Hong Kong: A Centre For Professional Excellence

08 Jun 2013

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in Hong Kong this year, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors aims to further advance global standards in land, property and construction.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is an independent professional body originally established in the UK by Royal Charter. It has over 100,000 members globally and represents, regulates and promotes the work of property professionals throughout 146 countries. It covers all aspects of property, construction and associated environmental issues. Membership in Hong Kong has doubled in the last decade – the current total number of members (including trainees and students) is 7,538.

The regional headquarters for North Asia, based in Hong Kong, has 20 staff who support a network of over 11,000 members across Asia. “I see plenty of opportunities as Asia is still rapidly developing and Hong Kong is strategically located to benefit from the expanding Mainland economy. The city itself, in some ways, is a centre for professional excellence,” Jason Ho, Director, North Asia, RICS, said.

RICS’s objective is to help develop the property and construction markets in these countries, by introducing professional standards, best practice, thought leadership and international experience. The profession is diverse and many surveyors, like doctors or lawyers, specialise in one or more fields. RICS has categorised them into 17 professional groups.

“Our job is to create global standards in land, property and construction, inculcate and adapt them to local practices and make them relevant to the local communities. We promote the adoption of best practices and with the objective of getting them recognised locally,” Ho said.

To achieve this goal, globalisation of the brand plays a key role. “Hong Kong is a world city and the perfect place to promote our brand in this part of the world,” he added.

Apart from organising networking and training events for its members, RICS also provides advice to the Hong Kong government on issues and policies and hopes to be able to contribute solutions pertaining to land, housing, environment, and air quality.

Ho moved from Singapore to Hong Kong some 20 years ago and feels at home here. “Hong Kong is a very good place for aspiring young professionals and will stay very competitive for many years to come because of its strategic importance in Asia,” he concluded.

Source: http://www1.investhk.gov.hk/success-stories/hong-kong-a-centre-for-professional-excellence/