site.
2. What is the role of a civil engineer in a construction project?
The role of a civil engineer in a construction project is to handle the
civil and structural aspects of the project such that the project is
constructed according to the design intent and specifications of the
project owner.
3. What are the job scopes of a civil engineer?
The job scopes of a civil engineer are to carry out design of a project
according to the intent and specifications of the project owner or
the architect and to supervise the construction of the project to
ensure that the works are carried out according to the specifications
and within the acceptable quality.
4. What do you think is the most important issue in a construction
project?
The most important issue in a construction project is the
completion of the project in a timely manner, within the budgeted
cost and with compliance to quality and safety aspects.
5. Can you explain about the development process of a construction
project?
The development process of a construction project usually involves
the followings,

2. a)
b)
c)
d)
Conceptual design,
Detailed design,
Construction implementation,
Post construction monitoring.
6. As an experienced engineer, can you tell me the procedures that are
required to go through in order to complete your construction job?
The procedures that are required to go through in order to complete
a construction job are summarized as follows;
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Study the construction drawings in details,
Work out a realistic schedule or program for the job,
List down the machineries that are required to carry out the job,
Plan the labour force needed for the job,
Coordinate with all parties involved in the project to ensure
smooth implementation of the job.
7. What are the challenges you faced in the construction industry?
The main challenges in the construction industry are;
a) Shortage of skilled labour force,
b) Materials delivery and availability,
c) Tight construction schedule.
8. How are you going to cope with the difficulties faced in
construction industry?
In order to cope with the difficulties in construction industry, the
following measures can be taken;
a) Skilled labour force has to be taken care of so as to retain them
and to conduct training for semi-skilled workers to improve their
skills,
b) To check the materials delivery schedule and availability of the
materials in the market. To submit material sample for
architect’s approval early,

3. c) To plan the works carefully and to monitor the progress closely.
9. How do you ensure the construction will complete within the time?
In order that the construction will complete within the time, the
following steps will help;
a) To have sufficient labour force, both skilled and unskilled, and
adequate machineries to carry out the works,
b) To check construction drawings thoroughly so as any
discrepancy in the drawings can be resolved early,
c) To check the materials delivery schedule and availability of the
materials in the market. To submit material sample for
architect’s approval early,
d) To plan the works carefully and to monitor the progress closely,
e) To work extended hours for certain critical activities.
10. What do you think is the most important criterion to become a
successful engineer?
The most important criterion to become a successful engineer is to
be committed to the works assigned to you.
11. What do you like about engineering?
Engineering field is full of challenges and innovative ideas which
when overcome would give an individual satisfaction in
achievement.
12. What do you think about the life of an engineer?
The life of an engineer is full of challenges in meeting project
schedule and in overcoming problems that are ever present in a
construction job.