Formation of Working Group on “Consultation Paper on Adverse Possession”
The GPD Council has resolved to form a working group. It will be convened by Sr Louie Chan with members Sr Jim Lam, Edward Au, Ringo Lam, and Patrick Lee. Recommendations on Adverse Possession will be sent to The Law Reform Commission by the end of March.
Meanwhile, we note that the LSD has also formed a working group on this matter. The GPD will keep in touch with the LSD with a view to submit a joint proposal to the Commission.
Nomination of GPD spokesmen and GPD GC representatives
At its meeting on 14 December 2012, the GPD elected Sr Dr. Lawrence Poon, Tony Wan and CK Lau as the division’s spokesmen. The meeting also confirmed Sr Francis Ng, KK Chiu, and Dr Lawrence Poon as GPD representatives to the HKIS General Council.
Progress of the Land Supply Working Group
The convener of the Working Group, Sr CK Lau, attended LegCo’s Development Panel meeting on the Northeast New Territories (NENT) New Development Areas (NDA) on 8 December 2012. More than 100 representatives from various groups/ political parties were present and their views were diverse. Some political parties objected strongly to land exchange proposals with existing owners/ developers in the NENT NDA. Compensation and the relocation of occupants (including the re-housing and re-location of farming activities) were the major concerns.
The working group, now re-named as Land Policy Panel, will meet again and discuss the situation on land supply and, when appropriate, take further action.
APC Structured Learning Programme
Some members may recall that after the EGM on 18 July 2011, a new APC scheme (“the New Scheme”) took effect on that day. The New Scheme recognized the importance of professional knowledge in some specific areas and, as such, probationers undergoing the APC will have to attain the requisite standards. The GPD Education Committee convened by Sr Louie Chan with members Sr Edward Au, Joseph Ho, Thomas Chan, and Lawrence Pang re-vamped the GPD APC Rules and Guide in accordance with the resolution.
There are two parts under the New Scheme. Part 1 is a combination of: (a) 12 months of experience; (b) 20 hours of pre-qualification structured learning (“PQSL”) for cognate degree holders (or 40 hours of PQSL for non-degree holders) within 12 months after a probationer completes Part 1 of the written assessment; and (c) written assessments on four papers. Probationers who have passed Part 1 may proceed to Part 2 if they have accumulated a minimum of 24 months of structured training. Part 2 is for the submission of a critical analysis followed by an oral assessment.
To help candidates prepare for the APC written examinations, the Education Committee will arrange 12 modules of APC Revision Workshops to cover the entire syllabus of Part 1 of the APC written examination. Details of the arrangement will be announced shortly.
APC passing rate
The GPD had conducted the APC Part II oral examination in December. The passing rate was 56%. We wish to extend our congratulations to all successful candidates.
CIREA subscription arrangement
Arrangement for future membership fee collection will soon be concluded with CIREA, which drafted an MOU to that effect. Payment information from 2004 to 2012 will be exchanged in order to facilitate future collections. It was proposed that with effect from 1 April 2013, the HKIS and CIREA will collect subscriptions from their members direct.
Valuation Standards Panel
The HKIS Valuation Standards 2012 Edition was finalized. The revised valuation standards took effect on 1 January 2013 with a grace period of three months until 31 March 2013. The web version is currently available on the HKIS website for free download, while the hard copy is available for sale to members at HK$200 each.
Two CPD events for the revised valuation standards will be held in February 2013. Meanwhile, the DVD version will be distributed to regulatory bodies and other professional institutes. Members should note that it is mandatory to comply with the updated standards.
BOM Assessors
The GPD expresses its appreciation for the following members who contributed tremendously to the well being of the HKIS:
Sr Edward Au Sing Hei
Sr Louie Chan Hon Kwong
Sr Jason Chan Chak Sum
Sr Jason Chan Chak Wa
Sr Cliff Tse Wai Hung
Sr Simon Poon Kai Man
Sr Joseph Ho Chin Choi
Sr Chau King Man
Sr Thomas Tang Chiu Man
Sr Ringo Lam Chun Chiu
Sr Patrick Lee Tak King
General Practice Division Spring Dinner Reception 產業測量組癸已年新春團拜晚宴
To celebrate the year of Snake GPD will hold a Spring Dinner on 8 March 2013 (Friday) at the World Trade Centre Club Hong Kong. The event offers a golden networking opportunity for fellow members and stakeholders of the surveying profession to mingle and share the warm spring spirit. Details are as follows:
Date: 8 March 2013 (Friday)
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Chairman & Executive Rooms, World Trade Centre Club Hong Kong, 38th Floor, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Fee: $850 per head
No of Seats: 60 max, first-come, first-served
Reservation: Please forward names with cross cheque payable to “Surveyors Services Limited” to HKIS Secretariat.
