Cover (Second from left) Taylor’s University graduate Joyce Leong with her team following the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Malaysia Students' Challenge (Photo: Taylor’s University)
(Second from left) Taylor’s University graduate Joyce Leong with her team following the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Malaysia Students' Challenge (Photo: Taylor’s University)
1 / 1
From maths enthusiast to certified Data Centre Infrastructure Specialist, Joyce Leong Wen Jing’s journey at Taylor’s shows how the right academic foundation can launch a career in Malaysia’s growing infrastructure sector
For 24-year-old Leong, quantity surveying wasn’t an obvious choice—but it became the perfect fit. “I’ve always loved maths” she says, “and with my dad in construction, I naturally explored related careers”. A deep dive online sparked her fascination: how do you measure and cost an entire building?
That curiosity led her to the Foundation in Natural and Built Environments (FNBE) at Taylor’s College. While she initially considered a general foundation, a counsellor steered her toward FNBE’s built environment focus. “We studied basic design, learned architectural terms, and went on field trips. It gave me clarity and confidence to pursue Quantity Surveying”.
A seamless, purpose-driven pathway
FNBE transitions seamlessly into the Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours) (BQS) programme, offering early immersion in discipline-specific modules across architecture, construction, and real-world problem-solving. “The modules weren’t generic. They were tailored to what I wanted to do,” Leong shares.
Her undergraduate decision was strategic. “Taylor’s had the most accreditations,” she says, referring to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), and the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS). The programme is also recognised by the Quantity Surveying Division of the Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV). “It made me feel secure about my future—and set the groundwork to becoming a registered quantity surveyor after graduation”.
Taylor’s University’s top private ranking in Malaysia and Southeast Asia for Architecture & Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 sealed the deal—positioning the institution as the definitive hub for built environment education in the region.
Above Leong with her fellow FNBE classmates (Photo: Taylor’s University)
Leong with her fellow FNBE classmates (Photo: Taylor’s University)
1 / 1
From classroom to construction site
Modern quantity surveying demands tech-savvy professionals. “Some peers in the field didn’t know how to use Building Information Modelling software such as, Glodon, CostX or Revit as their curriculum didn’t include it,” Leong recalls. “But at Taylor’s, we trained on industry-standard tools, giving us a competitive advantage”.
She also completed a six-month internship and led a 10-person team to victory in the VR-based REViVE Symposium 1.0 design competition, in collaboration with industry partners such as Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) and the Department of Environmental Engineering. This experience highlighted her strengths in digitalisation and leadership.
Read more: Taylor’s University introduces Malaysia’s first Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Above (Second from right) Leong found her internship experience particularly useful in preparing her to transition smoothly into a professional career (Photo: Taylor’s University)
(Second from right) Leong found her internship experience particularly useful in preparing her to transition smoothly into a professional career (Photo: Taylor’s University)
1 / 1
The 3.5-year BQS programme offers multiple touchpoints between academic learning and professional practice. Leong identifies her Quantity Surveying Studio capstone project as particularly transformative, “It provided a comprehensive understanding of the entire tender process—from pre-contract to post-contract stages. I learned how to manage deadlines, work closely with architecture students on design concepts, and ensure proposals stayed within budget and timelines”.
See also: This screening innovation by Taylor's University could turn the tables on cervical cancer
This hands-on experience proved directly transferable to her role post-graduation. In her work on the AIMS Data Centre project—a complex infrastructure development requiring adherence to strict international standards—Leong applied her academic training to technical infrastructure, precision, and coordination in the modern built environment. “It was a steep learning curve, but incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Effectively bridging theory and practice
Outside the classroom, Leong served as President of the QS Society, honing her leadership, communication, and organisational skills. Faculty mentorship—particularly from Sr Dr Soon Lam Tatt, Programme Director of the BQS programme—played a pivotal role in her development. “He often shared his own industry experiences, which was both inspiring and motivating,” Leong recalls. “The lecturers were genuinely passionate about guiding students.”
This supportive environment, combined with industry experts from firms such as WCW Quantity Surveying Consultant Sdn Bhd, PKT Quantity Surveying Consultant Sdn Bhd, and industrial adjunct associate professor Sr Dr Eugene Seah, Chair of the RICS Southeast Asia Board, ensures students are guided by both academic excellence and industry expertise.
Above Leong during a Monthly Site-Visit Valuation at I-City Shah Alam (Photo: Taylor’s University)
Leong during a Monthly Site-Visit Valuation at I-City Shah Alam (Photo: Taylor’s University)
1 / 1
Today, Leong serves as a Corporate & Project Development Executive at PMX Malaysia Sdn Bhd and is a certified Data Centre Infrastructure Specialist—reflecting the career versatility of Taylor’s University’s BQS graduates. With solid foundations in cost budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and project management, they are well-prepared to thrive in emerging sectors.
For those seeking further advancement, the institution offers postgraduate pathways through a Master of Science in Virtual Design and Construction or PhD in Architecture, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for professional growth.
As Malaysia’s infrastructure sector expands, the demand for skilled Quantity Surveyors continues to grow. Taylor’s University supports this demand through its structured FNBE and BQS programmes, with multiple intakes throughout the year. FNBE welcomes students in February, April, Advance August (which begins in July) and August, while the BQS programme the offers intakes in February, April and September.
Leong’s journey—from curious student to industry-ready professional—demonstrates how early exposure, digital proficiency, and strategic education choices can unlock a rewarding future in shaping Malaysia’s sustainable built environment. To experience firsthand what makes Taylor’s the university of choice for built environment studies in Southeast Asia, visit the upcoming Open Days on August 9–10 and 16–17.
Credits
Images: Taylor’s University
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
