Message from QSD Chairman (August 2014)

Continuing Professional Development of Registered Cost Engineers (Hong Kong Region)

Members who have registered with the MoHURD as registered cost engineers may be aware of the mandatory requirement for their continuing professional development (CPD). One of the requirements for renewing a registration certificate is that members have to complete at least 120 hours of CPD over the last four years, or 30 hours a year.

 

The China Engineering Cost Association (CECA) noted that some of our members who have registered may not be working full-time on the Mainland. In this respect, members may not be in a position to acquaint themselves with the latest developments in the Mainland’s regulations and laws, which may affect them when they practice cost management for projects there.

 

This issue has been discussed several times between the CECA and QSD Council over the last 12 months. In order to enable our members to keep abreast of the latest practices, laws, and regulations, the CECA proposed that a full-day CPD seminar be conducted in Shenzhen for them to attend. The CECA will arrange for the speakers. The seminar would be held before the end of this year. The Council will work out the details with the CECA and inform members in due course.

 

Cooperative Agreement with the CECA

At the 17th PAQS Congress 2013 in Xian, the CECA enquired if the QSD Council was interested in helping them to translate 「建設工程工程量清單計價規範」 (GB50500-2013) from Chinese to English. The purpose of the translation was to let their overseas counterparts gain a more thorough understanding on the current standards promulgated by the MoHURD on the preparation of bills of quantities and valuation of works.

 

This will further enhance the standing of 國標 internationally. As a close counterpart of the CECA, the QSD Council is willing to help provide translation services. The cooperative agreement was signed by the CECA in early August 2014.  It was decided that the translation services provider will be Messrs. K.C. Tang Consultants, Ltd. A working group under the QSD Council will be set up to monitor the progress of the translation services and liaise with the CECA on all matters relating to the translation services.

 

Third Batch of Assessments of the Qualification of CECA and HKIS Members

Members may note that the QSD Council sent out a questionnaire in February 2013 to members at large to enquire about their interest in joining the third batch of assessment exercises if the CECA and HKIS agree to conduct them. The response was quite positive. Since then, the QSD Council has discussed this matter with the CECA several times. I am delighted to report that some specific terms have been agreed by both parties. In order to be eligible for admission to the third batch of assessment exercises, both CECA and HKIS members must have at least seven years of post-qualification experience. Other requirements shall follow the first and second batch of assessment exercises. The supplementary agreement will be prepared in due course for execution by the CECA and HKIS. It is hoped that the Institute can sign the supplementary agreement with the CECA before the end of this council year.