43rd IFAWPCA Convention touches on 4th industrial revolution

• 25 July 2017
• Local News
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The 43rd convention of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) was hosted in Seoul, South Korea from 30 May to 2 June 2017 on the theme, the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Construction Industry.

Attended by some 1,000 building professionals from the IFAWPCA’s 18 Asia-Pacific member countries across the Asia-Pacific region, this 43rd convention was hosted by the Constructors Association of Korea (CAK) which has twice hosted the event.

Through its many seminars and presentations, the 43rd convention provided participants with various opportunities to exchange the latest information and knowledge regarding the convergence of the construction industries. In addition, it served as the best chance to present the vision and strategies for future challenges. The main point of this convention was about the revolution of the construction industries and management or what are known as ‘smart cities.

uring the first general assembly hosted on 30 May, chief delegates from various countries were invited to the presentation to show the development in Korea including economic development and the technological advancement of the country.

Various issues arising from previous meetings were discussed at the three-day convention. The 2nd IFAWPCA Business Forum, held in Manila on 3-4 May 2017 and supported by the Philippines Contractors Association (PCA), was a very successful story to generate extra revenue for the Secretariat in between conventions. IFAWPCA earned USD6, 992 from this event which was the second event organised by PCA with the hope of celebrating other member countries as well.

The proposed IFAWPCA Award sponsored by PCA, which will veer toward green technology, is in the finalisation process. A more detailed presentation will be prepared by PCA for the midterm meeting and, if approved, this new award can be conferred as soon as the Malaysia Convention.

For the ‘Looking Forward’ business plan update, the association’s website is being updated regularly with content sourced out from members. An e-newsletter is sent out periodically while the telephone hook-up and webinars are being considered to be introduced to the standing committee to facilitate their meetings between conventions.

For the new FAWPCA Video, the board approved a budget of USD5, 000 to develop a better and improved IFAWPCA video that reflects what IFAWPCA is today. Centred on the theme: IFAWPCA – The Nation Builders of the World, two parts of the video are envisioned: first, the IFAWPCA history feature clip; and second, the members’ portion feature that will showcase 30 sec member clips. The IFAWPCA history clip is a 3min 45sec feature on IFAWPCA development, what it stands for, what is has achieved and the direction set for the federation. The members’ portion is a 9min 50sec feature clip that highlights each IFAWPCA member with clips submitted by each member. It is expected to be approved at the 43rd general assembly.

For the ongoing recruitment of regular/association members, Bhutan expressed a desire to join IFAWPCA and submitted application requirements with the application endorsed by the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN). The Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) is helping to facilitate with Myanmar Contractors to invite them to attend as observers. The Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC) was invited to attend the convention as observers, yet no formal application has been received and no final decision from them yet to join IFAWPCA.

The Papua New Guinea Contractors Association (PNGCA), attended the Tokyo Convention and promised continued efforts to secure the completeness of PNGCA’s application particularly on the capability to sustain payment of the yearly IFAPWCA dues.

Chinese Arbitration Association (CAA) representatives have registered and attended the Seoul Convention. Its associate membership application has been received but was not acted upon by the membership committee.

IFAWPCA is considering hiring of a legal consultant to help promote its activities legally. Members are asked to scout around for potential corporate lawyers who can be paid a minimum fee or can do pro bono work for IFAWPCA which is better.

For new business, the group is discussing the proposal for a Distinguished Service Award. SCAL has submitted a proposal to consider Mr. David Bateson for the IFAWPCA Distinguished Service Award in view of his more than 30 years of active participation and service in IFAWPCA as de facto legal adviser. The Board has agreed to pursue this nomination and follow the guidelines for the Distinguished Service Award.

For over fifty years, IFAWPCA has pursued the need for exchange of ideas, experiences, and construction technology amongst its members and affiliates in different climates and geographical settings.

From its inception in Manila, Philippines in 1956, pioneered by only eight founding members, IFAWPCA today groups the fraternity of builders in eighteen countries of ASEAN and its neighbours, to the South-Asian capitals of New Delhi and Colombo. The Cambodia Constructors Association applied as the 16th member in 2015

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