Speech by H.E. Ong Keng Yong
Secretary-General of ASEAN
at the 24th Conference of
ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO)
Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia, 30 November 2006

I would like to first congratulate you, ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) for organising this wonderful conference for the 24th time.  I would also like to commend you for arranging the AFEO Plus 3 forum on this occasion, which I believe will further expand and deepen the cooperation among the engineers with our friends and neighbours from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. 

Allow me to give you a colourful slide presentation to update you on ASEAN’s current preoccupations.  We are building the ASEAN Community based on three pillars: political and security cooperation; economic integration (building a single market); and socio-cultural cooperation.  The tasks are formidable but the strong political commitment of ASEAN Leaders is pushing us urgently on this road.  At the same time, ASEAN must remain open, inclusive and oriented towards the outside world.

Engineering is one of the active services sectors in the context of integration of ASEAN services sector in particular, and ASEAN economic integration in general.   The signing of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Engineering Services in December 2005 in Kuala Lumpur by the ASEAN Economic Ministers represents the first MRA on professional services concluded by ASEAN.  It reflects a shared interest between the governments and the engineering community in ASEAN to improve engineering services quality as well as facilitating the free flow of engineering professionals within the region.  It also represents ASEAN’s collective efforts to integrate and enhance the competitiveness of the engineering services sector.

To some extent, the MRA on Engineering Services also complements other related ASEAN integration initiatives such as the ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Electrical and Electronic Equipment, which was signed in April 2002 in Bangkok.  This MRA on the goods side was intended to mutually recognise test reports and certifications issued by ASEAN Member Countries’ authorities demonstrating conformity of electrical and electronic equipment with their mandatory requirements.

ASEAN is serious and committed in accelerating economic integration in the region.  Just three months ago, the ASEAN Economic Ministers agreed to recommend to the Leaders at their 12th ASEAN Summit in this December 2006 in Cebu, Philippines, to advance the realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community from 2020 to 2015.  This will cover the free flow of trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and professional talents and skilled labour as well as freer movement of capital. 

The impetus towards acceleration of economic integration in ASEAN is further driven by the progress and intensity of ASEAN’s engagement in Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations with a growing number of its Dialogue Partners.  These FTAs will encompass all spheres of the economy, including goods, services, and investment.  While the FTAs will provide greater opportunities for engineers throughout ASEAN, ASEAN engineers will have to further build up their skills and capabilities, and engineering universities and colleges in the region will have to advance the quality of engineering education.  These will certainly contribute to the overall economic development of the region. 

In this context, I believe that the MRA on Engineering Services is a step in the right direction and will facilitate qualified ASEAN engineers to be equally recognised in ASEAN Member Countries.  This will contribute positively to the cross-border movement of professionals necessary to build the required infrastructure in many underdeveloped areas in the region. 

In addition to the MRA, it is important that all ASEAN Member Countries improve their commitments in granting market access and national treatment to cross-border trade and provision of engineering services within the region.  Nonetheless, most Member Countries have scheduled their commitments in engineering services even prior to the conclusion of the MRA, which reflects their commitment to facilitate cross-border rovision of services, including engineering services. 

Distinguished Engineers,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am sure that you will, and are eager to, contribute to the success of the implementation of this MRA on engineering services.  Your theme for this conference already indicates your desire and passion to contribute to the regional economic dynamism as well as globally.  ASEAN engineers can, and should not only excel in their home countries, but also contribute to the development of the region and the world. 

In this endeavour, you will need to bear in mind the competition in the market place.  The enhanced branding of ASEAN engineering profession must convey innovation, quality and cost-effectiveness.  In doing so, the training and skills of ASEAN engineers are critical.  Standards must be constantly upgraded and harmonised.

I therefore encourage you to invite your fellow qualified ASEAN engineers, inside this AFEO organisation as well as those registered in other organisations and even those qualified individual practicing engineers, to join hands and contribute to the implementation of this MRA.  I also urge you to work together with our fellow engineers in newer Member Countries of ASEAN, who currently have not indicated readiness to join this MRA, to enhance their capacity to join this MRA.  I hope that all of you could work together to contribute to building a stronger ASEAN.

ASEAN’s strength is the abundance of natural resources and adaptable workers.  These workers are ready to be trained and can absorb relevant technologies quickly.  As good engineers, leveraging on this strength should not be difficult for you.

I wish your conference every success.  I hope the conference will further enhance the quality of ASEAN cooperation and integration in engineering services. 

Thank you!