Sr Dr Low Wai Wah

Academic History

PhD in Project and Construction Management Field, University of Malaya (September 2011 – October 2015)

Master of Science in Building, University of Malaya (July 2006 – August 2008)

Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons.), University of Malaya (June 2003 – August 2006)

 

Position

Senior Lecturer, Department of Built Environment

 

Leadership and Experience

  • Head of Department, Built Environment Department, Curtin University Malaysia (1 January 2023 – Present)
  • Learning and Teaching Chair, Faculty of Humanities Health Sciences, Curtin University Malaysia (1 February 2023 – Present)

 

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Curtin University Malaysia

 

Contact Details

Telephone: +60 85 630 100 ext.: 2435

Location: Prinia 1, Room 106

Email: low.wai.wah@curtin.edu.my

 

Research Profile

Scopus Profile: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23487276100

 

Research Interests

Project/construction management

International construction

Knowledge management

Life cycle costing

Organizational culture

Risk management

Learning and Teaching (higher education)

 

Background

Prior joining Curtin University Malaysia, Dr Low was working as in a quantity surveying consultancy company. Then, she decided to involved in the educational industry. Her first job in the educational industry was a full-time lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College. Thereafter, she further her PhD at University of Malaysia in the field of project and construction management and completed it in 2015. She is a registered Professional Quantity Surveyor from the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), certified project management professional from Project Management Institute (PMI), Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM), a Professional Technologies from Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and a fellow from the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

 

Professional Experience

Senior lecturer, Curtin University Malaysia, November, 2021 to present

Lecturer, Curtin University Malaysia, November, 2015 to 2021

Lecturer, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, July, 2009 to April/May 2012

Research assistant, University of Malaya, May 2006 to June 2007

 

Fellowships, Awards, Certifications, Achievements and Appointments

Best technical paper award, from International Conference on Durability of Building and Infrastructures, 2018

 

Professional Affiliation

  • Professional quantity surveyor, Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, 2022-present, national level
  • Member, Royal Institute of Surveying Malaysia, 2022-present, national level
  • Professional technologist from the Malaysia Board of Technologist (MBOT), 2020-present, national level
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI), 2016-present, international level

 

Publications/Patents

Publication in Journals

  • Ting, J. J., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., Ting, T. Z. H., and Abdul-Rahman, H. (2023). Feasibility of recycling silicomanganese slag as a cementitious material. Journal of Engineering and Technological Advances, 8(1).
  • Goh, K. Z. H., Wong, S. Y., and Low, W. W. (2023). Factors causing dispute in construction industry: Contractors’ perspectives. Journal of Surveying, Construction & Property, 14(1). (Scopus)
  • Wong, S. Y., Low, W. W., and Wong, A. S. M. (2023). Barriers of green supply chain management implementation in Malaysian construction industry. Journal of Surveying, Construction & Property, 14(1). (Scopus) (corresponding author)
  • Low, W. W., Wong, S. Y., Wong, K. S., and Tay, A. C. (2022). Collaborative learning experience in higher education: students’ perspective. Malaysian Construction Research Journal., 15(1), 273-286. (Scopus) (corresponding author)
  • Wee, N. Z. Z., Low, W. W., Wong, S. Y., and Wong, K. S. (2022). Impacts and barriers of industrial revolution 4.0 in construction projects. Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment journal, 9(1), 243-266. (MyCite) (corresponding author)
  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, S. S. and Januarius, M. (2022). Education for sustainability in quantity surveying program in higher education. Malaysian Construction Research Journal, 15(1), 287-297. (Scopus)
  • Low, W. W. and Wong, K. S. (2021). The status quo of Facebook usage among young generations in civil engineering education. International Journal of Construction Management. doi: 10.1080/15623599.2021.1976453 (Scopus & Emerging sources citation index, available online) (corresponding author)
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, J. L. (2019). Cost-influencing risk factors in infrastructure projects on soft soils. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-13. doi: 10.1080/15623599.2019.1617092 (Scopus & Emerging sources citation index) (corresponding author)
  • Low, W. W., Abdul-Rahman, H., and Zakaria, N. (2018). Organisational culture of Malaysian international construction organisations. International Journal of Construction Management, 20(2), 105-121. (Scopus & Emerging sources citation index) (corresponding author)
  • Low, W. W., Abdul-Rahman, H., and Zakaria, N. (2015). The impact of organisational culture on international bidding decisions: Malaysia context. International Journal of Project Management, 33(4), 917-931. doi: 1016/j.ijproman.2014.10.010 (ISI-Cited Publication) (corresponding author)
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Yahya, I. A., Berawi, M. A., Low, W. W. (2008). Conceptual delay mitigation model using a project learning approach in practice. Construction Management and Economics, 26(1), 15-27. (Scopus & Emerging sources citation index) (corresponding author)

Publication in Proceeding Journals

  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., Wong, S. Y., and Tay, A. C. (2023). Use of recorded video to enhance students’ learning in measurement units. IEEE Xplore, International Conference on Digital Applications, Transformation & Economy (ICDATE), Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, 2023, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/ICDATE58146.2023.10248573. (Scopus)
  • Tay, A. C., Low, W. W., Tan, Y. Y., and Lee, Y. H. (2023). Students’ perception on biodiversity mapping for fieldwork learning. IEEE Xplore, International Conference on Digital Applications, Transformation & Economy (ICDATE), Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, 2023, pp. 1-3, doi: 10.1109/ICDATE58146.2023.10248834. (Scopus)
  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, K. S. and Kan, F. K. (2022). Sustainable rural housing development in Sarawak: A preliminary conceptual framework. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 1067, p.012078. (Scopus)
  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, K. S. and Tai, Y. H. (2021). Barriers for green building implementation in Malaysian construction industry. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 1101(1), p. 012029. (Scopus)
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, J. L. (2020). External time-influencing risk factors in infrastructure soft soils projects. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 943, p. 012028. (Scopus)
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lim, J. W. (2020). Is risk assessment matter in infrastructure projects on soft soils? IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 943, p. 012065. (Scopus)
  • Alashwal, A. M., Low, W. W., and Kamis, N. A. M. (2019). Effect of Inter-organizational Learning on Construction SMEs Performance. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 495, p. 012043. (Scopus)
  • Liew, K. T., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Wong S. Y. (2019). Review: Risk assessment of infrastructure projects on project cost. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 495, p. 012088. (Scopus)
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, J. L. (2018). Risk assessment framework on time impact: Infrastructure projects in soft soil during construction stage. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 344, 012022. (Scopus)
  • Wong, K. S., and Low, W. W. (2018). Use of Facebook in the learning of civil engineering material. Proceedings of the International Conference on Durability of Building and Infrastructure (DuraBI2018) (pp. 408-411), 10th-12th January 2018, Miri, Sarawak.
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Mohd Danuri, M. S., Low, W.W., Zakaria, N., and Mohd Rahim, F. A. (2007). Using project learning to enhance the value of construction projects. Construction Management and Economics 25th Anniversary Conference: Past, present and future, 1645-1656.

Conference Papers (National level)

  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, K. S. and Kan, F. K. (2021). Sustainable rural housing development in Sarawak: A preliminary conceptual framework. 5th International Conference on Research Methodology for Built Environment and Engineering, 10th November 2021, University of Technology MARA.
  • W. W., Wong, S. Y., Wong, K. S. and Tay, A. C. (2021). Collaborative learning experience in higher education: Students’ perspective. RISM International Research Conference: New Norm – Manuevering towards sustainable future, 27th March 2021, University College of Technology Sarawak, Sibu.
  • Wee, N. Z. Z., W. W., Wong, S. Y. and Wong, K. S. (2021). Implementation of industrial revolution 4.0 in construction projects. Virtual Property Talk 2021 – Industrial revolution 4.0 in built environment, 20th May 2021, UiTM, Perak.
  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, S. S. and Januarius, M. (2021). Education for sustainability in quantity surveying program in higher education. RISM International Research Conference: New Norm – Manuevering towards sustainable future, 27th March 2021, University College of Technology Sarawak, Sibu.
  • Wong, S. Y., W. W., Wong, K. S. and Tai, Y. H. (2020). Green building barriers in Malaysian construction industry. 13th International UNIMAS Engineering Conference, 27th – 28th October 2020, University Malaysia Sarawak.
  • Chieng, L. J., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S. and Wong, S. Y. (2019). Building information modelling (BIM) and risk management in infrastructure projects. 1st Borneo Building Modelling Information (BIM) Symposium, 6th – 7th December 2019, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Liong, C. Y. I., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S. and Tay, A. C. (2019). Economic sustainability of infrastructure projects in rural area. 1st Borneo Building Modelling Information (BIM) Symposium, 6th – 7th December 2019, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Low, W. W., Abdul-Rahman, H., and Yahya, I. A. (2019). Project learning practice among Malaysian contractors. 1st Borneo Building Modelling Information (BIM) Symposium, 6th – 7th December 2019, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Ngoi, E. Y. T., Low, W. W. and Wong, K. S. (2019). Economic Analysis of Geopolymer and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). 1st Borneo Building Modelling Information (BIM) Symposium, 6th – 7th December 2019, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, J. L. (2019). External time-influencing risk factors in infrastructure soft soils projects. 2nd International Conference on Materials Technology and Energy, 6th – 8th November 2019, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Alashwal, A. M., Low, W. W., and Kamis, N. A. M. (2018). Effect of Inter-organizational Learning on Construction SMEs Performance. 11th Curtin University Technology, Science and Engineering International Conference, 26th – 28th November 2018, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Chai, S. W., Low, W. W., and Wong, K. S. (2018). Review: Building information modelling (BIM) application in infrastructure projects. One Curtin International Postgraduate Conference: Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technologies, 26th – 28th November 2018, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Foh, H. W., Low, W. W., and Wong, K. S. (2018). Review: Risk assessment in infrastructure projects on soft soils. One Curtin International Postgraduate Conference: Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technologies, 26th – 28th November 2018, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Liew, K. T., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Wong S. Y. (2018). Review: Risk assessment of infrastructure projects on project cost. 11th Curtin University Technology, Science and Engineering International Conference, 26th – 28th November 2018, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Ling, K. S. F., Low, W. W., and Wong, K. S. (2018). Review: Bus arrival time prediction using modern technology. Risk One Curtin International Postgraduate Conference: Innovation in Science, Engineering and Technologies, 26th – 28th November 2018, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Wong, K. S., and Low, W. W. (2018). Use of Facebook in the learning of civil engineering material. Proceedings of the International Conference on Durability of Building and Infrastructure (DuraBI2018) (pp. 408-411), 10th-12th January 2018, Miri, Sarawak.
  • Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, J. L. (2017). Risk assessment framework on time impact: infrastructure projects in soft soil during construction stage. 3rd International Materials, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering Conference (MIMEC 2017), 6th-8th December 2017, Miri, Sarawak.
  • Low, W. W., Abdul-Rahman, H., and Zakaria, N. (2013). A conceptual discussion: the impact of organizational culture and international risk decisions. 7th ASEAN Postgraduate Seminar 2013, Sustainable Development: Present and Future, 5th-6th December 2013, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Yahya, I. A., Berawi, M. A., and Low, W. W. (2007). The role of project learning as professional best practice to contractors and consultants. Quantity Surveying International Convention 2007, 4-5 September 2007, Malaysia.
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Low, W. W., Yahya, I. A., Mohamed, O., and Zakaria, N. (2006). The use of project learning approach to enhance the value of Malaysian construction projects. 2nd ASEAN Postgraduate Seminar 2006, 4-6 December, Malaysia.

Conference Papers (International level)

  • Wong, S. Y., Joo, M. S., Low, W. W., Wong, K. S., and Lee, Y. H. (2021). Impacts of online learning resources on learning experience of civil engineering students. The 2nd International Conference on Green Construction and Engineering Education, 12th August 2021, Malang, Indonesia.
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Mohd Danuri, M. S., Low, W.W., Zakaria, N., and Mohd Rahim, F. A. (2007). Using project learning approach to enhance the value of Malaysian construction projects. Construction Management and Economics 25th Anniversary Conference: Past, present and future, 16-18 July 2007, University of Reading, United Kingdom.
  • Abdul-Rahman, H., Mohd Danuri, M. S., Low, W.W., Zakaria, N., and Mohd Rahim, F. A. (2007). A study on quality management during the pre-construction stage of design and build projects. Construction Management and Economics 25th Anniversary Conference: Past, present and future, 16-18 July 2007, University of Reading, United Kingdom.
  • Munaaim, M. E. C., Abdul-Rahman, H., Low, W. W., and Yahya, I. A. (2007). Developing competent Malaysian contractors through the use of project learning approach – The case of Malaysia. The 3rd Built Environment Education Conference 2007, 12-13 September 2007, Bonnington Hotel, London.

 

Research Grants and Consultancy Projects

Industry grants:

  • Use of silicon manganese slag as fine aggregates for flexible pavement, [Principal investigator, 17th May 2021 – 16th May 2022, 1 year, RM10,769, Borneo Hot-Mix Sdn. Bhd., On-going]
  • Local constraints and acceptance level Industrialized building system (IBS) implementation for steel modular construction, [Co-investigator, 15th November 2021 – 14th August 2022, 9 months, RM20,000, Public Work Department Sarawak, Completed]

External grants:

  • A smart rural development decision-making framework to improve socio-economic in Sarawak, [Principal investigator, 1st September 2022 – 31st August 2024, 2 years, RM80,600, Fundamental Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), On-going] (inter-universities collaboration, Curtin University Malaysia, HuaQiao University & UTS)
  • Use of Silicon Manganese Slag in geopolymerization for peat Stabilization, [Co-investigator, 1st October 2021 – 30th September 2024, 3 years, RM160,000, Sarawak Research and Development Council, On-going]
  • Sustainable engineering of brick paver using industrial waste at Borneo Island [Principal Investigator, 15th November 2020 – 14th November 2022, 2 years, RM50,000, Sarawak Research and Development Council, Completed] (inter-universities collaboration, Curtin University Malaysia & University of Malaya)
  • Improving housing development in rural area in Sarawak [Co-Investigator, 1st November 2020 – 31st October 2022, 2 years, RM65,000, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Completed] (inter-universities collaboration, Curtin University Malaysia & UCTS)

Internal grants:

  • Gamification for health and safety management system, [Co-Investigator, 2023, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Support Fund (CMTS), Completed]
  • Integrating structural model in CEM teaching, [Co-Investigator, 2023, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Support Fund (CMTS), Completed]
  • Do emojis help or impair online assessment feedback? [Co-Investigator, 2023, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • The use of recorded videos and feedback system to intensify the first-year students’ learning experience in measurement unit [Principal Investigator, 2022-2023, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Biodiversity Mapping for Fieldwork Learning in Wildlife Conservation [Co-Investigator, 2022-2023, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Peat Stabilization Through Polymerization of Humic Substances Utilizing Industrial Waste [Co-Investigator, 25th September 2020 – 24th September 2023, 3 years, RM75,600, Curtin Malaysia Postgraduate Research Studentship (CMPRS), On-going]
  • Bird identification via eBird application as citizen science in student learning [Co-Investigator, 2020-2021, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Augmented reality (AR) application in student learning for wildlife conservation [Co-Investigator, 2019-2020, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Impacts of online learning tools on the learning outcomes and behaviours for civil engineering education [Co-Investigator, 2019-2020, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Integrating Agile Learning and Mobile Learning into Collaborative Coursework by Enhancing Students’ Learning Experience [Principal Investigator, 2019-2020, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Malaysia Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • The use of Facebook as a medium to engage civil engineering students in learning [Principal Investigator, 2016-2017, 1 year, RM2,000, Curtin Sarawak Teaching Innovation Projects (CSTIP), Completed]
  • Cultural Impact and Risk Response Strategic Decision Making On Exogenous Risks in International Construction [member, 2012-2015, 3 years, RM12,000, Postgraduate Research Grant from IPPP, UM, Completed]

 

Publications/Patents

Copyright:

  • 2020, Low Wai Wah & Chieng Lee Jia, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and risk management in infrastructure projects (LY2020007408)
  • 2018, Liew Khit Tian, Low Wai Wah, Wong Kwong Soon & Wong Shi Yee, Review: Risk assessment of infrastructure projects on project cost (LY2018006433)
  • 2018, Ali Alashwal & Low Wai Wah, Effect of inter-organisational learning on construction SMEs performance (LY2018006434)

 

Selected Student Projects

The titles of the undergraduate research are including but not limited to the list below:

  1. Risk assessment framework: Infrastructure projects in soft soil (completed – 2017)
  2. Risk management capabilities (RMC) of infrastructure contractors venturing overseas (completed – 2017)
  3. Risk assessment framework: Infrastructure projects in soft soil during the design stage (completed – 2017)
  4. Risk assessment: Infrastructure project cost during tendering stage (completed – 2018)
  5. Risk assessment of settlement issues in infrastructure projects in soft soils during construction stage (completed – 2018)
  6. User participation on bus arrival time prediction by using participatory sensing data from smartphone GPS: A case study (completed – 2018)
  7. Building Information Modelling (BIM) application in general infrastructure project (completed – 2019)
  8. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and risk management in infrastructure projects (completed – 2019)
  9. Life cycle costing analysis between geopolymer cement and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) (completed – 2019)
  10. Risk assessment of transportation infrastructure on soft soils (completed – 2019)
  11. Risk assessment of sustainable infrastructure projects (completed – 2019)

 

HDR Supervision

  • Mr Ting Jin Jie, co-supervisor, MPhil candidate
  • Miss Priscilla Awing, co-supervisor, MPhil candidate
  • Miss Fianita, co-supervisor, PhD candidate