Ingenieur Vol 63 Ingenieur Vol 63 2015 | Page 76

INGENIEUR Sources: Pemandu Figure 5 – Key Thrusts BEM in a study of the engineering Acts of other countries such as Singapore, Canada, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa and those countries that do not have such Acts as in Australia and the UK it was noted the word “competence” has a significant meaning. So much so that in REA (2015) for the first time “competence” has been introduced in the Act as compared with the word “qualification” which had long been assumed to be synonymous with “competence”. BEM was fully aware that amendments to the REA would not only be scrutinised at home but also with those countries which the country has committed FTAs. The amended REA should not be at odds or run foul of the country’s commitments or at worst used as a tool to obstruct the country’s export of goods and other services. The amended REA shall be based on the competence, quality of service and transparency and in short not 6 74 VOL – SEPTEMBER 2015 VOL63 55JULY JUNE 2013 discriminatory in nature as it applies to both local and foreign engineers and firms. This involved amendments in two areas of the REA, namely, 1. Amendments to recognize the qualifications, experience and registration of an engineer, irrespective of citizenship status (Mode 4). Section 7: Restrictions on unregistered persons, Graduate Engineers etc. Section 8: Only Professional Engineer and Engineering consultancy practice may submit plans, drawings etc. Section 10: Qualifications for registration Section 10A: Registration of Temporary Engineers 2. Amendment in the registration of firms to be less restrictive especially with regards to equity and directorship (Mode 3). Section 7A: Engineering consultancy practice – Single Disciplinary Practice (SDP)