News Letter of ASPAC September 2013- FINAL of... · Issue : 0003 NEWSLETTER September 2013 Page 3 of 30 FIDIC MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

FIDIC MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS IN THE ASIA‐PACIFIC REGION (ASPAC)

NEWSLETTER

Issue : 0003 September 2013

Issue : 0003 NEWSLETTER September 2013

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FIDIC MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION (ASPAC)

Contents

Editorial by Chairman of Information Committee

Message from Chairman ASPAC

ASPAC Member Associations

Composition of ASPAC Executive Committee and Sub-Committees

Brief News on Barcelona ASPAC GAM held in September 2013

News from Member Associations

Australia - Consult Australia

China - CNAEC

India - CEAI

Japan - AJCE

Korea - KENCA

Malaysia - ACEM

Philippines - CECOPHIL

Singapore - ACES

Sri Lanka - ACE

Thailand - CEAT

Uzbekistan - UZACE

Calendar of Events of Interest to ASPAC Member Associations

Invitation for contribution to the next issue of Newsletter


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From the Editors Desk…..

Dear Readers The Third issue of ASPAC News Letter has been slightly delayed as we wanted to include reports from the Barcelona 2013 FIDIC Centenary Conference. The Centenary Conference of FIDIC is a milestone for the consultancy profession, as in a way, it celebrates the centenary of our profession that encompasses all developmental work worldwide. The consultancy profession has been going through changes and today it has earned recognition as an industry that moves hand-in-hand with all efforts for the progress of human civilization.

A brief review of ASPAC role in the Centenary Conference is covered in the message from Chairman in this issue. We have separately included a brief report on the conference alongwith some pictures received from the participants. It has been a glittering occasion that brought together consultants from all over the world under one roof. It is heartening to note that the number of countries that contributes to the News Letter is on the increase and we have crossed 50% mark in terms of the number of ASPAC MAs, particularly that makes ASPAC. The volume of the Newsletter has been growing satisfactorily – we are now a healthy 30 page size. We would like to carry news from all the 21 MAs and then only the News Letter will be considered complete. We, in the editorial board, request cooperation from all of you to help in reaching this milestone in the fourth issue of the News Letter which will be released by the end of the year. Warm regards and greetings for Eid, Diwali, and Christmas that bring happiness for all of us. Happy reading Amitabha Ghoshal Chairman ASPAC-Information Committee

Amitabha Ghoshal


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Message from the Chairman

From the ASPAC MAs, more than 500 engineers have participated in the FIDIC Centenary Conference which was held from September 15 to 18, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all ASPAC participants who have shown interest in the Conference. In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, the Conference has

served as a meaningful forum to look back on the past activities and industry achievements, and draw up a vision and goal for the development in the next century. I also take this opportunity to deeply thank members who have worked hard for the successful regional workshop, and delegates who have supported us in good faith. On the FIDIC business day, we held a workshop on ASPAC regional market overview. Asia and the Pacific has been recognized in the workshop as, 1. The fastest growing region in the World with high GDP growth. 2. Asia invests more with gross capital formation, FDI and portfolio investments. 3. World trend is changing rapidly and differently from past in favor of Asian developing

countries. At the General Assembly Meeting, our activities during the past one-year were reported including, 1. ASPAC EC meetings were held five times 2. ASPAC Newsletters were published two times 3. ASPAC Young Professional Forum was reactivated in June 4. ASPAC Conference 2013 Bangkok was held in March 5. Chairman visited ADB and CECOPHIL(Philippines) with FIDIC Executives in February 6. Member Associations’ activity reports 7. Preparation of ASPAC Conference 2014 in Bali. 8. ACEM celebrated its 50th anniversary Besides, there was good news from the ASPAC MAs. 1. Mr. Jaewan Lee of Korea was elected as the vice president of FIDIC 2. Mr. K.K. Kapila of India was elected as the FIDIC EC member Also, there were new businesses moved and discussed, 1. ASPAC Training Center in Kuala Lumpur 2. ASPAC Secretariat Office to be established I ask for your unfailing support and encouragement so that Bali Conference and Training Center would be prepared successfully for the development of ASPAC region. It is my hope that this Newsletter would provide an opportunity to form various networks between Member Associations for greater cooperation, and for ASPAC to leap forward as a good stronghold of ASPAC Consulting Engineers. Thank you,

Hoig Kang Chairman


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ASPAC Member Associations (21)

Australia Consult Australia

Azerbaijan National Engineering Consultancy Society of Azerbaijan

Bangladesh Bangladesh Association of Consulting Engineers

China China National Association of Engineering Consultants

China, Hong Kong Association of Consulting Engineers of Hong Kong, China

China, Taipei Chinese Association of Engineering Consultants, Taipei, China

India Consulting Engineers Association of India

Indonesia National Association of Indonesian Engineering Consultants

Iran Iranian Society of Consulting Engineers

Japan Association of Japanese Consulting Engineers

Korea Korea Engineering and Consulting Association

Malaysia Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia

Nepal Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firms, Nepal

New Zealand Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand

Pakistan Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan

Philippines Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines

Singapore Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore

Sri Lanka Association of Consulting Engineers, Sri Lanka

Thailand Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT)

Uzbekistan Uzbek Association of Consulting Engineers

Vietnam Vietnam Engineering Consultant Association


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ASPAC Executive Committee Members (7) Hoig Kang (Korea) – Chairman

Liu Luobing (China) – Vice Chairman Chien Chung Li (China Taipei)

Amitabha Ghoshal (India) Irawan Koesoemo (Indonesia)

Konomu Uchimura (Japan) Mohd Adnan Mohd Nor (Malaysia)

Sub-Committees

Information Committee Amitabha Ghoshal (India)- Chairman Liu Luobing (China) - Co Chairman

Members Russel de Zilwa (Sri Lanka) Hare Ram Shrestha (Nepal)

Education Committee Konomu Uchimura (Japan)- Chairman

Mohd Adnan Mohd Nor (Malaysia) - Co-Chairman Members

Dr. Kamal Laksiri (Sri Lanka)

Membership Committee Irawan Koesoemo (Indonesia)- Chairman

Chin-Chung Li (China Taipei) - Co-Chairman Members

J Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)


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News from Barcelona---

Conference@FIDIC 2013 A very special event, for consultancy profession all over the world, unfolded in the presence of near 1200 delegates from more than 98 countries, with the pomp and splendour of an extravaganza that will be remembered for a long time! Two special presentations were held to highlight the tremendous achievements in engineering over the past 100 years as well as to remind ourselves that more needs to be done especially in terms of sustainable development. David Coulthard (F1 Driver) and Mark Gallagher (F1 Manager) presented the F1 Racing Industry as a good example of the level of precision engineering achievements and the engineering contributions towards sustainable development goals in the industry. Sir Bob Geldof provoked the minds of all involved in the engineering consultancy to continue challenging the assumptions and decisions made today for the future to ensure that it is the best of the best. This conference had the theme "Quality of Life : Our Responsibility", and the deliberations revolved around same. Keynote lectures and panel discussions were highly applauded, covering subjects like. Celebrating Success – Engineering

Achievements of the Last FIDIC Century The Challenges of the Next FIDIC

Century – What Engineers and their Partners will need to address:

Economy, Environment, People, Working with Government, Working with Private and Public Interest, Meeting the needs of Humanity, Urban Development, Infrastructure, Resources

The conference also recalled the achievements of consultancy profession over the years by identifying Iconic engineering projects that made the profession respected and by felicitating greats from the profession during the conference. The list of the recognized projects and persona are included for the benefit of those who could not attend in person. The new president, Mr. Pablo Bueno of Spain was received by HRH The Prince of Asturias Ceremonially on the day.


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The outgoing President Geoff French said that the FIDIC is now more relevant than ever the global group’s annual conference. Engineers have for decades lamented their modest influence on big development decisions. But with climate change, raising the public profile of environmental issues, things are changing. Mr. Pablo Bueno, FIDIC’s new President said that the 1200 attendees at the centennial conference of the FIDIC in Barcelona want more say in project decisions. Multilateral banks and funds are demanding more and more that, sustainability should be introduced from the very early stages of any project. The Industry’s voice “is not very heard” he added “When you invest in thinking before you start spending, that is the best way to utilize resources. Cultural events and Gala Dinner made the delegates and their spouses highly appreciative of the efforts taken by the host MA. The memories of this event will be savoured for many years to come.

Century Awards @FIDIC 2013 ASPAC Member Associations won most of FIDIC Century Awards FIDIC Centenary Awards Celebrated at FIDIC Gala Dinner in Barcelona on 16th September 2013. FIDIC was delighted to award Trophies of Excellence for projects and individuals having made a significant contribution over the last 100 years. There are 8 major building projects won the awards of excellence in which 5 projects from ASPAC region, 11 major civil engineering projects won the awards of excellence in which 4 projects from our region, 2 individuals won the awards of excellence and 1 from our region. There are 6 major building projects won the awards of merit in which 2 from our region, 12 major civil engineering projects won the awards of merit in which 8 projects from our region, 4 individuals won the awards of merit and 3 from our region, 2firms won the awards of merit and 1 from our region, All the awards from ASPAC is listed below. Awards of Excellence Major Building Projects

Australia: Sydney Opera House

China: Canton Tower Guangzhou Opera House Guangdong Science Center (GDSC)


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Japan: Yoyogi National Stadium

Major Civil Engineering Projects Australia: Sydney Harbour Bridge China: Sutong Bridge Three Gorges Project Japan: Tokaido Shinkanzen Individual/Firm Nominations Japan: Mr Yutaka Kubota Awards of Merit Major Building Projects China: China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex Chinese Treasure — Tian’anmen Square Architectural Complex Major Civil Engineering Projects China: Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway Project Longtan Hydropower Project on Hongshui River Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel Wuhan Tianxingzhou Yangtze River Bridge Qinling Tunnel Group Qinghai-Tibet Railway Project New Zealand: Britomart Transport Centre Newmarket Viaduct Replacement Project Individuals/Firms New Zealand: Opus International Consultants Limited China: Mr. Niu Xingqiang Mr. Wang Zhengming Mr. Zhang Xigang


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ASPAC@FIDIC 2013 The FIDIC Conference 2013 in Barcelona, Spain was special as it was also held in conjunction with its 100th Anniversary. The theme this year was Quality of Life: Our Responsibility. Over 1,200 members and supporters of FIDIC from 98 countries attended this momentous event that ran from 15 to 18 September 2013. FIDIC has grown steadily all over the world, and with fervour in the ASPAC region, for the last ten years - and is today a truly representative body for the consultancy Industry, with almost 100 Member Associations from countries across the globe under its banner. The steady progress of the regional bodies like GAMA and our own ASPAC has made FIDIC more relevant for consultancy profession in smaller countries, who have not been able to play important role in the parent body. The enthusiastic participation in the Regional events during the conference underlined this trend. Presences of more than 500 delegates from ASPAC countries have been a very gratifying signal. ASPAC organised a business workshop as well as its General Annual Meeting 2013 (GAM) on 18 September 2013. Mr. Liu Luobing Chair the ASPAC Regional Market Overview workshop, five speakers, Dr. Hoig Kang from Korea, Major SJM Jafri from India, Dr. Zhou Sheng from China, Mr. Mirodil Mirakhmedov from Uzbekistan, Mr. Irawan B.Koesoemo from Indonesia, present updates of development and business potentials in the Asia Pacific Region. The workshop brings participants a dynamic and fastest growing ASPAC region. The GAM 2013 was well attended by 16 out of 22 Member Associations (MAs) represented by 30 attendees. Mr Hoig Kang, the Chair of the ASPAC Executive Committee (EC) Chaired the GAM. He reported the activities of ASPAC since the last GAM in Seoul 2013. He informed the meeting that the EC met via teleconference three times and one face-to-face meeting in Bangkok. He also congratulated the Thailand MA and its associates for successfully organising the ASPAC/TCDPAP Workshop 2013 in Bangkok. The Chair also informed the GAM of the revival of the ASPAC Newsletter as well as the ASPAC Young Professional Program. A major decision at the GAM was the agreement in principle for FIDIC to set-up a Regional Office for training in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was also briefed by representatives of the Indonesia MA as the host and organisers of the ASPAC/TCDPAP Workshop 2014 to be held in Bali, Indonesia from March 2-5. The Indonesia MA informed the meeting that the theme will be “BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY” and that the fees will be inclusive of a post-workshop tour and dinner.

The Iran MA informed the GAM that it will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in next year in 2014 and that invitations will be sent out at the end of this year or early next year to all MAs to attend a special program.


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Australia MA invited ASPAC MAs to participate in a special high-level networking session for CEOs and CFOs of organisations with more than 100 employees. This will be on the first Friday in April 2014. Places are limited. The Chair recorded the ECs thanks and appreciation to all MAs for their continued support and urged for a good attendance from all MAs with their respective Young Professionals at the ASPAC/TCDPAP Workshop 2014 in Bali and the Iran MA 40th Anniversary Program in 2014.


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Consult Australia

Consult Australia holds numerous events in each of the states within the country throughout the year on various topics of interest. On annual basis, Awards for Excellence are given in a celebratory event every December, Adhoc National Symposia targeted at specific skills sets, various training programmes, safety in Design course, contracts for consultants course, Project Management course and Executive Leadership programme are held in various centers. For young professionals to develop their skills, they have FutureNet initiative associated with the built environment, through a series of educational, motivational and network events. Publications: Consulting Matters – Quarterly CE Update – an electronic newsletter issued fortnightly to members Graduate Guide – annually Innovate – Annual awards magazine Economic Forecast – annually The most recent edition of our quarterly magazine, Consulting Matters can be viewed online here: http://www.consultaustralia.com.au/Home/Support/consultingmatters.aspx.


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CHINA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS

The 4th Cross-Strait Forum on Consulting Engineering Industry The 4th Cross-Strait Forum on Consulting Engineering Industry was held in Kunming, Yunnan Province on June 28-29. The forum, established in 2009 by CNAEC and CAEC, serving to enhance consulting engineering cooperation between Mainland China and Taiwan, has received recognition and support from members of both sides. The theme of this year was about exploration of global market jointly by consulting firms from across the Strait. During the forum, seven speakers from both sides provided extensive information on topics related to the theme, identifying the advantages and challenges of cooperation between Mainland China and Taiwan. Over 200 members attended the forum. Some delegates also made a post-conference tour in some places in Yunnan, a place of wonders and multi-colors.

The 4th Cross‐Strait Forum on Consulting Engineering Industry


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CONSULTING ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, INDIA SEMINARS ON “CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS – INTERNATIONAL AND INDIAN EXPERIENCES” IN DELHI & CHENNAI CEAI has, for long, been wanting to get activities started in the Southern Region. Based on the good response that the topics of the seminar covered in ‘Construction Contracts – International and Indian Experiences’ had received when it was held in Mumbai last year, it was decided to hold it in Delhi and Chennai. The same was organized along with CEAI-WRC and IIT Madras. The seminars were conducted by leading persons dealing with contracts across many countries and presented their experiences related to contractual problems, project risks, insurances and how to handle them. Case studies were also presented during the seminar. Following foreign and Indian experts discussed on key issues in construction contracts.

Mr. Mark Tiggeman, Partner, Kennedys, an international Law firm, UK

Cross Border Transactions in a Construction Context Bilateral Investment Treaty Actions ICC Arbitration –Collective Panel Presentation and Discussion

Mr. Giovanni Di Folco, President & Senior Partner, Techno Engg. & Assoc. Ltd, Romania.

International Contracting A Consulting Engineer Perspective Letters of Intent, Bonds & Guarantees, Defects Liability Periods

Mr. Nick Carnell, Partner, Kennedys, an international Law firm, UK

Key Legal Concepts in Construction Contracts Letters of Intent, Bonds & Guarantees, Defects Liability Periods

Mr Andrew MacCuish, Partner, Kennedys Dubai LLP.

International Contracting – Hot Topics Cross Boarder Transactions in a Construction Context

Mr. Rajat Taimni, Partner, Tuli and Co. an Insurance driven dispute resolution law firm. Presented in Delhi Mr. Naval Sharma presented in Chennai

The Indian Arbitration Act –Joinder of Non- Signatories Liability Insurance Claims in India

Dr. P. V. Amarnadha Prasad, Chairman of Technical Arbitrators, Andhra Pradesh State Centre, Andhra Pradesh.

Contracts in the Indian Scenario Case Studies

Dr. K. N. Satyanarayana, Professor in the Building Technology & Construction Management Division of the Department of Civil Engineering, at IIT-Madras.

Unincorporated Joint Ventures – Some Learnings

Mr. Uttam Sengupta, GM – Risk Management, International Operation Business Group, Voltas Ltd., Mumbai.

Construction Contracts – Some Issues


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All the sessions generated intense discussions and the interactions carried on into the tea and lunch breaks. The feedback received from the participants was very encouraging and they have suggested that such seminars be organised at regular intervals.

AWARDS RECEIVED BY CEAI MEMBERS International Consultants & Technocrats Pvt Ltd (ICT) received the prestigious “Century International Quality ERA Award” in the “Diamond Category” at Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D) Century International Quality ERA Convention held at Geneva in March 2013. TATA Consulting Engineers Ltd had been selected for the prestigious EEPC INDIA Awards for Export Excellence. The Star Performer Award for the year 2011-12 in the Product Group of Engineering Services, Medium Enterprises by the Engineering Export Council India in March 2013. Mr Mahendra Raj, Chairman and Managing Director of M/s Mahendra Raj Consultants Pvt Ltd has been presented with the “Eminent Engineer Award” instituted by the Engineering Council of India (ECI), for his most distinctive and extraordinary contributions to the engineering profession in April 2013. Balaji Railroad systems Ltd (BARSYL) has been rated among Indian top 100 SMEs by the India SME Forum. The Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and Pacific, based in Singapore, has announced the decision to confer the Engineer of the Year Award 2013 on Mr Pradeep Chaturvedi, a Member of CEAI. This Award is being conferred on Mr Chaturvedi for his significant development work in a large number of countries in the Asia and pacific Region over the past 40 years.


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The latest issue of the View Point has been published in July 2013 with the following contents: Present’s Message CEAI Government Council for 2012-2014 Ports for Promotion of Export & Import and Trade & Economy Growth – by Mr N A

Madhava Consultants : The Catalyst for Business Centric Development – by Mr Pradeep

Chaturvedi Planning for turnaround of Urban Water Utilities – by Mr L V Kumar CEAI news FIDIC News Other News, Views & Notes For details, please visit www.ceaindia.com CEAI SUPPORTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WORLD CONGRESS (SEWC) INDIA COLLOQUIUM 2013 SEWC aims to cover major aspects pertaining to technical and professional practice. The congress focuses on the needs and contemporary issues of the structural engineering profession worldwide and highlights the profession’s interface with the society. Four Symposiums have been held so far. 1st International Symposium by SEWC was held in 1988 in San Francisco, USA 2nd SEWC was held in the year 2002 in Yokohama, Japan. 3rd SEWC was held in 2007 in Bangalore, India and 4th International Symposium by SEWC was successfully conducted in Como, Italy, in

April 2011. SEWC (Structural Engineers World Congress – India) is conducting an international colloquium in New Delhi during November 18, 19 & 20, 2013 on the subject “Architecture-Structure-Interaction for Sustainable Built Environment”. The International Colloquium is being organized in association with Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), Indian Association of Structural Engineers (IAStructE) and supported by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. This is an important event and a galaxy of experts on the subject from all over the world has already agreed to be the Keynote Speakers. For more details about the Colloquium, please contact CEAI Secretariat [email protected] website : www.ceaindia.com


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FIDIC MDB2010 Contract SeminarTokyo, July 30, 2013

Association of Japanese Consulting Engineers (AJCE), JAPAN 1. Preparation for AJCE’s 40th Year Anniversary AJCE was founded in April 1974 and will celebrate its 40th year anniversary in April 2014. Committee in charge of the event has started preparation. 2. Activities 2-1 FIDIC MDB 2010 Contract Seminar The seminar was carried out on 30th July, 2013 in Tokyo. About 100 people from consulting engineering firms, general contractors, law firms, manufacturers, clients and media participated in the seminar. Needs of understanding MDB 2010 are increasing among interested parties in Japan as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) introduced General Conditions of MDB 2010 in their Standard Bidding Documents in October 2012. It will be widely used as the standard contract document for ODA projects. Committee in charge prepared presentation materials for participants to understand the contents of MDB 2010. AJCE will utilize presentation materials for future FIDIC Contract trainings. 2-2 Young Professionals Award Presentation As a part of promoting activities of young professionals, Young Professionals Award Presentation was held on 30th August, 2013 in Tokyo. About 50 young professionals and interested parties participated in the presentation. Six groups presented various social, professional and capacity building activities. Themes of presentation were i) Activity of YP study group for oversea projects, ii) Activity of YP study group on management of low carbon emission, iii) Circle K activities on creative design of bridges through technical networking, iv) Enhancement of networking through soccer games aiming for YP cup, v) Enhancement of eco-activity through cultivation of rice, vi) Networking with various sectors through early morning meetings.


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Jury judged contents, presentation skill, and spill over effect over CE industry and society. YP Awards were presented to iii), i) and ii). Following the YP Award Presentation, networking party HELD.

3. Forthcoming Activities 1) FIDIC Conference reporting seminar, Tokyo, 16 Oct, 2013. 2) Networking for women consultants, Tokyo, October, date to be announced. 3) Capacity building seminar for professionals, Tokyo, 13 Nov., 2013. 4) Workshop on promotion of professionals in charge of construction contract management

in oversea projects, Tokyo, 28 Nov., 2013. 4. Training Program Young Professionals Exchange Program (YPEP) between AJCE and Consult Australia. In this year, 7 trainees from AJCE have been participating YPEP. They will be trained in consulting firms in Consult Australia. - Pre-visit training by internet (e-mail): from June to September, 2013, - Visit training from 14th Oct. to 4th November, 2013.

5. Publications 1) Japanese Bulletin: Published 3 times a year: January, July and November. 2) English News Letter: Published once a year in April. 6. Operation of AJCE Adjudicator List Re-registration for 7 adjudicators has started in July and will be completed by 31 December 2013. JICA’s Standard Bidding Document stipulates use of Dispute Board in ODA projects and allows cost of DB in provisional sum in its specific conditions. This provision will encourage use of AJCE approved adjudicators.


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KOREA ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING ASSOCIATION , KOREA

KENCA participated in TCDPAP/ASPAC conference in Bangkok, U.S ACEC conference in Washington DC, ACEC conference in Calgary, Canada and operate FIDIC Education Program in Seoul. KENCA will survey the engineering overseas market. In particular, KENCA is focusing on the Southern America in order to expand the capacity building and cooperation. For the purpose of this overseas expansion, KENCA will make a conclusion of MOU with TECNIBERIA, the Engineering Association of Spain They are ready to sponsor a FIDIC Training programme in the country dealing with Contracts Intensive Training course and Management of Claims and the Resolution of Disputes. KENCA have specific activities or young professionals. KENCA has been supporting FIDIC YP from 2008. KENCA YP delegation consisting of 4 persons has participated in 2013 Barcelona FIDIC YP. KENCA established engineering Total Information System in 2012 for information sharing between members firms. This is an widely appreciated initiative and merits replication by other MAs. Young Professionals Management Training Programme An intensive management training programme based on case studies and discussions of management issues within an international team of participants and mentors. The programme provides international networking and active participation in the annual FIDIC conference meeting key representatives of the world wide consulting industry. 2014 programme registrations will open during November 2013. Next programme starts in early-February 2014 and ends with working sessions at the FIDIC 2014 Rio Conference. For more details, please visit : http://fidic.org/events/young-professionals-management-training-Programme#sthash.NLBIcnrG.dpuf


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Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia

Message From the President

Ir. Wong See Foong

Following the election of the new Council at the Annual General Meeting held at The Royale Chulan on 15th June 2013, I would like to thank each and every council member for offering to contribute their time in serving the Association. For the council members who served in the last council and in particular those who are retiring this year, I must record my deep appreciation for your dedicated services.

The Association’s first event following the AGM was the 50th Anniversary Dinner in conjunction with ACEM Golden Jubilee Celebrations. With the participation of our Past Presidents in the cake cutting ceremony, the dinner was a memorable occasion for our members and guests.

This being the first message that I am writing, I would like to reproduce the following extract from the message delivered during the dinner, for those members who could not join us that evening.

Over the years and among our many struggles, ACEM has made numerous attempts to be represented in the Board of Engineers, Malaysia, the body that governs our professional practice. I am happy to report that we now have Dr Abdul Majid, our Past President and Ir. Prem Kumar, our Deputy President in the Board besides representatives in the various committees such as professional practice, engineers’ act, scale of fees, training and education, examination and qualification committees. With our representatives serving in the Board, we will be in a much better position to monitor and express our position with respect to new legislation or amendments to existing regulations affecting our members in the engineering profession.

However to me this is only the beginning as we only have two out of a total of 14 board members, not including the President and members from allied professions. We need more representatives to look at the many issues affecting the engineering profession such as the liberalization of professional services, increasing incidences of engineering failures, the quality of new engineers entering the profession, etc. Therefore, I urge the BEM to include more ACEM members who are the practitioners and who face the problems in the profession every day.

In recent years, we have encountered the trend towards introducing new legislation to provide livelihood to those involved in rather narrow and specific aspects of engineering to the point of excluding those already practicing in main stream engineering. This is a very disturbing trend as it creates more bureaucratic red tape, inevitable delay and unnecessary costs to investors in particular and to the public in general. Laws should be enacted for the safety and good of the public and not to help any selected group. We at ACEM will continue to monitor and to oppose such legislation as we feel strongly that it is our social obligation to do so.


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With the intention of expediting the approval process, the ACEM is fully supportive of the concept of self-certification by the professionals. However, we must remember that the authority to certify comes with the responsibility and liability. Unfortunately, many professionals do not know or choose not to know of the liability involved. There will always be pressure on professionals to certify for monetary reasons, either to ensure better cash flow or to mitigate delays and the resulting losses. As professionals, we cannot succumb to such pressures as the consequences will be to suffer both financially and professionally once discovered.

The recent incidences of failures in engineering works do not reflect well on our professional fraternity as it brings doubt on the competence of our engineers. The earlier amendments to the Registration of Engineers’ Act stipulating that only engineering consultancy practices can submit plans is intended to prevent incompetent engineers practicing in their spare time. Unfortunately, many engineers are still not aware of this and BEM has continuously uncovered many cases of engineers practicing without a license. In this respect, the BEM must act quickly and firmly to uphold the law.

However, non-licensed engineer practicing is not the only problem. With the proliferation of different fields of engineering offered by both public and private universities, the scope and depth of the course syllabus need to be reviewed. Career fairs by private education bodies in some cases entice students to take up engineering courses that are not recognized by the BEM. The graduates often only found out when they enter the job market when it is too late.

The past interpretation that the professional engineer should determine the discipline that he is competent in and confine his work to that discipline is no longer valid. Is an engineer with a Mechatronic degree a mechanical engineer or an electronic engineer? With the increasing number of such cross-disciplinary degrees, the distinction becomes more and more difficult. Therefore, the only solution is to maintain and control the original basic engineering disciplines of electrical, mechanical, civil and structural and chemical. The license to practice should be in any of these basic disciplines only. This is already the practice in Singapore and I would urge the BEM to adopt this stand.

After much effort and personal sacrifices by our Past President, Dr. Abdul Majid, I am glad to inform that the proposed amendments to the Registration of Engineers’ Act is now awaiting the next parliament sitting. We hope that if all goes well, the amendments can be enforced next year if not earlier. However, this is only the beginning as much needs to be done.

Because ACEM members must be directors or principals of engineering consultancy practices, our membership base is limited. However, I believe that a dedicated few can accomplish more than a large group of non-committal individuals who cares only for their interests. That is why after 50 years tonight from our humble beginnings, we have managed to achieve the recognition today from the various government ministries related to our profession.

ACEM’s destiny is somehow intertwined with Government’s policies and National Interest for the healthy growth of the consulting engineering industry. Therefore ACEM major objective is to shape Government policies for the profession of


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consulting engineering. ACEM has done that by amending the Engineers’ Act for liberalization and by the introduction of the Professional Competency Examination in the Act. ACEM has taken the lead on these matters so that our destiny will remain in our hands.

With this message, I look forward to serve the Association with the support of the ACEM Council as well as all our members.

Thank you.

Awards

The ACEM Engineering Awards 2013 was organised in conjunction with the ACEM 50th Anniversary Dinner of the Association held on 22nd June 2013. The competition was open to ACEM Member Firms only and this year, the Panel of Judges has awarded six entries with the following awards:

• Gold Award of Special Merit to Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd

St. Joseph’s @ Paragon. Silver Award of Merit to SMHB Sdn Bhd Silver Award of Merit to HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd Silver Award of Merit to Angkasa Consulting Sdn Bhd Bronze Award of Commendation to T Y Lin International Sdn Bhd Bronze Award of Commendation to Minconsult Sdn Bhd


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Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines

CECOPHIL organize FIDIC seminars/workshop, capacity-building/training seminars exclusively for members, invite representatives from the private and government agencies as speakers for General Membership Meeting to discuss relevant issues affecting the construction and consulting industry. They have organized the following FIDIC Contract Modules : 1. Practical Use of FIDIC Conditions of Contract (Module I), 2. Management of Claims and the Resolution of Disputes (Module II) and 3. Contract Management and Administration (Module IV) and 4. Special Contracts Module : Design Build and Operate This year, they intend to organize a seminar-workshop on EPC/ Turnkey Projects. We also did seminar on Project Sustainability Management. CECOPHIL are still open in sponsoring other related training programs of FIDIC in accordance with the need of the members and the engineering industry in the future. For Young Professional, they intend to organize strategic planning/team building activity, technical writing contest, seminar/talk by key persons in the engineering consultancy industry. Young Professionals Committee is in charge of the preparation of the CECOPHIL e-newsletter. The Vice Chairman of Young Professionals Committee has participated in the FIDIC Young Professional Management Training Programme (YPMTP) in Barcelona. He is recipient of the BST Global Young Professional FIDIC Scholarship Award. CECOPHIL communicate through website, fax and emails and through our e-newsletter. They also have a Face Book Account. Until now CECOPHIL are fighting policy issues on: 1. Issue on corporate practice. Because of a policy issued by a government agency,

practice. Corporations are not allowed to participate in government-funded projects; Foreign-funded projects are open to corporations.

2. Low billing rates for Filipino consultants in national projects 3. High percentage of turnover of professional staff due to better opportunities overseas/

abroad and also from foreign firms establishing their offices in Manila. 4. Corruption


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Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore

The Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore (ACES) is a non-profit making association representing the independent consulting engineering profession in Singapore. Formed in 1971, the association is an industry grouping seeking to set and maintain standards of professional ethics, public accountability and independence amongst its members who are all directors or partners of consulting engineering firms operating in Singapore in compliance with the Professional Engineers Act and its regulations. ACES also has business interests of its members high on its agenda and seeks to ensure that professional consulting engineers in Singapore are adequately and fairly rewarded for their services.

The objects for which the Association is established are:

1. To promote the advancement of the profession of Consulting Engineering.

2. To associate together for the purpose of cooperation and mutual advantage and consultation as Consulting Engineers as defined in the Constitution.

3. To promote the professional interests, rights, powers and privileges of Consulting Engineers.

4. To give legislature, Public Bodies and others, facilities for conferring with and ascertaining the collective views of Consulting Engineers.

5. To confer with Associations representing Manufacturers, Contractors and other persons engaged in engineering works on matters of common interest.

ACES organize seminars and hands-on workshops with BIM software suppliers, organize Annual Dinner, awards, Networking Nights, Annual Dialogue Session and for young professional Young Professional Chapter Awards. ACES is interested to sponsor FIDIC Training programmes if it is commercially viable to conduct in Singapore and if it suits for other Built Environment Partners. There may not be any problem in getting support from Government and/or private entities for organizing these training programmes if it is beneficial for consulting engineering industry in Singapore.


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Association of Consulting Engineers, Sri Lanka

Vision

"To be the Apex Association for Consulting Engineers in Sri Lanka and the highest recognised in the Region " Mission

To develop Consulting Engineering practice whilst enhancing the profile of Consulting Engineers in Sri Lanka

To contribute in the Planning and the implementation in the Development of Sri Lanka To assist Consulting Engineers Develop their skills and share knowledge To promote in providing a quality service to the public Assist in export of Engineering Consultancy services We conduct workshops and lectures. This year we conducted a 2-day workshop on

module 2 of FIDIC Contracts workshops. They are sponsoring FIDIC Training programmes in country and are going to have another 3-day Workshop on FIDIC module 2, with a view to enhancing the awareness of Dispute Boards and Adjudication in 2014. They are getting good support from the Government. They bring out Quarterly Newsletter, and bulletin to share the information between the member firms. They want ASPAC should be more active in the Region and take a lead in organizing regional conference etc. For the Young Engineers and related professionals, they have formed the Young Professionals Forum in 2013. The major policy issues affecting ACESL are QBS is not practiced widely in Sri Lanka resulting in price competition among

consultants. This is also due to lack of adequate work for Sri Lankan consultants, and a large number of projects using consultants from overseas without allocating adequate component of work to Sri Lankan consultants.

Due to many years of war, a large scale brain drain took place and expertise in some

areas of work is not available locally. Expert professionals have left the country and finding expert personnel for projects is difficult.

Some project employers do not abide wholly by FIDIC conditions of contract and

adopts special conditions, which are detrimental to the Sri Lankan Consulting industry.


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The Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT)

CEAT regularly organizes annual seminars and technical visits for association firms. Also we publish quarterly journal on technical issues performed by our association firms. CEAT persistently requests Thai government to revise fee structure for consulting engineers in public works. Thai government in August 2013 has endorsed the new improved fee structure. Strong fee competition and some part of corruption by government officers are still the issues of concern. We do hope to create measures to counter them. Consulting engineers industry in Thailand is in a good business position because there are many government and private sectors investment during this period. CEAT’s Board of Directors agrees a resolution to organize a Young Professional Forum Program in our last Board Meeting. It is expected that YPF will be a mechanism to execute activities like seminars, conference and even internship programs. YPF is seen to open a door for the new generation of Thai consulting engineers to network together. CEAT has a suggestion that ASPAC should have its own website where necessary country information viz. structure of fees, number of engineers etc. of member association will annually collected and shared.


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Uzbek Association of Consulting Engineers, Uzbekistan

Uzbek Association of Consulting Engineers (UZACE) was created in December 2007 with a view to the further development of the local Consulting-Engineering services, support and further development of the intellectual potential of the country, improving the quality of contractual and other business documents, enhancing cooperation with representatives of organizations of local consulting-engineering industries of other countries, international financial institutions (IFI), a public-private partnership, as well as for promotion of Uzbek Consulting Engineering services to foreign markets. In September 2008, at the FIDIC Annual Conference in Quebec UZACE became an Associate Member, and at the next Conference in New Delhi in 2010, UZACE already has been accepted as a Member of FIDIC. UZACE is also a Member of ASPAC and TCDPAP. Up to now UZACE has Cooperation Agreements with the National Associations of Consulting Engineers from Germany, Japan, Korea, Russia, India, Nepal, Greece, and the negotiations with the National Associations of Austria, Canada, France, Turkey, Spain, Poland and Norway are on the way. UZACE is one of the few Associations of Consulting Engineers, established on the territory of the NIS. For the period 2008-2013 UZACE had completed the technical-organizational development, has continue the networking with local and international organizations, assisting to local and international companies in cooperation with other market participants, provide them with advisory services, organizing the conferences, seminars and trainings which are highly in demand now. UZACE by issuing the quarterly “Consulting Engineers of Uzbekistan” Magazine actively cooperates with a number of ministries and agencies in improving the status of the profession of Consulting Engineer and preparing the analytical articles on the Engineering sector based on the FIDIC training materials and books. UZACE has as its Members 31 organizations, which are the companies and firms, leading technical universities working in the Design, Consulting Engineering and SME sectors. Bearing in mind the need to provide training in FIDIC standards UZACE regularly conducts trainings and seminars in the following areas - Employment Contracts, Tender Procedures, Capacity Building, Turnkey Contracts, Project Management and others. These training modules are in great demand not only for professionals working in the field of Consulting Engineering and Construction, but also for representatives of several ministries and departments, Executive and Legislative Agencies. UZACE conducted trainings at the Tashkent Architecture and Construction Institute and the participants are the specialists from Uzbek Design organizations, Single Customer Services of Municipalities, Construction Managers of «Yuggazstroy» Company from Navoi region, Uzbek Railway Company, which recently completed Hairaton - Mazar-i-Sharif railway line in Afghanistan with the assistance


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of the Asian Development Bank. Negotiations with Uzbekistan Airways on training courses in serving the construction and operation of land-based facilities is under way. There is the platform for increasing the real status of Uzbek Consulting Engineering sector in Uzbekistan. This sector is offering its services in the future not only on the territory of the Republic, but also abroad. To achieve these goals the UZACE closely work with other local organizations systematically works on FIDIC Rules and Procedures, especially on technical procedures in International/Local tenders participation in the area of Design/ Consulting Engineering services. UZACE conduct the following programmes on regular basis: Round Tables and Seminars on “ What is the FIDIC” at the different Uzbek design

institutions and consulting companies over the past 12 months; Jointly with ENSI a “Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Modern Norwegian and European

experience” Seminar on 14 March 2013 in Tashkent was conducted. More than 50 representatives from Engineering companies, Design institutes and consulting companies were participated at this seminar;

Publish on a regular basis a UZACE’s “Uzbek Consulting Engineers” Magazine including e-version of Magazine;

Information on FIDIC, Regional and Uzbek Consulting Engineering Development, etc. were placed at the different Uzbek newspapers;

Participation on EFCA/ASPAC GAMs; Book “Organization of Construction in market conditions: Investment Projects,

development, expertise and contracting" was published in January 2013 and to be used by Technical Universities in Uzbekistan

Seminar in Tashkent on FIDIC Contracts jointly with Baker&MacKenzie Introductory course on FIDIC for number of Law firms UZACE has own website (www.uzace.org) aiming to promote Information on FIDIC, its policy, news and publications, and to share news in Consulting Sector . The short electronic version of Magazine in local language is placed on UZACE website UZACE would like to be informed about ASPAC Strategy and Policy, activities, current Regional projects etc. Joint Seminars or Round tables together with UZACE and ASPAC members will be a tangible result for UZACE and its members Capacity Building. Central Asia Regional ASPAC event should be planned in coming years, the place could be identified later (Tashkent, Astana etc) A short Training Seminar on Capacity Building, Project Management etc. at any ASPAC Member Country will be kindly appreciated by them.


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Calendar of Events of Interest for ASPAC Countries

FIDIC Americas Contract Users Conference 22-23 October 2013 Washington, USA FIDIC London Contract Users Conference 3-4 December 2013 London, UK

CEAI

Architecture-structure-Interaction for Sustainable Built Environment

18,19 & 20 Nov 2013 New Delhi, India

ACES ACES/ACEM Annual Dialogue Session November 2013 Singapore

AJEC FIDIC Conference reporting seminar 16 October 2013 Tokyo Networking for women consultants October 2013 Tokyo Capacity building seminar for professionals 13 November 2013 Tokyo Workshop on promotion of professionals in charge of construction contract management in oversea projects

28 November 2013 Tokyo

KENCA

FIDIC Contract and Agreements Training Manual, FIDIC Business Practice Training Manual etc

May-Oct 2013 Seoul, Korea


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Request to All Member Association and Readers

To make this ASPAC Newsletter purposeful and effective, we require contributions from all ASPAC MAs. It is essential that we all Consultants operating in the ASPAC region know each other well, know of the achievements made and the hurdles faced by all of us. Consulting Engineering fraternity in this region require complementary support from each other to make the profession successful and forceful in its operations. We sincerely request all of you to make contribution in the forthcoming newsletter, to make it an effective tool for achieving our goal. We need your inputs on: 1] Events of Common interest 2] Reports on happenings in different centers 3] Views on issues facing the consultancy fraternity 4] Suggestions for uplifting the consultancy operation Please, please, contribute for the next issue scheduled to be brought out in December 2013.