Cost planning and estimating for building and construction works are the key roles of professional quantity surveyors. Cost estimates formed the framework for cost planning which are essential to managing the construction cost at different stages of a project. Sr Raymond KAM, Immediate Past Chairman of the Quantity Surveying Division of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, has been invited to share his experience on this topic. Raymond demonstrated with real-life examples to our Years 3 and 4 surveying students on the critical parameters considered in the preparation of cost plans and pre-contract estimates. Students appreciated gaining knowledge through practical examples of this kind. This is not only useful to their study at THEi but also their career and professional development upon graduation.