Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Building Surveying, Birmingham City University
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Postgraduate Certificate in Building Services Engineering, Leeds Beckett University
- Postgraduate Certificate in Building Engineering, University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education
- Master of Science in Construction and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Industry Sector
- Construction
- Quantity Surveying
- Education
Career/Job Position
- Quantity Surveying Manager, Kin Win Engineering Ltd.
- Part-Time Lecturer, Vocational Training Council
- Part-Time Lecturer, Hong Kong College of Engineering
Key Professional Achievements
I have built a diverse career that integrates practical project management with academic instruction. As a Quantity Surveying Manager at Kin Win Engineering Ltd., I have successfully managed cost planning, contract administration, and project documentation across various complex construction projects. My technical expertise is supported by chartered memberships with CIOB, CABE, SOE, and CICES. Beyond site practice, I am passionate about education and currently/ past serve as a part-time lecturer/ teaching assistant for institutions like VTC, HKMU & HKCE. This dual focus allows me to bridge the gap between industry practice and academic theory. I have continuously pursued lifelong learning to stay at the forefront of the industry, obtaining certifications in BIM coordination, building engineering, and occupational safety. I take pride in my ability to mentor students while ensuring project success through rigorous financial and contractual oversight.
Reasons for Pursuing a Doctorate Programme
My motivation to pursue a doctorate stems from my desire to advance the construction industry beyond day-to-day project management. While I have enjoyed a successful career as a Quantity Surveying Manager and lecturer, I believe there are untapped opportunities to optimize how we approach cost and contract management through research. I want to shift my contribution from applying existing best practices to generating original knowledge that addresses our industry's persistent productivity and efficiency challenges. I have realized that the industry needs evidence-based strategies to integrate digital technologies and smarter contractual frameworks effectively. By undertaking this programme, I aim to refine my research methodologies and deepen my theoretical understanding. I am committed to contributing research that provides practical solutions, helping practitioners like myself make better-informed decisions that ultimately lead to more sustainable and cost-effective construction outcomes.
Why do you choose PolyU DIREC Programme
I chose the PolyU DIREC programme because of its stellar reputation for bridging the gap between high-level theory and practical industry application. Having completed my MSc in Construction and Real Estate at PolyU, I am already familiar with the university’s commitment to excellence and its strong connections within the Hong Kong construction sector. The DIREC programme is uniquely designed for working professionals, offering a rigorous, research-driven platform that allows me to pursue doctoral studies without stepping away from my career. The faculty’s expertise is world-class, and I am eager to work alongside experts who understand the complexities of our market. The programme’s focus on the global real estate and construction nexus perfectly matches my goals, providing the specialized academic support I need to contribute to the future of the built environment.
Overall Learning Experience from Studying DIREC Programme
Studying in the DIREC programme has been a transformative experience that has pushed me to look at construction problems through a more critical and analytical lens. Transitioning from the mindset of a Quantity Surveying Manager to that of a doctoral researcher has challenged me to question the foundations of our industry's standard practices. I have enjoyed the scholarly rigor required in Advanced Research Methods and the discussions with classmates who bring different industrial perspectives to the table. Learning to navigate complex academic literature while managing my professional commitments has sharpened my time management and critical thinking skills. The process of developing my thesis has been particularly enlightening, requiring me to synthesize my years of professional experience with emerging academic research. It has taught me how to articulate industry issues clearly and construct logically sound arguments, making me more confident in my ability to propose meaningful improvements to our field.
Outcomes/Expectations from Studying DIREC Programme
I expect this doctorate to be a pivotal point in my career. My primary outcome is to produce research that offers tangible value to the industry, particularly in enhancing productivity through improved cost and contract management workflows. I want to move from being an expert practitioner to a thought leader who can influence professional standards. I expect to emerge with the research skills needed to tackle complex problems systematically, which will benefit both my own organization and my students. By bridging the gap between academic research and construction practice, I hope to contribute to making our industry more transparent and efficient. Ultimately, I expect the DIREC programme to provide me with the credibility to mentor the next generation of surveyors and contribute to policies that define future construction practices in Hong Kong.
Advice for Prospective Candidates
My advice is to choose a research topic that genuinely fuels your daily work. Because this is a long journey, your passion will be your primary source of resilience. Align your research with the real-world challenges you face as a practitioner—this makes the work feel relevant and keeps you motivated during the difficult stages. Secondly, master your time management immediately. Balancing a senior professional role, teaching, and doctoral research is a significant commitment. Be disciplined and set small, achievable goals every week to avoid being overwhelmed. Do not hesitate to engage with your supervisors and cohort early and often; collaborative feedback is an invaluable resource in this programme. Finally, remain humble. Entering a doctoral programme requires unlearning some entrenched industry habits and being open to new perspectives. Stay persistent, stay organised, and enjoy the intellectual growth that comes with questioning the status quo.
