1.

0 INTRODUCTION

A professional bodies (also called a professional association, professional

organization, or professional society) is usually a nonprofit organization seeking to
further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession
and the public interest.

The roles of these professional associations have been variously defined a

group of people in a learned occupation who are entrusted with maintaining control
or oversight of the legitimate practice of the occupation also a body acting to
safeguard the public interest organizations which represent the interest of the
professional practitioners and so the act to maintain their own privileged and
powerful position as a controlling body.

Many professional bodies are involved in the development and monitoring of

professional educational programs, and the updating of skills, and thus perform
professional certification to indicate that a person possesses qualifications in the
subject area. Sometimes membership of a professional body is synonymous with
certification, though not always. Membership of a professional body, as a legal
requirement, can in some professions form the primary formal basis for gaining entry
to and setting up practice within the profession. Many professional bodies also act as
learned societies for the academic disciplines underlying their professions.

In Malaysia there are several professional bodies such as Institution Of

Engineer Malaysia (IEM), Board Of Engineer Malaysia (BEM), The Board Of
Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, Malaysian Green Building Confederations, and
Association Of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM).

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1.0 PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN MALAYSIA

2.1 INSTITUTION OF ENGINEER MALAYSIA

The story of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) began with our
nation’s independence. It was established in 1 May 1959 exactly 20 month after
Merdeka. The primary function of IEM is to promote and advance the science and
profession of engineering in any or all of its disciplines and to facilitate the exchange
of information and ideas related to engineering.

The governing body of the IEM is the Council, headed by the President. The
institution prime mover and founder is President Allahyarham Tan Sri Ir Dr Haji
Yusoff Haji Ibrahim. He managed to gather a few engineers who were interested in
forming a local institution when he was transferred to the Kuala Lumpur JKR
headquarters. The affairs of the Council are carried out by the Executive Committee
comprising the President, Deputy President, seven Vice Presidents, Honorary
Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and five members elected from the Council.
Operations are supported by a full time Secretariat.

Membership of the Institution is currently about 45,000 and the growth rate is
about 10% per annum making it one of the largest professional organization in the
country. In order to support the needs of members, the IEM has 8 Standing
Committees to attend to the different administrative functions of the Institution. To
support the multidisciplinary needs of engineering practice, there are 16 Technical
Divisions and 4 Special Interest Groups to look after and to organize activities for the
different disciplines. There is also a Young Engineer Section and Women Engineers
Section that caters exclusively to the younger members and women engineers
respectively.

IEM has their own mission which is they shall promote sound professional
engineering practice in support of the socio-economic development objectives of the
nation. Next, give a service to the needs and interests of its members and the public
and uphold the social standing image of the engineering profession. They also need
to contribute towards nation building and shall strive to enhance society's
consciousness of science and technology.

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 There are several objectives of the Institution which is to hold meetings,
exhibitions and visits, and such other activities as the Institution may deem incidental
or conducive to the promotion or attainment of the profession of engineering. Next,
to raise the character and status and advance the interests of the profession of
engineering and those engaged therein. Third, to promote honourable practice and
professional etiquette among members of the Institution. They also want to
communicate with the member information on all matters affecting the profession of
engineering and to print, publish, issue and circulate such publications as may seem
conducive to any of the objectives of the Institution. Lastly, to do such other things
as the Institution may think incidental or conducive to the attainment of the
objectives of the Institution.

Anyone can apply to join IEM provided he or she has the necessary
recognised engineering qualification. IEM organises many courses, seminars, talks
and visits, which are of interest to the engineering profession as well as to the
development and well-being of engineers. Through technical activities, the IEM
members gets the opportunity to enhance his or her technical knowledge and skills as
an engineer. This is important for their development as professionals and essential
for the progress and promotion of the profession as a whole.

Most of the people would be more familiar with the technical activities of
IEM, some may question the need and rationale for non-technical ones. Non-
technical activities include social activities during the weekends, talks and courses or
workshops on personal development, investment and health, and visits to places of
interest such as the Firefly Park at Kuala Selangor. IEM also organises community
service projects. All these activities provide the avenue for interaction among
members, senior and junior alike. It is one of the ways for IEM members to network,
socialise and be exposed to the outside world. The member gets to meet engineers of
all disciplines, from various sectors, of all levels and age, and from all over the
world, for activities of the IEM are not confined to Malaysia or Asia alone. These are
means of developing a broader outlook, honing your communication and social
skills.

The IEM Member can also participate more actively in the Institution by
giving his or her time and energy to organising the above-mentioned activities, and

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play a role in issues of concern to engineers by giving opinions and be proactive in
effecting positive changes for the good of the engineering profession in the country.
The various Committees and Sub-committees in the IEM will always welcome such
participation, commitment, and enthusiasm from its members. The basic criteria is to
be sincerely committed to the betterment of the Institution, and subscribing to the
basic noble values of excellence, creativity and professionalism. Of course, IEM
needs people with a sincere voluntary spirit. If the engineer satisfies these values, be
a committee or sub-committee member by participating actively in the running of the
Institution too. The member could train themselves in leadership and management
skills, apart from the non-technical skills mentioned above.

As members, one would be informed regularly of the events and upcoming

activities of the IEM through the monthly bulletin, the Jurutera, for which one pay
only a nominal subscription fee annually. There is also the IEM e-community that a
member can be part of. Members also enjoy cheaper rates should there be any charge
for the activities organised by the IEM. In short, no matter what level of participation
the member chooses to be at, the IEM provides them with a numerous of avenues to
better themselves. One should be all the more keen to be an IEM member because
this is the place for engineers, and the IEM is the organisation which protects and
looks after the rights and welfare of engineers.

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2.2 BOARD OF ENGINEER MALAYSIA

The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is a statutory body constituted

under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 with perpetual succession and a
common seal, which may sue and be sued. It was formed in 23rd August 1972. BEM
falls within the ambit of responsibility of the Minister of Works. Vested with wide
powers, the Minister may suspend the operation of the Registration of Engineers Act
1967 (REA) in any part of Malaysia by notification in the gazette. The appointment
of the Board Members and the Registrar is made by the Minister. The Registration of
Engineers Act 1967 and the Registration of Engineers Regulations 1990 have been
amended in 2015 with date of operation on 31st July 2015. The amended REA will
be known as “Registration of Engineers Act 1967” whilst the accompanying
Regulations will be known as “Registration of Engineers Regulations 1990”. A
vision of BEM IS TO BECOME A highly respected and authoritative body in
engineering that ensures safety, health and interest of the public. Mission of BEM is
to regulate engineering services provided are of high quality, delivered with due
diligence, conforming to professional ethics and benchmarked to the best practices.
BEM primary role is to facilitate the registration of Engineers, Engineering
Technologists, Inspectors of Works, Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Bodies
Corporate providing professional engineering services and to regulate the
professional conduct and practice of registered person in order to safeguard the
safety and interest of the public.

BEM function to maintaining the register, which contains the name,

addresses and other particulars of all registered persons. They also process
applications for registration by scrutinizing applications to ensure compliance with
the Act and the policy of BEM. BEM through its Examination and Qualification
Committee conducts Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) to assess the
quality of experience gained by the Graduate Engineers and their competency. Every
application for registration, be it as Graduate Engineers, Engineering Technologists,
Inspectorade of Works, Professional Engineers, Professional Engineers with
Practising Certificate and, Engineering Consultancy Practices is scrutinized
thoroughly by the Application Committee to ensure compliance with the Act and
with the policy of BEM. Application to register as Accredited Checkers will be

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assessed by Accredited Checkers Committee. BEM also applies restrictions on
practices of bodies corporate with the aim that engineering consulting services
provided by these bodies of corporates would be done professionally for the benefit
of the client/public.

BEM through the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) conducts

accreditation of engineering degree program offered by institutions of higher
learning within Malaysia. Accreditation is done through the evaluation panel (from
academic and industry/practice) whose members are appointed by EAC. The
accreditation panel shall visit the institution to evaluate the curriculum, facilities and
the quality management system and have dialogue with the management, academic
and support staff, students and industry stakeholders. The period of full accreditation
shall be five years after which it has to be revalidated. Where there are minor
shortcomings in meeting the accreditation requirement, the program may be given
accreditation for a period of less than five years during which the faculty must take
necessary corrective measures. Prior to conduct of a new engineering program
institution of higher learning shall obtain approval from the relevant authorities. The
authority normally will require supporting document from the EAC. BEM through
the EAC, in general, uses as a guide the list accredited degree program leading to
Professional/Chartered Engineer by accreditation organization of the country where
the degree is issued. The Engineering Accreditation Council is the body on
accreditation, representing the Board of Engineers Malaysia, the Institution of
Engineers Malaysia, Malaysian Qualification Agency and Jabatan Perkhidmatan
Awam Malaysia (JPA).

BEM traditionally registers graduates and professional engineers under the

Registration of Engineers (Amendment) Act 2007. The pre-requisite for registration
as a graduate engineer is any qualification in engineering recognised by the Board.
Since July 2015, BEM has begun registering engineering technologists who are also
important stakeholders within the engineering workforce. This is in compliance with
the latest Amendments to the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015).
The BEM therefore has a duty to ensure that the quality of engineering technology
education/program of its registered technologists attains the minimum standard
comparable to global practice. Hence the necessity to accredit engineering

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technology program conducted in IHLs. The Engineering Technology Accreditation
Council (ETAC) is a delegated body by BEM first established in 2011 as the only
BEM recognized accrediting body for engineering technology bachelor degree,
engineering diploma and engineering technology diploma program offered in
Malaysia. ETAC is made up of representatives from the Board of Engineers
Malaysia (BEM), the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA), the Public Services
Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (JPA)) and other relevant
learned societies. The ETAC has been strengthened with respect to its administrative
arm within the setup of the Engineering Accreditation Department. The Department
presently operates at the Kelana Jaya office. The set up includes a director, and four
(4) associate directors. The Department is also supported by its committees that
oversee the development of the Manual, the outcome-based culture change at
institutions of higher learning, quality assurance and international affairs. The ETAC
has been instrumental in ensuring Malaysia’s ETAC accredited engineering
technology bachelors' degree, engineering diploma and engineering technology
diploma program are substantially equivalent to the engineering qualifications of the
signatories of the Sydney Accord and Dublin Accord. Click download to view or
save.

BEM also functions to regulate the conduct and ethics of the engineering
profession. Ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make
decisions and lead their lives. Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals
and society, and is also described as moral philosophy. Ethics covers such as how to
live a good life, rights and responsibilities, the language of right and wrong and also
moral decisions. Engineers is an important and learned profession. Engineers are
expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has
direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services
provided by engineers require honesty, impartially, fairness and equity, and must be
dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Engineers must
perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the
highest principles of ethical conduct. Thus, ethic is not peripheral to, or an add-on to,
engineering. It is integral to the practice of engineering, part of engineering problem
solving. Safety and guarding against avoidable harm are built into engineering; they

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are the principles that underlie engineering codes and standards. Engineering ethics
can be further divided into microethics and macroethics. Microethics concerned with
individuals and internal relations of the engineering profession. Microethics can be at
two levels; personal and professional. Personal ethics include personal qualities like
decency, honesty and truthfulness. Technical ethics and ethical responsibility also
define the engineer. Technical ethics is the technical decisions and judgements made
by engineers. It is microlevel analysis of individual technologies or practitioners, and
also respecting intellectual property rights. Ethical responsibilities making wise
choices when such choices unexpectedly present themselves. It is a willingness to
engage others in the crucial choices, and making choices on issues that confront
technological society and how intelligently to confront them. Macroethics is
generally not captured by professional codes of conduct. Macroethics covers certain
professional and ethics as professional and social ethics. Professional ethics is more
concerned with the collective social responsibility of the engineering profession and
the collective action that can transcend international boundaries, and ethical
implications such as risk and product liability. Social ethics is concerned with
technology policy decisions at the societal level. Macro level analysis of technology
as a whole and has ethical implications of public issues, sustainable development,
healthcare, and information and communication technology.

Another function of BEM is to hear and determine disputes relating to

professional conduct and ethics of registered engineers. Code of ethics has value as
both an internal guideline and an external statement of corporate values and
commitments. A well-written code of conduct clarifies an organization’s mission,
values and principles, linking them with standards of professional conduct. The code
articulates the values the organization wishes to foster in leaders and employees and,
in doing so, defines desired behavior. As a result, written codes of conduct or ethics
can become benchmarks against which individual and organizational performance
can be measured. Additionally, a code is a central guide and reference for employees
to support day-to-day decision making. It encourages discussions of ethics and
compliance, empowering employees to handle ethical dilemmas they encounter in
everyday work. It can also serve as a valuable reference, helping employees locate
relevant documents, services and other resources related to ethics within

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organizations. Externally, a code serves several important purposes such as
compliance, marketing and risk mitigation.

BEM also responsible to fix the scale of fees. In this respect the Scale of Fees
Committee of BEM continues to have dialogues sessions with the Treasury of
Malaysia on issues involving mode of remuneration, quantum and conditions of
payment. BEM functions to be a stakeholder in a contract for Professional Engineer
services when requested. The Publication Committee of BEM undertakes the task of
promoting engineering profession through The Ingenieur and other printed materials.
The Ingenieur (4 issues per year: March, June, Sept and December) is used as a
communication tool for BEM to disseminate information on activities of the Board,
regulations, code of ethics, career development, update and guidelines and such other
news as decided by the BEM. BEM also promote continued learning and education.
BEM has set certain guidelines in connection with the financial assistance provided.
BEM will consider providing financial assistance to a seminar or conference which is
organized by a non-profit making organization. The seminar or conference must be
technical one that will benefit the registered engineers. The promotion of continued
learning and education does not stop here. BEM would also consider giving grant to
selected type of study related to engineering or contribute prizes for selected
competition also related to engineering. In order to keep abreast with changing
technology, BEM encourages all registered engineers to continually improve
themselves through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program.

These latest amendments are a direct result of Government policies on trade

for services. As Malaysia developed towards a service industry the issue of
“liberalization” of the services came to the forefront in the Free Trade Agreements
(FTA) which the country signed. These latest amendments directly address
liberalization issues in order for the country to meet its international obligations. The
need to regulate the Engineering Team; Engineers, Engineering Technologists and
Engineering Technicians has also led the BEM to amend the REA to incorporate two
new categories: Engineering Technologists and Inspector of Works (also known as
Engineering Technicians)

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2.3 THE BOARD OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS MALAYSIA

The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier
"measurer", a specialist tradesman (often a guild member), who prepared
standardised schedules for a building project in which all of the construction
materials, labour activities and the like were quantified, and against which competing
builders could submit priced tenders. Because all tenders were based on the same
schedule of information, they could be easily compared so as to identify the best one.
As a profession quantity surveying emerged around the 1820s with one of the earliest
QSs being Sir Henry Arthur Hunt[2] who was involved in work on the Houses of
Parliament. After the fire in 1834 that destroyed the old Palace of Westminister
Henry Hunt came up with an estimate cost of £724,984 (changes by Parliament put it
up to £1.5m).

The professional institution with which most English-speaking quantity

surveyors are affiliated is the UK-based Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS). In Australia, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) has over
4300 members, both domestically and overseas and the New Zealand Institute of
Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) a further 1300. Others are the Chartered Institute of
Building (CIOB) and Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES). Those who
are qualified members of the RICS are entitled to use the term "Chartered Quantity
Surveyor" or simply "Chartered Surveyor".

The QS usually reports to Project Manager or Project Director and provides

advice in the decision-making process throughout the management of a project from
initial inception to final completion. The QS handles estimating and cost control, the
tendering process and, after contract award, the commercial interface. QSs should be
able to carry out estimating and measurement of construction works prior to tender,
producing the bill of quantities; produce tender documentation and manage the
tender process; clarify and evaluate tenders; and manage the resultant contract
through monthly valuations, variations control, contract administration and
assessment of claims.

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 Some QSs are trained in techniques of cost control. Those QSs who
emphasizes the cost discipline often use the term "Construction Cost Consultant".
They ensure that projects are designed and constructed in such a manner as to secure
value for money, cost certainty and programmed dates.

Others emphasize contracts management. Trained to draft, interpret and

administer complex contracts, those QSs who operate in the broader field of project
management often adopt other titles such as "Contracts manager" or "Construction
surveyor". A number of QSs work in procurement in the oil & gas industry, process
and power industries, and civil engineering. Their preferred title, in countries where
the QS profession is less known, is "Contracts engineer".

Some QSs specialize in project management and running multi-disciplinary

projects, the QS background being a good foundation for understanding the
complexities of modern large-scale projects.

As well as in professional quantity surveying practices, the QS finds

employment in all parts of industry and government including primary and secondary
industry, national and local government bodies and agencies, contractors and
subcontractors, developers, and financial and legal companies.

Although all QSs will have followed a similar course of education and
training (for those entering the profession today, this is usually to degree level), there
are many areas of specialisation in which a QS may concentrate. The main
distinction amongst QSs is between those who carry out work on behalf of a client
organisation, often known as a "professional quantity surveyor", and those who work
for construction companies, often known as a "main contractor's quantity surveyor".

A quantity surveyor’s job is as important as the architects and contractors

involved in a building project. While the architect designs and contractors build,
quantity surveyors are cost managers and quality control officers. A quantity
surveyor gives advice to clients on how a building is put together and what

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component parts are needed. Most importantly, a quantity surveyor is responsible for
calculating the cost of those components and the total cost of an entire project.

2.3.1 The Functions Of A Consultant Quantity Surveyor :

 Traditionally referred to as a Contractors Quantity Surveyor (QS),

Professional Quantity Surveyor, Project Quantity Surveyor (PQS) Private
Practice Quantity Surveyor they are broadly concerned with contracts,
measurement and costs on construction projects. The methods employed,
however, cover a range of activities which may include cost planning, value
engineering, value management, feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis, life-
cycle costing, risk analysis, tendering, valuation, change control, dispute
resolution, claims management, project management, cost estimation and
value for money assessments.
 The QS's traditional independent role on the team comprising client,
architect, engineers and contractor has given him a reputation and
appreciation for fairness. This, combined with his expertise in drafting and
interpretation of contract documents, enables him to settle issues, value the
works fairly and regularly, project final costs, avoid disputes and ensure the
effective progress of a project.
 QS control construction costs by accurate measurement of the work required
on a regular basis, the application of expert knowledge of costs and prices of
work, labour, materials and plant required, an understanding of the
implications of design decisions at an early stage to ensure that good value is
obtained for the money to be expended.
 The technique of measuring quantities from drawings, sketches and
specifications prepared by designers, principally architects and engineers, in
order to prepare tender/contract documents, is known in the industry as taking
off.The quantities of work taken off typically are used to prepare bills of
quantities (BoQ), which usually are prepared in accordance with a published
Standard Method of Measurement(SMM) as agreed to by the QS profession
and representatives of the construction industry. This activity is usually

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 completed before the commencement of work on site on a traditional (BoQ)
project, the Contractor will then price this document in competitive tender
and be paid according to a measure undertaken on site and applied to each
specific work item.
 In Australia, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is the
peak body for the Quantity Surveying profession. All Members of the AIQS
are assessed for membership against strict criteria, and must adhere to a Code
of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct to ensure the highest standards of
professional excellence. The AIQS website (www.aiqs.com.au) contains
details of all members and is a useful source of information relating to the
profession.
 The benchmark for quality for a Private Practice Surveyor is the RICS's
Chartered Membership MRICS & FRICS. The RICS also has the entry level
non Chartered Membership AssocRICS. AssocRICS acts as a qualification in
its own right however also offers a progressive route to Chartered RICS
membership for able and willing candidates.
 A number of surveyors who work with Contractors will not hold formal
qualifications or RICS membership as in the past project based training was
more widely undertaken and considered sufficient, this is slowly changing.
Many of these surveyors will hold Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
membership instead.
 QS is prevalent in many industries (not just construction) as they are
procurement and contract specialists with the ability to adapt techniques to
suit the form of contract or work being undertaken.

Quantity surveyors are responsible for the management and planning of a

building project from the beginning to the end. In addition, they prepare the
necessary contracts and tender documents on building materials required. Also, they
oversee a particular project during construction and make sure everything runs
smoothly. During this period, quantity surveyors carry out an ongoing cost analysis
of any repair work, issue payments to contractors, and delegate upcoming work

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to construction workers. Furthermore, quantity surveyors have to plan site visits and
carry out research for future projects. At the end of the day, quantity surveyors
ensure their client’s project is value for money and that their client is satisfied with
the end product.
 
2.3.2 Qualifying as a Quantity Surveyor.

After finishing a suitable pre-university programme, students should enrol in

institutions that offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying. This degree will
take up to three and a half years to complete, as some programmes offer a semester
of industrial training or internship. In the first year, students will learn the basics of
the construction industry through subjects like Measurement and Site Surveying.
After that, students will be taught how to use the latest software such as BuildSoft &
Masterbuild that is a useful project costing tool for quantity surveyors. Other subjects
in a Quantity Surveying degree include Project Management and Construction Law.

To be a qualified quantity surveyor, graduates have to register with the Board

of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). This is followed by finding employment
that is supervised by the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) for two
years. After that, individuals have to sit for a professional interview and exam set by
BQSM and RISM. Only those who pass will be recognised as a Registered Quantity
Surveyor in Malaysia.
 
2.3.3 Job Opportunities.

Quantity surveying is a job where prior work experience is highly valued.

Also, those who are passionate about the construction trade and buildings will be
more appealing to employers. The places that need quantity surveyors include
construction companies, engineering consultancy firms, property developers and
local government agencies. Those who hold a degree in Quantity Surveying do not
necessarily have to be quantity surveyors. Other job titles that they can pursue
include Building Material Manager, Construction Executive, Contract Executive,
Cost Manager, and Project Coordinator. Furthermore, experienced quantity surveyors

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can choose to specialise in an area in the construction industry such as Property
Taxation or Costing Advice later in their career.

2.3.4 Skills Needed.

As being a quantity surveyor revolves around crunching numbers, fantastic

mathematical and numerical skills are a must. Next, strong IT skills are needed when
it comes to using computer software for cost calculation and project planning.
Quantity surveyors also need to have good communication skills as they meet all
kinds of clients, contractors and architects on a daily basis. Next, quantity surveyors
must be organised as they have to work on a few projects at once. Other than that,
successful quantity surveyors have good problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Quantity surveying is a great career to pursue if you are good with numbers and
people! Not many people might know what they do, but quantity surveyors are
extremely valued in their field of work.

2.3.5 Organization Structure.

Figure 1: Organization Structure

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2.3.6 Condition for CPD Application

i) Attendance lists must be duly signed by participants and shall be submitted not
later than 2 weeks after the event. The   attendance list must be certified by the
organizer prior to submission to the Board. For events lasting more than one day   -
participants are required to sign for the each day the programmes was held.

ii) All applicants shall be accompanied with the requisite processing fee as follows :
    a) Half (1/2) day event : RM 50.00
    b) One (1) day event : RM 200.00
    c) More than one(1) day event : RM 300.00
    d) In house training programme : Free of charge

All payment must be issued in favour of :

 Lembaga Juruukur Bahan Malaysia - Akaun CPD

 Bank                      :  Maybank
 Account Number    :  5641 5522 1572

iii) The Board will not entertain any application which do not comply with the
aforesaid requirements.

iv) All decisions of the Board regarding this application is final. Please refer to CPD
Credit Points table for further information.

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2.4 MALAYSIAN GREEN BUILDING CONFEDERATIONS

2.4.1 About Malaysian Green Building Confederation.

Figure 2: The logo of Malaysian Green Building Confederation

Formation of the Malaysia Green Building Council started in May 2007,

when a group consultant, academia and representatives from the building industry
met to initiate a non-profit making organisation to promote sustainable buildings in
Malaysia. This group with increasing participants met several times during 2007 and
2008, and official registration of the Malaysia Green Building Council was initiated.

Later in 2008, the group was supported by the two professional organisations
Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers
Malaysia (ACEM), and by April 2009, the Malaysia Green Building Council was
officially registered.

The malaysiaGBC is supported by the professional, industrial and

government sectors. It is well poised to lead our building industry in embracing
responsible measures that would help realized energy savings, water conservation, a
healthier indoor environment, better public connectivity, recycling of valuable
resources and provision of greenery in developments.

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2.4.2 History

MalaysiaGBC through its technical committee on rating tools, initiated and

established the original framework as well as the initial criteria and categories of the
Green Building Index (GBI). However, due to delays in meeting the requirements of
the ROS and given the urgency of the matter at hand, PAM and ACEM contributed
funds and resources to the development of a green building rating tool catered to
Malaysia’s specific needs. In hindsight, placing the rating scheme under direct
control of two professional institutions whose members come under the purview of
the Board of Engineers Malaysia and the Board of Architects Malaysia turned out to
be the best fit for the industry given the knowledge and expertise of the local
building industry of the participants from these two organisations.

Key representatives from both of these organisations also became members

of the core founding group of malaysiaGBC and reciprocally, key members of the
malaysiaGBC currently sit in the PAM/ACEM Committee on Sustainability
responsible for the development of the GBI.

In the interim, malaysiaGBC will play an active role in GBI by supporting,

promoting and channeling industry input for the improvement of our very own
locally grown green building rating tools.

The Government of Malaysia, through the patronage of malaysiaGBC by its

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water as well as by the Public Works
Department of the Ministry of Works is supportive of an objective, unbiased and
impartial Green Building Assessment and Certification Scheme professed and
pursued by the malaysiaGBC through its continued support of the GBI. More than
550 buildings have signed up to be certified under the GBI and 214 have attained
their GBI certifications (as of 31st March 2013)

2.4.3 Strong Partnership

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MalaysiaGBC continues to work in partnership with various Professional
Organisations, including The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), The
Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM), The Institution of Engineers
Malaysia (IEM) as well as the ASHRAE Malaysia whose members form part of the
make up of the first elected Board of the malaysiaGBC. Strong links with various
Government universities has also been established and malaysiaGBC now has a
representation of a diverse range of stakeholders including professionals,
professional institutions, academicians, government organisations, developers,
contractors, manufacturers and others related to the building and construction
industry

2.4.4 Mission

Malaysia Green Building Council (malaysiaGBC) will be the key driving force
towards a Sustainable Built Environment in Malaysia.

2.4.5 Vision

Malaysia Green Building Confederation’s vision is to make Green buildings and

Communities available to all Malaysians; To be the leader of Green Building in
Southeast Asia and become the main promoter of green practice, and the main
sustainability reference organisation within the growing construction market sector.
It aims to involve policymakers, professionals, and the society at large, in the quest
for transforming the building industry into one that respects our environment by
embracing green issues.

2.4.6 Goal and Objectives

 To support the government in developing a sustainable built environment for

Malaysia

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  To facilitate the exchange of knowledge among different stakeholders in the
building and construction industry

 To be the reference center for sustainable building resources in Malaysia

 To promote and stimulate demand for sustainable buildings

 To obtain and disseminate among the Members as well as the public,

information on matters affecting sustainability

 To support and provide facilities interchange with other associations carrying

on similar work or with Governments, local authorities, educational and
scientific bodies

 To be engaged in research and development on matters relating to the work,

theory or

 The practice of sustainability or allied subjects

 To arrange for alliance or affiliation with any Institution, Association or

Society with similar objectives to those of the Confederation on such terms or
conditions as may be in the interests of the Confederation

2.4.7 Key Role of Malaysian Green Building Confederation

 Collaborate and support the government and industry to develop a sustainable

built environment

 To facilitate exchange of knowledge in the field of sustainable built

environment

 To be the reference centre for sustainable building resources

 To be the platform for networking on sustainability matters nationally and

internationally

 To promote and stimulate demand for sustainable buildings

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  Support, promote and provide input to the Malaysia Green Building Index
(GBI)

2.4.8 Benefits of malaysiaGBC Membership

 Receive first-hand & latest information on Sustainability in Built

Environment

 Networking for Sustainable Business opportunities

 Receive support to your company / function / seminar

 Voucher for CPD event worth RM400.00. The CPD event voucher is offered
annually

 Discounted rates on Green Pages Malaysia (GPM)

 Privilege to use malaysiaGBC logo to promote business

 Attend malaysiaGBC and affiliated institute partners events

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2.5 ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS MALAYSIA (ACEM)

2.6 About ACEM

Figure 3: The logo of the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia

The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) was established

in 1963 with the object of promoting the advancement of the profession of consulting
engineering by associating together for consultation and cooperation those engineers
whose work is of a purely consultative character, and of providing facilities for
government, public bodies, associations representing industry and trade, and other to
confer with Consulting Engineers as a body and to ascertain their collective
views. The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, as its name implies, was
formed with the object of promoting the advancement of the profession of consulting
engineering by associating together for consultation and cooperation those engineers
whose work is of a purely consultative character, and of providing facilities for
Governments, Public Bodies, Associations representing industry and trade, and
others to confer with Consulting Engineers as a body and to ascertain their collective
views.

One of the primary objects of the Association is to ensure that Consulting

Engineers undertaking to advise on engineering matters shall be fully qualified

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engineers in their respective fields and should act in all professional matters in a
strictly fiduciary capacity to their clients.

Consulting Engineer is defined in the Articles of Association as a person

possessing the necessary qualifications to practise in one or more of the various
branches of Engineering who devotes himself to advising the public on engineering
matters or to designing and supervising the construction of engineering works and
for such purposes occupies and employs either solely or in conjunction with another
Consulting Engineer, his own office and staff or, in the case of a partner or
consultant of a firm of Consulting Engineers uses the office and staff of the said firm,
and is not directly or indirectly concerned or interested in commercial or
manufacturing interests such as would tend to influence his exercise of independent
professional judgement in the matters upon which he advises.

Whilst these larger Institutions are thoroughly representative of the profession

of Engineering, their province is to deal with the science and problems of
Engineering which are of equal interest to all Engineers. The Association strictly
confines its attention to matters affecting the status, professional conduct, emolument
and the general interests of those Engineers who have adopted consulting work as
their profession.

Consulting Engineers form only a small proportion of the membership of the

larger Institutions, and it is obvious that the rules of professional conduct, as
formulated by the Association, would not be applicable to the majority of the
members of these Institutions.

The Association is a ready medium through which its members can consult
with each other on all matters of professional interest, and affords a means by which
the procedure of the consulting profession may be coordinated and handed on to
those entering its ranks.

Experience has shown that matters are constantly arising on which it is an

advantage to Consulting Engineers to obtain the opinion of their colleagues in the
profession. The Association provides this opportunity through its Council which
keeps in touch with all matters affecting the profession, and puts its advice and

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assistance at the disposal of members in any matters of difficulty arising in the
course of their practice.

The Association is also a medium through which the public can be informed
as to the standing, experience and qualifications of its members. If any person
requiring professional advice and assistance is in doubt as to whom to approach, the
Association is always to nominate one or more members specially qualified for the
purpose.

The Professional Rules and Practice of the Association have been drawn up
with the object of defining the qualifications and duties of a Consulting Engineer and
his relations to his clients and of setting up a standard of accepted professional
practice. They form a basis for agreement between a Consulting Engineer and his
clients, and include Scales of Fees which members are entitled to charge to for
various classes of work. Where these scales are not applicable, members are free to
make their own arrangements with clients, in which cases the fees will depend partly
on the professional standing of the member approached.

No person shall qualify for Membership of the Association unless he is in

practice in Malaysia as a Consulting Engineer either individually or as a partner or
consultant of a firm of Consulting Engineers in Malaysia or as a Director or
Shareholder of a company in Malaysia whose Memorandum of Association restricts
its activities to those permitted to Members of the Association. The term consultant
used above shall mean a consultant normally remunerated by fees and retainers and
shall exclude salaried full-time employees.

No person shall be qualified for Membership of the Association if he shall be

a director, managing director, or employee of any company carrying on any
contracting or manufacturing business dealing with the class of work to which his
practice relates, nor a partner in any firm carrying on such business, or an agent for
any company, firm, or person carrying on such business unless such business are
approved by BEM or other relevant regulatory bodies. Provided that Council shall
have absolute discretion to grant and review from time to time exemption to any
person from any or all of the above provisions if Council deems that such exemption
is in the interest of the Nation or the Association.

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 No person shall be elected to Membership of the Association unless he shall
be of such standing and experience as in the opinion of the Council qualifies him to
be a Member of the Association

2.0 CONCLUSION

Professional bodies are also known Engineering Professional Associations &

Organizations is a key resource for those interested in pursuing professional
development or connecting with like-minded Engineering professionals. Engineering
professional organizations provide important support to engineers. These groups
work to advocate on behalf of engineers, provide professional development
opportunities, publish updates on the latest innovations, and connect engineers to the
community. Anyone pursuing a Master of Engineering Management degree would
benefit from becoming a member of at least one of these organizations.

As one of the eldest engineering disciplines, civil engineering is responsible

for maintaining society infrastructure. In Malaysia the main professional bodies that
control all association and organisation is a ministry of Government of Malaysia that
is responsible for public works, highway authority, construction industry, engineers,
architects and quantity surveyors. Four main professional bodies that have been
discussing above is Malaysia Green Building Confederation, Board of Engineers
Malaysia (BEM), Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and Board of Quantity
Surveyors Malaysia. For Malaysia Green Building Confederation is supported by the
professional, industrial and government sectors. It is well poised to lead our building
industry in embracing responsible measures that would help realized energy savings,
water conservation, a healthier indoor environment. While, for Board of Engineers
Malaysia (BEM) is a statutory body established for the purpose of regulating the
professional conduct and practice of registered engineers in order to safeguard the
safety and the interest of the public. Next for Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)
is a professional learned society serving more than 16,000 members in Malaysia,
overseas and the communities where they work. Lastly for Board of Quantity
Surveyors Malaysia is the professional learned institution representing the surveying
profession in Malaysia. Each board have a different function, mission and objective

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to achieve. As a civil engineer, everyone should know all the institutions,
organisation and association that exist in Malaysia.

Every field is important in this world. Because this world is the mixture of all
works that an engineer does. Each and every field of engineering plays an important
role in development, so civil also is very important field for development of
infrastructure. But everybody need to work hard and with passion to be a good civil
engineer for getting opportunities to build the nation, where can show the knowledge
and skills by creative ideas.

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3.0 REFFERENCES

1. Civil engineering association

https://www.quora.com/topic/Engineering-Careers
2. Board of Quantity Surveyor
https://bqsm.gov.my/index.php/en/30-bqsm/umum/176-what-is-quantity-
surveyors
3. https://bqsm.gov.my/index.php/en/cpd-application/conditions
4. Board of Engineer
http://bem.org.my/web/guest/functions
5. Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia. (2017, Dec 13).
http://www.acem.com.my/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
6. Malaysian Green Building Confederation. http://www.mgbc.org.my/

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