1.

Tell me about yourself

I'm a final-year Civil Engineering student at the University of Malaya with a CGPA of 3.64
and a strong interest in structural diagnostics and sustainable construction practices. My
Final Year Project focused on the correlation between concrete strength using Non-
Destructive Testing (NDT) and conventional destructive testing. I also interned at JKR’s
Forensic Structural Services Division, where I was exposed to on-site inspections of
structurally damaged buildings and used tools like the rebound hammer and UPV tester.
I’m proficient in AutoCAD, Tekla, and Staad Pro, and I enjoy combining technical accuracy
with real-world applications — which is why I'm excited about this role with APCC.

2. What are your strengths?

• Hands-on experience with concrete and structural testing from my internship at

JKR.

• Proficiency in NDT tools like the rebound hammer, UPV, and carbonation test kits.

• Strong technical foundation in structural analysis using software like Tekla

Structural Designer and Staad Pro.

• Leadership & communication skills, proven by my active roles in campus clubs

and student unions.

• Fast learner and adaptive, especially in lab and site environments.

3. What is your weakness?

• I used to be overly focused on achieving perfection in technical work, sometimes

spending more time than necessary on minor details. However, through my internship
and leadership experience, I’ve learned how to prioritize and manage time better without
compromising quality.

4. What is your ultimate goal?

• My ultimate goal is to become a recognized expert in construction materials and

structural diagnostics, contributing to durable and sustainable infrastructure projects
in Malaysia and the region.
5. What is your long-term goal?

In the long term, I aim to obtain my Professional Engineer (Ir.) certification, specialize in
materials technology or forensic engineering, and potentially lead a R&D or quality
assurance division in a construction or materials company.

6. Which of your experiences match the job you applied for?

My internship experience with JKR’s Forensic Structural unit directly aligns with this job. I
performed on-site NDT, documented damage, assisted with lab reports, and followed
quality and safety standards — all relevant to working in a lab-focused building materials
department like APCC. My FYP and technical software skills further reinforce my
suitability.

7. How do you solve problems?

I solve problems using a structured and data-driven approach:

1. Identify the root cause through inspection or data.

2. Consult relevant codes or standards.
3. Explore multiple solutions and weigh pros/cons.
4. Discuss with team members or supervisors if needed.
5. Implement and monitor outcomes.

This approach helped me during my internship when evaluating post-fire concrete using
NDT and comparing it with baseline results.

8. What qualifications do you have for this job?

• A strong academic background in civil engineering with a high CGPA.

• Hands-on lab and site experience with NDT, cement/concrete testing.
• Technical skills in material diagnostics and design software.
• Experience in report writing, safety compliance, and testing procedures.
• Passion for material durability and construction quality, which aligns with your
department’s scope.
9. What makes you interested in working with our company?

I’m very interested in APCC because it’s not just a supplier, but a materials technology
company with advanced products like PCE admixtures, waterproofing systems, and
specialty construction chemicals. Working here gives me the opportunity to deepen my
understanding of innovative materials, testing procedures, and contribute to high-
performance building systems that align with my interest in durability and sustainability.

10. What do you know about our organization?

APCC (M) Sdn. Bhd., formerly known as AP Chemicals Corporation Sdn. Bhd., is a well-
established international trading and manufacturing company based in Malaysia. Your
company specializes in advanced construction materials, including concrete admixtures,
waterproofing membranes, insulation systems, and building chemicals. Your contributions
support infrastructure durability, high-rise developments, and green building
technologies — which aligns closely with my own interests and academic background.
 1. What is a Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE) and how does it function in concrete?

Sample Answer:
Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE) is a high-performance superplasticizer used to reduce
water content in concrete without affecting its workability. It works through electrostatic
repulsion and steric hindrance, allowing particles to disperse better.

PCE-based admixtures are preferred for:

• Self-compacting concrete (SCC)

• High early strength concrete

• Longer slump retention

2. What is the purpose of Sodium Gluconate in concrete?

Sample Answer:
Sodium Gluconate is used as a retarder in concrete mixtures. It:

• Delays the setting time, especially useful in hot weather

• Improves workability time for transportation

• Helps in controlling hydration of cement for better placement

3. Can you explain the function of defoamers and air-entraining agents in

concrete?

Sample Answer:

• Defoamers: Reduce trapped air bubbles, improving density and strength. Useful in
high-performance mixes.

• Air-entraining agents: Introduce tiny, stable air bubbles that improve freeze-thaw
resistance and workability. Common in pavements and cold climates.
 4. What is the difference between OPC and PCC cement?

Sample Answer:

• OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement): Pure cement, higher strength, sets faster. Used
in structural concrete.

• PCC (Portland Composite Cement): OPC blended with pozzolans (fly ash, slag,
etc.). Slower strength gain but more eco-friendly, better durability.

5. What are the applications of Silica Fume and why is it used?

Sample Answer:
Silica Fume (light/dense) is a by-product of silicon metal production. It is highly
pozzolanic and used to:

• Increase compressive strength

• Reduce permeability

• Improve chemical resistance

• Commonly used in high-strength concrete, marine structures, and bridges

6. What are waterproofing membranes and how do they work?

Sample Answer:
Waterproofing membranes (e.g., SBS, APP, HDPE, TPO) are barrier sheets applied over
structures to prevent water ingress. Used on:

• Roofs

• Basements

• Wet areas

They can be:

• Pre-applied or post-applied

• Installed using torch, adhesives, or self-adhesive layers

 7. What is the role of chemical anchors in construction?

Sample Answer:
Chemical anchors are resin-based adhesives used to fix rebars, bolts, and dowels into
concrete or masonry.

Advantages:

• High load capacity

• Suitable for retrofit or post-installed reinforcement

• Used in seismic zones, overhead applications, and heavy machinery anchoring

8. What is the function of VMA (Viscosity Modifying Agent)?

Sample Answer:
VMAs are used to control the viscosity of concrete, especially in SCC and high-flow
mixes. They:

• Prevent segregation

• Improve stability

• Help maintain uniform mix even at low water-cement ratios

9. What is XPS and where is it used?

Sample Answer:
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) is a rigid foam insulation board used in:

• Below-grade waterproofing systems

• Roof insulation

• Cold storage and floor slabs

Benefits:

• High compressive strength

• Low water absorption

• Long-term thermal performance

 10. What testing or quality control do you perform for ready-mix concrete (RMC)?

Sample Answer:
Common RMC tests include:

• Slump test (on-site)

• Compressive strength (cube/cylinder test)

• Air content (if air-entraining agents used)

• Temperature and unit weight

• On hardened concrete: density, UPV, rebound hammer, and chloride penetration

test

Concrete & Cement Tests

Test Name Purpose

Slump Test To assess workability of fresh concrete

Compressive Strength Test To determine cube or cylinder strength (7, 14, 28 days)

Setting Time of Cement Using Vicat apparatus to find initial and final set

Consistency Test For normal consistency of cement paste

Soundness Test To check for volume change after setting (Le Chatelier)

Fineness of Cement Measures cement particle size (sieve test or Blaine method)

Admixture Evaluation Tests

Test Name Purpose

Measures how much water is reduced using admixtures (like PCE

Water Reduction Test
or PNS)

Retardation Test Especially for Sodium Gluconate or set-retarding agents

Air Content Test Important when using air-entraining agents

Test Name Purpose

Measures workability over time for admixtures like

Slump Retention Test
polycarboxylate

Flow Table Test (for

To check spread of self-compacting concrete
SCC)

Durability & Waterproofing-Related Tests

Test Name Purpose

Water Absorption Test For concrete or brick, measures porosity

Permeability Test (DIN 1048) For waterproofing membranes/concrete

Chloride Penetration Test

To check durability against chloride attack
(RCPT)

With phenolphthalein – for surface carbonation

Carbonation Depth Test
assessment

To test bonding strength of waterproof

Adhesion Test (Pull-Off)
coatings/membranes

Hydrostatic Pressure Test To test water tightness of membrane systems

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) – for on-site evaluations

Test Name Purpose

Rebound Hammer Test Surface strength estimation

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Checks internal voids or cracks
(UPV)

Covermeter / Bar Scanner Locates reinforcement and cover depth

Test Name Purpose

For compressive strength & carbonation depth (destructive

Core Extraction & Testing
sampling)

Building Materials Test (Bricks, XPS, Anchors)

Test Name Purpose

Compressive Strength of Bricks Structural strength evaluation

Thermal Conductivity (XPS) To confirm insulation values

Pull-Out Test (Chemical Anchors) To verify anchor bonding strength

Flexural Strength (Tiles/Boards) Bending strength of boards or cladding materials

Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC) Quality Control

• Fresh Concrete:

o Slump

o Temperature

o Unit weight

o Air content

• Hardened Concrete:

o Compressive strength

o Density

o Shrinkage
Typical Lab Equipment You Might Use

• Compression testing machine (CTM)

• Slump cone

• Vicat apparatus

• Rebound hammer

• Bar scanner

• Phenolphthalein solution

• UPV machine

• Flow table for SCC

• Blaine air permeability tester