There were heated discussions on unauthorized building works (UBWs) and illegal structures early this month. We have received enquires from various media outlets on the issue regarding the interpretation of UBWs/illegal structures and the technical provisions regarding them under the Buildings Ordinance. We believe the issue has gone beyond a technical issue and has become a social topic that will affect flat and building owners at large. With a view to facilitating the media to gain a better and proper understanding of this technical and complicated subject, the BSD has organized a meeting with various reporters from various publications and electronic media to brief them on the statutory provisions of the Buildings Ordinance, the enforcement policy on UBWs by the Buildings Department, and the court case interpretations of UBWs and exempted works. We hope that with a better knowledge of this topic, the reporters will convey a more accurate picture of it to the public.

 

A new Rules and Guide to the Assessment of Professional Competence to suit new members and training provisions stipulated in the amended Constitution and By-Laws 2011 is being finalized and will take effect on 1 September 2012. The finalized Rules and Guide will be formally issued in due course. The new APC system will apply to new applications for entry into the APC on or after 1 September 2012.

 

The Divisional Education Committee of the BSD will hold briefing sessions to assist APC candidates, BS members, and, in particular, counsellors to gain a thorough and clear understanding of the new APC regime. Details of the briefing sessions shall be announced shortly.

 

Building safety, for which the government has stipulated new policies and laws to handle, has attracted more attention from society in recent years. Environmental protection and sustainable development are also high on the government’s agenda. The problem of the shortage of land and housing supply is another hot issue the government needs to address. Beyond any doubt, changes in the government’s policies on these issues are expected in near future. But opportunities come with change. Are we, as building surveyors, ready to grasp them?

 

At this juncture, we have set the theme of this year’s Building Surveyors Conference as “Readiness for Tomorrow” to provide a platform for our distinguished guest speakers and members to share and exchange ideas and views on what and how we should prepare for tomorrow.

 

The conference is scheduled for 20 October 2012 (Saturday) at the JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong. Members may refer to the registration details posted separately. I look forward to seeing your presence at and support for this annual event.

 

PQSL on APC Series jointly organized by BSD and YSG already commenced. Seven talks were scheduled this year. The first and second were held in July.Thanks to our two guest speakers, Mr Peter Wong and Mr Michael Pang who gave talks on building diagnoseis and new fire safety code respectively. We have received almost full house audiences for these two talks.