Monday, July 20, 2009

Statutes of Saudi Council of Engineers

{Issued under Royal Decree
No. M/36 dated 26/9/1423 H.
In accordance with Council of Ministers’
Decree No. 226 on 13/9/1423H}

Article One:
Saudi Council of Engineers is a scientific professional body independently handling its financial obligations, and operating under the supervision of Ministry of Commerce with headquarters in Riyadh. Saudi Council of Engineers hereinafter referred to as “Council” may establish branches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Article Two:
The objectives of this Council are to promote the engineering profession and do whatever may be necessary to develop and upgrade its standards and those practicing it. The main responsibilities of the Council are as follows:

1. Setting criteria and standards of practicing and developing this profession including licensure terms and conditions
2. Prescribing necessary rules, regulations, and examinations for obtaining professional degrees
3. Preparation and publication of studies, researches, and statistics related to engineering divisions and branches, and issuance of professional and scientific magazines
4. Organization of courses, conferences, symposia, and exhibitions relating to the profession and participation therein
5. Expression of suggestions that it deems appropriate for decisions and instructions relating to the profession, and
6. Submission of technical advice in its area of specialization in accordance with regulations to be approved by the Council’s Board of Directors.

Article Three:
The membership of the Council of Engineers consists of:

1. Primary membership: It comprises all Saudi graduates in engineering disciplines or equivalent, practicing this profession.
2. Associate membership includes:
a. All non-Saudi engineers holding a university degree or equivalent in any engineering discipline, and working in the engineering field in the Kingdom.
b. Technicians, students, and those interested in engineering science and apply for membership.
c. Professional engineering offices and companies authorized to practice engineering profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3. Honorary membership: It is awarded by the Council’s Board of Directors to those who make distinguished contribution to serve the Council. Honorary members are exempted from subscription fee.

Article Four:
The Council shall have its general assembly comprising primary members who have settled their annual subscription fees. The general assembly shall hold its ordinary meetings once a year whereas extraordinary meetings will be held as specified in the bylaws.

The notice for convening a general assembly meeting shall be issued 20 days before the actual date of the meeting giving the place and date of such meeting. The meeting will be legal irrespective of number of attendees. The decisions in the general assembly will be taken by majority of votes. In case of a tie, the presiding officer’s casting vote will decide the issue.

Article Five:
The responsibilities of the general assembly will be as follows:
1. Setting up of the Council’s internal organization;
2. Approval of the bylaws of the Council’s statutes;
3. Approval of members’ subscription;
4. Approval of the Council’s final statement of accounts, appointment of an auditor and determining his remuneration; (There will be an exception for the first term when the Board of Directors will appoint the auditor and determine his remuneration.)
5. Adoption of the work plan presented by the Council’s Board of Directors and approval of the annual report of its activities;
6. Election of the general assembly representatives for the Board of Directors.

Article Six:
1. The Board of Directors consists of ten basic members who are elected by the General Assembly as per the terms and regulations stated in the executive bylaw. The elected board members will then choose the chairman and his deputy from them by secret ballot.
2. The term of Board membership shall be three years, renewable only for one more term.
3. The Board shall meet at least once every three months, or upon a request by Chairman of the Board or upon a request by at least four members.
4. Meetings will be held with the attendance of majority of members including the chairman or his deputy.
5. Resolutions will be issued by the majority of votes of those present. In case the votes are equal, the chairman's casting vote will decide the issue.
6. Secretary General of the Council shall attend the meetings but with no right to vote.

Article Seven:
The Board of Directors shall exercise its powers for conducting its affairs and realizing the Council’s objectives contained in Article two of the statutes, specifically the following:

1. Convening the General Assembly
2. Proposing Council’s internal organization
3. Proposing bylaws of the Council’s statutes
4. Proposing member subscription fees
5. Preparing Council’s final statement of accounts
6. Preparing annual report of the Council’s activities and proposing an action plan for it
7. Passing Council’s annual budget
8. Formation of technical and scientific committees, and engineering divisions, and setting out principles for practicing their mission
9. Appointing Council’s Secretary General and his deputy, determining their duties, responsibilities and rights
10. Accepting grants and donations
11. Approving Council’s funds investment policy

Article Eight:
The financial resources of the Council consist of:
1. Member subscriptions
2. Grants and donations
3. Revenues from the services provided by the Council
4. Proceeds from the Council’s invested funds

Article Nine:
These statutes shall be published in the official gazette and come into force sixty days from the date of publication. Thereafter any provisions in contradiction with these statutes shall be abolished.

FAQ

Q- What is Saudi Council of Engineers all about?
A- Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) is a professional body governing engineering profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q- Who governs SCE?
A- It is governed by the Board of Directors, consists of ten members elected by the General Assembly. The tenure of the Board is three years.

Q- Then who are the General Assembly members?
A- Anyone who holds a basic membership of the Council.

Q- What are the main activities of SCE?
A- Professional practice development and licensure; regulize examinations and professional accreditation,; conduct studies, research and surveys; journals and publications,; conferences, symposia and exhibitions; proposals, and technical advices. (Please see the Article Two of the Statute).

Q- You said SCE governs the engineering practice in the Kingdom. Does it mean that engineers have to register with SCE?
A- Exactly; it is mandatory to register with SCE for practicing any kind of engineering profession in the Kingdom.

Q- What do you mean by "practicing any kind of engineering profession"?
A- Well. From working as an engineer, running your own engineering office, engineering consultancy, engineering arbitration, to the formation of any engineering chapters or groups in the Kingdom.

Q- I'm an engineer, working my own. Do I have to register with SCE?
A- Yes, you have to. It is mandatory, and being implemented in phases.

Q- I'm an expat. Can I register with SCE or it is for Saudis only?
A- You're welcome! Registration with SCE is mandatory for all engineers who practice engineering profession in the Kingdom, irrespective to their nationalities.

Q- What are the registration options?
A- There are few options to register depending on the categories, mainly individual and offices.

Q- Are there many options for individuals?
A- Yes. There are 5 subcategories, namely, 1) Saudi Engineers 2) Non-Saudi Engineers 3) Technicians 4) Interested in engineering [but not a professional], and 5) Students. Though the membership is considered mandatory for the first two only, we encourage others too to join us.

Q- What about the registration of offices?
A- Well. They are sub-categorized into 1) Engineering Offices (General) 2) Engineering Support Services 3) Engineering Consultancy 4) Professional Engineering Company, and 5) Multi-National Engineering Company.

Q- What is the validity duration of registration?
A- It differs, but usually one year and is renewable conditionally. Please contact the registration department in SCE Head Office in Riyadh, or any of its branches coordination offices spread allover the Kingdom.

Q- How can I register?
A- You may please fill-in and submit your registration form online (www.saudieng.org). It is Arabic! So, if you are not well versed with Arabic get help of your colleague. You may send the filled-in form by fax too. In either case, you have to send your documents, such as certificates, credentials etc., to the office. Another way is to visit the H/O or a branch in person.

Q- Is there any fee for registration?
A- Yes, but very nominal. SCE is independent in its financial obligations and the membership is the main source of its revenue. So, be generous! Anyhow, it is your Council and stands for your benefit.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Strategies and Implementation Plans

Strategy I
Contribute to raise the standard of engineering education in academic, training, and professional fields aiming at materialization of compatibility between graduation sources and requirements of employment market.

Plans:
1.1 To coordinate with universities and support their efforts in continuous revision of policies and educational programs in academic, training, and professional fields including:
- students' skills development
- standards and rules for university admission
- potency of curricula and continuous development in light of the technical advancement in the engineering field.
- cooperative summer training programs and graduation projects.
1-2 to evaluate competency of engineering graduates with requirements of the market and to develop annual indices.
1-3 to work for materialization of integration between the engineering organizations in universities and the Council and to participate in organizing technical and professional seminars and conferences.
1-4 encourage compilation and translation works.

Strategy II
Enhance the capabilities of engineers and technicians by approving curricula for qualifying and training at Kingdom level, that enable them to practice their profession effectively.

Plans:
2-1 authorization of progression of professional grades for engineers, to be applied in the national level, in both government and private sectors and the progression is based on professional examinations approved by the Council in accordance with the international rules and standards and to implement progression in job promotion as per its influence in levels of profession.
2-2 to work with government and private training bodies and universities to introduce approved training programs for all specializations and career levels of engineering and to evaluate them according to the specific standards, and develop continuously in light of emerging technology and market requirements.
2-3 to establish bases and fundaments to figure out training hours for qualification purposes and to adopt training registers for all engineers.

Strategy III
Work on authorizing the basics and rules that control the licenses, engineering practices, and ethics of the profession.

Plans:
3-1 to form an effective and operational system for practicing engineering profession in the Kingdom by defining rules and fundaments and requirements of licensure for practicing the engineering for individuals and corporations, and to define administrational and professional rules and fundaments aimed to be achieved for renewal of registration.
3-2 to prepare comprehensive guides clarifying the bases and regulations which govern practicing of the profession, ethics, and qualification requirements of engineering offices and firms.
3-3 continual supervision on career practices and implementation of penalties or punishments for career violations.

Strategy IV
Encourage research, development, innovation, and creativity in all engineering fields.

Plans:
4-1 to encourage foundation of potent research centers in engineering establishments and large companies and to concern with step up the coordination and integration between them eying to create an effective national research group that will contribute in boosting the economic growth and independence.
4-2 work for allotment of incentives and rewards for individuals and organizations in design, development, invention and innovation.
4-3 work to allocate incremental budgets by the government for research and development in various government bodies and to assign national engineering firms for its implementation.
4-4 to work to include clauses in large government bids and company contracts stating the necessity of participation of Saudi establishments and individuals in execution of development and design works in these projects.

Strategy V
Offer attractive and prompt services to companies, engineering offices, and engineers.

Plans:
5-1 to introduce new technical advancements and its usages and facilitate to obtain them.
5-2 to participate in developing methods and formalities related to the practices of various engineering works, especially in quality, work force, and financial aspects; and to suggest specific levels for quality in accordance with the services offered, and the size and nature of the works.
5-3 to establish an information center contains broad technical references and provides local, regional, and international regulations, and contract and competition requirements and surveys.
5-4 to provide enough information on projects which contain engineering services and efforts for the use of members.

Strategy VI
Review decisions and codes of practices/systems in both public and private sectors pertaining to engineering sector and profession, and to suggest appropriate amendments that will contribute to realize the goals of the Council.

Plans:
6-1 to suggest suitable amendments to procurement regulations or any other rules that affect both public and private sectors, contributing in development of the engineering sector and development and enhancement of engineering capabilities.
6-2 to rush to get acquainted with regulatory projects and decisions that affect engineering sector, and to coordinate with concerned parties to influence positively, and broaden participation of the Council in various committees in favor to, which, in turn, will enhance the level of profession and benefit both the service providers and beneficiaries.
6-3 to ensure the authority of the Council in qualification process for engineering activities throughout the national level for all the beneficiaries in both private and public sectors to guarantee unique standard levels for qualification and supervision of the performance of engineering service sector.

Strategy VII
Active participation of Saudi engineers and engineering companies in projects in both public and private sectors, and developing real working partnership between Saudi and foreign engineering firms in such a way as to develop the national faculties.

Plans:
7-1 to work out for partition of big contracts in order to allow Saudi engineers and engineering companies to take maximum part in its execution.
7-2 to work out for inclusion of training and effective participation programs for Saudi engineers in big engineering contracts.
7-3 deepening use of advanced technologies by Saudi engineers and engineering firms to a level that will give them chances to participate in various projects.
7-4 encourage foreign companies who gain big contracts to give subcontracts to local Saudi companies and Saudi engineers in influential areas.
7-5 encourage Saudi engineers and engineering firms to carry out engineering projects outside the Kingdom and to sponsor, support, and assist them.
7-6 to prepare comprehensive surveys on size and nature of participation of Saudi firms and engineers in various projects and their ratio to the total work, and the nature of the cooperation with foreign companies.
7-7 highlight the importance of participation of Saudi firms in execution of different projects and the positive effects that could achieve.

Strategy VIII
Encourage integration between national companies and engineering establishments to enable them to execute major projects.

Plans:
8-1 endeavor to make principles and rules that allow a group of engineering firms to carry out tasks together or provide engineering services as a single joint organization.
8-2 work out in coordination with other related parties to create an encouraging environment for different Saudi engineering firms to entrust with some of their requirements to specialized Saudi companies or individual engineering offices, in order to strengthen the capabilities, increase the competitiveness, and reinforcement of integration that enable Saudi engineering group to carry out bigger and more complex projects in and out of the Kingdom.

Strategy IX
Strive to promote small and medium size engineering establishments and individual engineering offices.

Plans:
9-1 to make effective programs focused on sponsoring small-sized engineering offices and individuals to support and guide them towards the ideal rules and principles in career practices and its development, work-flow systems, and to get the works.
9-2 to work out for issuing a system to delimit categories of engineering projects in public and private sectors for small and mid-sized engineering firms and individual engineering offices in order to participate in their development.
9-3 to urge the public sector firms to seek assistance of Saudi engineering firms and engineers in implementation of their programs.

Strategy X
Edify the society about goals and assignments of the Council, and the role of engineering sector in the execution of various developing projects.

Plans:
10-1 To prepare an awareness program addressed to all classes of the society clarifying the role that the Council undertakes and the benefits of its objectives to the society as being the first beneficiary.
10-2 to publish a series of directories and manuals to serve the citizens and guide them in all their needs related to the engineering services.
10-3 to highlight the role of engineers in the society, and to shed light on the general concepts of engineering specialties, and the role of each specialization.
10-4 to clarify the general concepts of etiquettes of the engineering practices, career disputes, penalties, punishments, and bylaw of Council, and terms of cost calculation of engineering services and the importance to stick on with.
10-5 to edify the importance of professional engineering qualification, and professional training and tests; and to clarify the differences in career between the different qualification levels and the duties and responsibilities based on them.

What is Saudi Council of Engineers?


Statutory Status


Saudi Council of Engineers is a scientific professional body independently handling its financial obligations, and operating under the supervision of Ministry of Commerce with headquarters in Riyadh.

It is the sole authority in the Kingdom to promote, regulate, and control the practicing of engineering profession, albeit for Saudi nationals or expatriates working in the Kingdom.

Vision

• Promote engineering profession,
• facilitate engineers and engineering establishments to reach ideal solutions,
• enhance the level of performance, and
• encourage innovation and creativity to achieve an internationally recognized position.

Objectives

• Building outstanding engineering efficiencies that effectively contribute to the economic growth of Saudi Arabia.
• Creating conducive environment for innovation, development, and creativity that serve the requirements of the society.
• Encouraging Saudi engineering firms and Saudi engineers to develop their competitive abilities.

Welcome to SCE Blog

Welcome to the blog of Saudi Council of Engineers!

This is entirely an informatory blog and meant to introduce the activities of Saudi Council of Engineers to those engineering professionals working in the Kingdom and have no access to Arabic.

All information given here will be in plain English thus the documents showcased here are of no legal values. Those who look for the original statutes and by-laws should avail them from the official website of Saudi Council of Engineers, www.saudieng.org.

Although we welcome creative suggestions and feedback from our respected visitors, any complaints, official communications, membership requests, and follow-ups etc. should be done through the aforesaid official website only.

Thanks for reading!