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HONG KONG, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) welcomes and endorses the Home Affair Bureau's release of the blueprint detailing a regulatory regime for the licensing of property management professionals.
With the constant development of property in Hong Kong, the public's increasing demand for better property management and regular building maintenance becomes an increasingly important issue. Poorly managed and damaged buildings have led to tragic casualties in the past, and they run the consistent risk of becoming a public hazard. Effective property management has become essential in maintaining the safety of buildings and their tenants.
RICS have always advocated the standardisation of property management practices, and believe that property management professionals working in accordance with appropriate regulations will lead to the enhancement of professional standards. Standardisation will also clarify the duties of public property management professionals and property management companies, and allow the public to obtain a clearer, more specific understanding of the industry. RICS has been actively providing advice and suggestions to the Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Property Management Industry to help form this regulatory regime.
The Home Affairs Bureau announced that the licensing criteria should include requirements of a recognised degree qualification, recognised professional qualifications and sufficient relevant work experience. RICS supports these criteria and believes that the above criteria can indeed provide property management professionals with relevant knowledge and skills that can be applied in practice at a supervisory or managerial level.
Dr Daniel Ho, Chairman of RICS Hong Kong said: "RICS supports the government's regulatory measures, and acknowledges that the regulatory regime has undergone extensive consultation in its preparation. RICS already has a Facilities Management & Management Consultancy Professional Group Committee, which will sufficiently equip most RICS members with the skills and knowledge required to match the criteria and demands of the regulatory regime. RICS has also always been committed to promoting the importance of professional property management. Our view is that the implementation of the licensing regime will enhance the professional standards of the industry and provide the public with a better understanding of the functions and duties of property management professionals. RICS hopes the government can speed up the legislation process required to implement the regime, advance the development of the property management industry, and ultimately enable professionals in the industry to provide quality service to buildings throughout Hong Kong."
