Enhancement of mutual recognition and mobility of BIM experts in ASEAN countries
Journal
Sustainability (Switzerland)
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
18
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 to promote the integration and creation of new opportunities for citizens of ASEAN member countries. ASEAN member countries have signed mutual recognition agreements on services (including services in the construction industry) since 2005 to facilitate the movement of human resources in ASEAN countries, with engineering services qualifications being one of the eight professional qualification recognition schemes in the region. In particular, a recent trend in the construction industry is the use of building information modeling (BIM). While BIM practitioners are increasing, BIM Practitioner Certifications (BPCs) have not yet been legalized and recognized. This study conducted interviews and a survey with industry experts, finding as a result that the recognition of the competency of BIM practitioners is in demand and needs to be legalized with the recognition of experienced engineers via registration or licensing to include BPCs. This is an important step for removing artificial barriers to the free movement and practice of professional engineers amongst ASEAN countries. Additionally, evidence suggests that the BIM workforce's benefits only become realizable when BIM certifications are systematic and recognized. Based on the survey results and expert interviews, BIM practitioners are certificated according to three main roles: manager, coordinator and modeler. Finally, a framework for issuing BPCs is proposed in this study. This study's results are expected to contribute significantly to the success of BIM practitioner mobility among ASEAN member countries for sustainable economic development. © 2020 by the authors.
Subjects
ASEAN services for construction industry; BIM agreements; BIM human resources; BIM practitioner certifications; Labor mobility
Other Subjects
ASEAN; certification; construction industry; economic development; human resource; legal system; mobility; questionnaire survey; sustainable development
Type
journal article