Building Information Modeling Award

Mr. Afaq Rafi Awan | Construction Management | Best Researcher Award

PhD | Zhengzhou University | China

Afaq Rafi Awan is a motivated and detail-oriented civil engineer from Pakistan, currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at Zhengzhou University, China. He holds a Master’s in Engineering Science and Management with a focus on Construction Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Sichuan University, China. His academic foundation is strongly built around infrastructure design, structural analysis, and construction management, with a specialized emphasis on Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications for safety management and sustainable construction. He has professional experience as an English and ESL teacher at various institutions in China, as well as prior technical experience as an associate engineer and civil surveyor in Pakistan. His research expertise lies in BIM-based safety management, bridge lifecycle resilience, intelligent construction systems, prefabricated bridge structures, digital twin applications in infrastructure, and the use of advanced materials for structural performance enhancement. Throughout his academic journey, Afaq has demonstrated leadership as Vice President and Director of Sports at Zhengzhou University, received multiple academic and athletic awards, and earned prestigious fully funded scholarships including the Chinese Government Scholarship. His achievements also extend to active participation in international conferences, youth forums, and online professional certifications from globally recognized institutions such as Stanford University, DeepLearning.AI, and Columbia University. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in civil engineering, Afaq aspires to contribute to advanced bridge engineering research and the development of durable, efficient, and safe infrastructure systems worldwide.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

C Yuan, A. R. Awan, & A. Khan. (2025). Construction safety management: Based on the theoretical approach of BIM and the technology acceptance model. Buildings, 15(19), 3444.

Assoc. Prof. Dr.ChangSaar Chai | Digital Construction| Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Taylor’s University, Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Chang Saar Chai (PTech, PhD) is an Associate Professor at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, specializing in Construction Management. With a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), he brings over 15 years of academic and industry experience spanning roles at UTM, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, University of Reading Malaysia, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. He has held leadership positions such as Discipline Leader, Programme Coordinator, Course Director, and Director of Digital Technology International Centre. Dr. Chai is actively involved in academic administration, national and international committees, and has contributed significantly to Malaysia’s Construction 4.0 initiatives. His professional affiliations include the Malaysia Board of Technologists (Professional Technologist), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDA). He has received numerous awards for teaching excellence, innovation, and research, and holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Construction Project Manager (CIDB).

Profile

Orcid
Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Chai Chang Saar holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Construction Management from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, awarded in May 2014. He also earned a Master of Science in the same field in 2009, and a Bachelor of Science in Construction in 2008, all from the same university. His academic foundation in construction and project management laid the groundwork for a prolific career in both academia and the construction industry.

💼 Professional Experience

With over 15 years of progressive experience, Dr. Chai is currently an Associate Professor at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. His previous academic roles include positions at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, the University of Reading Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. In the private sector, he gained hands-on experience as a Construction Manager and Engineer with Tiong Seng Contractor Holdings Ltd and Kimlun Sdn Bhd in Singapore. He has also served in numerous leadership capacities, such as Programme Coordinator, Discipline Leader, and Director of a digital technology center, showcasing his ability to lead both academic and strategic initiatives.

🧠 Skills and Expertise

Dr. Chai’s key areas of expertise include Digital Construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Construction Project Management, Building Information Management, and Housing Affordability. He is proficient in various technical tools and platforms including Autodesk Revit, CostX, and Cubicost, and is a Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM) by CIDB Malaysia. He also holds multiple professional teaching and industry certifications, highlighting his multidisciplinary proficiency.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Chai has received multiple accolades, including a Silver and Bronze Medal at the UNIMAS Innovation Expo (InTEX) in 2023, a Best Lecturer Award from the University of Reading Malaysia in 2019, and the First Prize in the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) Competition at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2013. His early career recognition includes being named Best Engineer at Tiong Seng Contractor in 2010. He has also been honored with multiple publication awards, further testifying to the impact of his research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Chai’s research primarily focuses on the digital transformation of the construction industry. His work includes extensive studies on Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twinning, Augmented Reality, Construction 4.0, and smart technologies for sustainable development. He has secured both international and national research grants totaling over USD 200,000 and RM 850,000 respectively. His published work addresses legal, technical, and managerial challenges in the construction domain, offering innovative frameworks and models to bridge policy and practical applications.

📚Publication

3D Generative Early-Stage Building Design from 2D Images: Integration of Multimodal Data with GAN (3DMM-GAN)

Authors: Yaoli Y., Chang Saar Chai, Yee Siang Gan, Heap Yih Chong
Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
Type: Review • Open Access

2. Physicochemical Characteristics of Silicomanganese Slag as a Recycling Construction Material: An Overview

Authors: Ngie Hing Wong, Zongyang Kong, Ratanak Sambo, J.A. Bamgbade, Jaka Sunarso
Year: Not specified
Citations: 2
Type: Article

3. Understanding the Causes of Design Errors in Construction Projects: A DEMATEL-Based Framework

Authors: Chia Kuang Lee, Chang Saar Chai, Marián Bujna, Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Ying Qi Boo
Journal: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Type: Article

4. Intention to Engage in Inter-Contractor Cooperation: A Belief Elicitation Study in the Construction Industry

Authors: Taofeeq Durojaye Moshood, Yee Voon Ling, Chang Saar Chai, Chia Kuang Lee
Journal: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
Type: Article

🏁conclusion:

Dr. Chai’s comprehensive portfolio—spanning research excellence, industry impact, policy contribution, and student mentorship—exemplifies the qualities expected from a leading researcher in the built environment and digital construction domain. With ongoing contributions to national strategies and international partnerships, his recognition would not only be deserved but would also encourage further innovation in Construction 4.0 and beyond.