With the integration of ASEAN in 2015, human resources will play a key role, and with this in mind Cambodia is getting ready.

The Board of Engineers, Cambodia (BCE) has been doing some serious planning to make sure the Kingdom has the ability to meet the challenges ahead in 2015 by meeting ASEAN engineering requirements and supporting applications and testing for the certified ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organization.

BCE General Secretary Prak Min said since his organisation was officially established in 2009, there have been more than 1,500 engineers as members, including 300 professional engineers. The Board of Engineers, Cambodia started gathering information from engineers in 2002 to engage and share their experiences.

“There are currently at least 210 Cambodian engineers who are recognised for the quality of their skills and professionalism as ASEAN-standard engineers,” BCE Deputy General Secretary Soth Sophana said.

“Most of them are common structural engineers and they do regular daily work.

“Before any Cambodian engineer can update his qualifications to ASEAN level he is required to undertake three conditions that have to do with high quality work,” he said.

The Board of Engineers, Cambodia prepared the following stages: the first is the registration of anyone who has an engineering certificate, so they must complete their bachelor’s degree.

Secondly, any Cambodian engineer who has experience working professionally for five years then has to submit an application to the BEC for an examination. Professional engineering is certified by Royal Decree of the government of Cambodia after candidates pass their examination.

After they complete the second stage, they have to have English language ability which can be widely used in professionalism and have the ability to be technology literate.

Then the Board of Engineers, Cambodia prepares them to be certified as ASEAN engineers who have the capacity to perform throughout ASEAN countries, said Sophana.

“Every registration and examination, we require proper professionalism because we want all Cambodian engineers to be recognised in their specialisation in ASEAN and abroad,” said Prak Min.

“To be recognised as an ASEAN engineer, they have many opportunities to earn high incomes and run their own businesses,” said Prak Min.

“From 2015, every engineering career has to be recognised by the ASEAN standard, so they have a chance to compete for important work.”