RISM’s 50th Anniversary and Royal Gala Dinner on 14th September 2011 at Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur was undoubtedly much awaited and glamorous. It was graced by HRH the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj. Among dignitaries present include YAM Tengku Datuk Seri Ahmad Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, (the younger brother of HRH) and Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities and their spouses. There were also more than 900 guests including 19 Past Presidents of RISM, Councillors for the 2011/2012 and 2010/2011 sessions, Presidents of allied organizations as well as distinguished office bearers from the surveying fraternity, including Sr Teo Chee Hai, President of FIG and Sr Ong See Lian, President of RISM.
The highlights of the event include the presentation of two awards, with Datuk Prof. Sr Dr. Abdul Kadir Taib, the Director General of Survey and Mapping, Malaysia being named “Malaysian Surveyor of the Year” and Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development being made a honorary fellow of RISM. The event culminated with the ceremonial conferment of royal status to ISM where the royal scroll (watikah) was presented by HRH The Sultan of Selangor to myself, as President of RISM.
In my speech, I had touched on the background and history of RISM, its achievements and the way forward. What could be memorable to HRH Sultan is the standing ovation given to him, but what is unforgettable to me is when he handed over the watikah and whispered his reminder that we should take good care of the bestowed status. This resonated Senator Dato Sr Abdul Rahim Rahman’s forewarning in our earlier Council Meeting that “it’s difficult to attain the royal status but it’s easy to get it retracted” (Dato Sr Abdul Rahim has been instrumental in securing the conferment of the status). This, we all have to bear in mind!
I had in the speech emphasized on the commitments of RISM. They include our undertaking that we will strive to excel and contribute towards the country’s development, that we will endeavor to be a world–class professional surveying institution and a centre of excellence in surveying, and that we will continuously review our strategies in order to establish concrete way-forward action plans for RISM. And as the clincher, the pledge to uphold our professionalism at the highest level at all times. Accordingly, I hope all of us will contribute towards fulfilling those commitments. The contents of what I’d delivered in my speech would be evident from the text, reproduced below:
DYMM Tuanku, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is indeed an auspicious night for the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (or RISM), with Your Majesty gracing the occasion. On top of that, I am proud to say that this is the first time in Malaysia; a prestigious royal status will be officially conferred to a professional institution like ours. Akin to our close foreign counterpart, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (or RICS), which was granted royal status from Queen Victoria in 1881; RISM, after 50 years of existence, will this evening be formally conferred a similar status by His Majesty. It certainly will be a high point in the history of RISM. So, on behalf of the Institution, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation, to DYMM Tuanku for this royal status conferment, and also for accepting to be our Royal Patron.
DYMM Tuanku, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The surveying profession in our country, comprises of four distinct disciplines which are closely related to each other. The four disciplines are - Building Surveying, Geomatic and Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying, as well as Property Management, Valuation and Estate Agency Surveying. RISM is the umbrella organization representing these disciplines or professions in Malaysia. The membership of RISM, comprises primarily of surveyors in private practice; as well as surveyors in the public sector, statutory bodies, government-owned agencies, institutions of higher learning and the corporate sector. Currently, more than 6,000 professionals, are registered as members with RISM.
Over the past 50 years, the Institution has contributed to the economic growth of Malaysia, and in particular the development and management of our built environment. Surveyors of the four disciplines, have performed their duties with the highest professional and ethical standards. They played a key role, in supporting efficient land markets and land use, as well as effective natural resource and environmental management.
These functions underpin development and innovation, for social justice, economic growth and environmental sustainability. With a wealth of experienced and professional members, the Institution had provided quality services to their clients, and this include providing invaluable advices to the Government.
RISM started out with 2 professional bodies in 1961 – namely, the Malayan Institution of Surveyors, and the Institution of Land Surveyors. Subsequently, they merge to become the Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia on 19th June 1966. Even though RISM is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the various professions within RISM itself, have been in existence long before that. Land surveying professionals, for example, have been surveying the nation since 1885. They had then provided the essential elements for land ownership, in the form of basic survey framework. This framework had been instrumental in catapulting the nation, from an agro-based economy to a manufacturing based economy, and currently to a vibrant service oriented one; which in turn will set the nation to becoming a developed and high income nation by 2020.
Since its formation in 1961, RISM leadership in the surveying field has progressed, from within Malaysia to beyond its shores. RISM has been involved and associated with various international Surveying bodies and Associations, such as the Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy (or CASLE), the International Real Estate Federation (or FIABCI), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (or RICS) and the International Federation of Surveyors (or FIG) - to name just a few. The association and alliance at the international level, evidently provides a good platform to strengthen relationship, between the various professional institutes, and help promote cooperation and upkeep of the surveying profession.
In this regards, it would also be pertinent I believe, to mention some distinguished RISM members, who are currently leaders in the International arena. They include:
· Past President, Sr Teo Chee Hai, who is currently the President of FIG;
· Past President, Sr Ong See Lian, who is now the President of RICS;
· Past President Datuk Prof. Sr Dr. Abdul Kadir Taib, the current Chairman of the Asia South East and Pacific South West Division, of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names; and
· Past President Sr Elvin Fernandez, the current Secretary General of ASEAN Valuer’s Association.
RISM is obviously proud of their achievements, and let us wish them all the best in their undertakings, and in carrying the Malaysian flag whilst performing their responsibilities.
DYMM Tuanku, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Institution has played a key role towards nation building. It has also contributed in setting standards for professional services and performance, as well as establishing ethics in the surveying industry. In the years ahead, RISM will certainly strive to excel, in upholding the surveying profession, and further contribute towards the development of the country. With the right mental attitude and commitment entrenched in all its members, RISM will continue to endeavour, to be a world class professional organization, and a centre of excellence in surveying. This vision to be the best - is well encapsulated in our strategic plan, and we will continuously work towards refining our strategies, in order to achieve this vision.
To better serve the nation professionally, and to maintain quality amongst members, RISM frequently organises conferences and seminars, both at national and international levels. This allows members to further enhance their knowledge, in keeping with the advancement of technologies, and to be more innovative in delivering their services. The recently concluded International Surveyors’ Congress, organised by RISM in June 2011, was a case in point. It was a great success that surpasses all targets set, with large participation by both local and foreign participants. It was also duly acknowledged, as being a world class conference by dignitaries that participated, as well as related international industry media.
On the Education front, ISM has programs with secondary schools and Universities. This is to educate students and to impart knowledge on the role of the surveying profession in nation building. Besides that, ISM is also active in its corporate social responsibility, through its involvements in various charitable activities, as well as social programs.
DYMM Tuanku, Ladies and Gentlemen,
RISM is looking forward to a promising future. It is only right that we acknowledge the fact that we are building on a foundation laid by our founding forefathers. And this evening, I would like to request all members to once again renew a desire - a desire which first germinated in 1961 by our forefathers, the desire to see that the Institution continues to provide outstanding contribution and the endeavor to gain national and international recognition. So, in the spirit of this 50th anniversary celebration it is my earnest hope that following this we will continue to strive for the attainment of the common goal for our future prosperity and the well-being of our beloved profession not only for the next fifty years but also beyond that. And in line with the Institution’s newly conferred royal status we all pledge to uphold our professionalism to the highest level at all times.
Before I conclude, once again, on behalf of the Institution, I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to his royal highness, SULTAN SHARAFUDDIN IDRIS SHAH ALHAJ, IBNI ALMARHUM SULTAN SALAHUDDIN ABDUL AZIZ SHAH ALHAJ, for his graciousness in conferring the royal status to RISM, and for his acceptance to be our royal Patron. I wish to also thank Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Indera Setia Selangor, Tengku Datuk Seri Ahmad Shah Al Haj, ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Alhaj and Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Puan Indera Setia Selangor Tunku Irinah binte Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, our honourable minister and spouse, distinguished guests, fellow surveyors and all those present at tonight’s dinner. Thank you all for coming and being part of this evening’s memorable event. Last but not least, my sincere thanks and appreciation to the organising commitee members, and the Secretariat for their hard work and effort, in ensuring the success of tonight’s program.
Thank you.
Ampun Tuanku, patik menjunjung kasih.
