Thailand ACPE Forum 2025: Engineering Service Mobility Successfully Hosted by the Council of Engineers, Thailand

Here are the key takeaways along with video highlights from the forum! 🚀

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Engineering Service Mobility in ASEAN Countries

By Datuk Wira Ir. Md Sidek bin Ahma
National Monitoring Committee of Malaysia

“Engineers will continue to play a vital role in ensuring that change and transformation provide value and improve the living standards of society in general. The digital era marks the acceleration of learning, empowering the workforce towards higher efficiency and gaining higher visibility across the industry cycle.

AI technology has already presented itself as the future of innovation, and for all its benefits and potential drawbacks, it will become the new norm. It presents an interesting opportunity for ASEAN to take a second leap in the future development of AI technology and its potential applications in non-traditional areas.

In conclusion, addressing the concerns of ASEAN professionals’ cross-border mobility is essential. However, the bigger challenge lies in the mindset change required among ASEAN engineering fraternities to adopt and adapt to digital transformation. This shift is crucial for positioning ourselves as leaders and for driving change within the ASEAN region.”

Key Recommendations :

✅ Encourage Mindset Change – Cultivate a culture that embraces digital transformation among ASEAN engineers.
✅ Leverage AI Technology – Invest in AI development and explore its applications across various sectors.
✅ Promote Cross-Border Collaboration – Strengthen digital tools and platforms to enhance engineering mobility in ASEAN.
✅ Focus on Continuous Learning – Implement training programs to equip engineers with essential digital skills for the future.

🎥🔗 Watch the clips for more insights here: >>>CLICK<<<

Virtual Mobility in Engineering Professionals Across ASEAN Region: Embracing Collaboration, Overcoming Geographical Challenges and Complimenting Physical Mobility

By Assoc. Prof Dr. Quanchai Leepowpanth
Monitoring Committee, Council of Engineers Thailand

“Virtual mobility is an effective alternative or complement to physical mobility, increasing remote collaboration as the industry evolves.” While virtual mobility offers many benefits, challenges remain, including technology dependence, communication barriers (such as time zones, language, and cultural differences), and reduced in-person interaction. A hybrid model can help overcome these barriers, enhancing cooperation and efficiency.

Key Recommendations :

✅ Assess Current Practices – Understand how virtual mobility is adopted in ASEAN’s private sector.
✅ Support Hybrid Work Models – Integrate remote and in-person collaboration for efficiency.
✅ Invest in Technology & Training – Equip professionals with the tools and skills needed for seamless virtual operations. By embracing virtual mobility, ASEAN’s engineering sector can enhance flexibility, innovation, and competitiveness in a rapidly changing landscape.

🎥🔗 Watch the clips for more insights here: >>> CLICK <<<

Collaboration to Enhance and Promote Engineering Service Mobility

By Ir. Andi Taufan Marimba
Chairman of Indonesia Monitoring Committee

“ASEAN, comprising 10 member countries, has been collaborating in engineering research for some time. However, some cooperation remains unofficial and unregistered. One of my goals is to promote visibility and registration to strengthen our collaboration.”

While challenges exist, collaboration is an ongoing process of improvement. Virtual mobility and cloud technology provide a powerful solution, enabling real-time participation, live updates, and seamless cooperation from anywhere. This enhances engineering service mobility, making project models accessible across ASEAN.

Key Recommendations:

✅ Enhancing and promoting engineering service mobility allows project models to be shared with participants from any country with internet access.
✅ Support ACPECC Initiatives:

• ACPE Help Desk – To support engineers with mobility-related information, reducing unregistered movement.
• ACPE Collaboration Center – A hub for joint research and project development.
• ACPE Card – A system to facilitate recognition and mobility of ASEAN engineers.

By embracing digital collaboration tools and structured support systems, ASEAN can strengthen engineering partnerships, enhance mobility, and drive innovation across the region.

🎥🔗 Watch the clips for more insights here: >>> CLICK <<<

Panelist Discussion Key Takeaway 🚀

Mr. Prapoot Ponglaohapan, Vice President, MITR TechnicalConsultant Co., Ltd., President – Elect,ASHRAE Thailand Chapter, managed engineering projects Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar:

“Becoming an ACPE is not just about working in another country; it also means preparing for our friends from this region to come and work in Thailand. Therefore, Thai engineers are encouraged to apply for the ACPE certificate as well.

Elevating the skill level or standard of service across countries will inspire customer confidence. Engineering is a serious profession, and client confidence is crucial, which is why we should upgrade our qualifications.”

Mr. Siwarut Suwanlapaporn, Engineer Manager, Sharp Solar Solution Asia., Ltd., managed engineering projects in Asia and Oceania – Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore:

“Building trust among our partners is essential, and obtaining the ACPE is beneficial for many reasons. We must take precautions regarding regulations and ensure compliance with both international and local standards where applicable”

Dr. Soe Myint, Consultant & Supervision, Strong Force One Co., Ltd., an RFPE from Myanmar, practicing Civil Engineering professional in Thailand

“The challenges of working in other countries include communication issues due to language barriers and differing local regulations. We need to understand the original standard versions used and required in various regions, and how to perform different applications in different areas. Collaboration with local engineers is necessary to resolve conflicts in standards.”

Mr. Wirasak Kongkeaw, Engineering and Construction Department Manager,Thai Solar Energy Public Company Limited, managed diverse renewable energy projects in Thailand:

“For engineers, specializing in project development, including financial activities, will significantly expand opportunities. Being ready to facilitate career and financial development is crucial, as financial aspects are often overlooked by engineers. On the job, engineers need to optimize and make decisions when necessary.”

Datuk Wira Ir. Md Sidek bin Ahma, National Monitoring Committee of Malaysia:

ACPEs can practice in other ASEAN countries but cannot sign off any design, which must be done by locally licensed engineers to ensure adherence to local regulations. Practicing across borders should be through joint ventures, and we must prepare ourselves well in advance for opportunities.

Ir. Andi Taufan Marimba, Chairman of Indonesia Monitoring Committee:

“The challenge lies in different regulations in each area. Local assistance is needed to identify the regulations we need to follow. Providing them with a list of requirements for the job and collaborating on procurement
and sourcing is crucial. Government liaison also plays a significant role in ensuring that projects conform to all regulations.“

Key Recommendations:

✅Promote ACPE Certification

• ACPE provides credibility and recognition for engineers working across ASEAN.
• Encouraging more Thai engineers to apply will strengthen their competitiveness in the international job market.

✅Addressing Standard Conflicts

• Engineers should familiarize themselves with multiple international engineering standards to work effectively in different ASEAN countries.
• Regulatory knowledge is essential to avoid compliance issues in foreign projects.

✅Enhancing Professional Collaboration

• Joint ventures between ASEAN countries are crucial for successful cross-border engineering projects.
• Engineers should actively participate in international professional societies to keep up with industry trends.

✅Building a Support System for Engineers

1. A centralized ASEAN help desk or resource platform should be established to provide guidance on regulations, contractual matters, and best practices for engineers working in different countries.

✅Strengthening Business and Financial Knowledge

• Engineers should develop project management and financial analysis skills to better navigate business aspects of engineering.
• Understanding financial flexibility and cost-effectiveness will help engineers take on leadership roles in international projects.

✅Fostering Cultural Awareness and Adaptability

• Engineers working overseas need to be culturally aware and adaptable to different work environments.
• Cross-cultural training and professional exchanges should be encouraged.

For more information and access to the discussion, please visit >>> CLICK <<<

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