Institution of Mechanical Engineers

www.imeche.org.uk
Routes to Membership

IMechE Hong Kong Branch

5 November 2005

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 Introduction

Dr C W Tso
CEng,IMechE, FHKIE, RPE

Chairman of Membership Sub-Committee

Hong Kong Branch

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 IMechE London
¾ IMechE is a registered charity
¾ Founded in 1847 to promote mechanical
engineering
¾ Promotes the registration of
Professional Engineers either
Incorporated or Chartered status
¾ A force for change
¾ A voice for the profession
¾ 75,000 members worldwide, 43,000
Registrants

www.imeche.org.uk
www.imeche.org.uk

www.imeche.org.uk
IMechE Hong Kong Branch

www.imechehk.org.hk
Office: 5/F HKPC Building,
78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Telephone: 2194 5765
Fax: 2894 9885
Email: imeche@imechehk.org.hk

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 Membership Classes
¾ Non Corporate
¾ Affiliate
¾ Associate Member

¾ Corporate
¾ Member
¾ Fellow

¾ Others
¾ Honorary Fellow
¾ Companion

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 IMechE Membership

Fellows 6151
Members 38159
Companions 20
Associates 17541
Affiliates 13942

Statistics as at 27 October 2005

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 IMechE Hong Kong
Membership

Fellows 87
Members 1184
Associates 470
Affiliates 180

Statistics as at 27 October 2005

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Benefits of becoming Registered
with the ECUK
¾ Recognition of professional competence
worldwide
¾ Lifelong professional development
¾ Increased employment opportunities
¾ CEng or IEng designation allows you to
deal on an equal footing with other
professionals
¾ Higher earning potential

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Membership Classes and Post
Nominals

Fellow CEng FIMechE

IEng FIMechE

Member CEng MIMechE

IEng MIMechE

Associate AMIMechE

REMEMBER:
IMechE is there to help YOU at every stage of
Affiliate your career.

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Qualifications & Requirements

presented by

Eur Ing W K Chow

CEng FIMechE RPE FHKIE FASME Sen MCMES

Member of Membership Sub-Committee

Hong Kong Branch
Professional Interviewer

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Qualifications & Requirements

These are prerequisites for Corporate

Membership Applications:

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 UK SPEC Components
¾ Academic Requirements
¾ Professional Development Requirements

Please also note:

¾ Degree Accreditation
¾ UK-SPEC UK Standard for Professional
Engineering Competence & IMechE

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Exemplifying Requirements for
CEng
Requirements:
¾ Accredited BEng(Hons) degree [in Mech. Eng.]
Plus
- Approved MSc degree Or
- A period of Further Learning
Or
¾ Accredited 4-year MEng degree
¾ Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile

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Exemplifying Requirements for
IEng
Requirements:
¾ Accredited BEng(Hons) degree Or

¾ A relevant IEng accredited degree or equivalent qualification

Or

¾ A suitable HND/HNC plus further learning to degree level Or

¾ Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile

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Registration & Membership

All applications for Registration and

Membership are treated in exactly the
same manner i.e.

• Must meet the academic requirements

• Must meet professional development
requirements

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 Professional Development

¾ Initial Professional Development

For young engineers leading up to
application for Corporate Membership

¾ Continuing Professional Development

For Corporate Members to maintain
their competency

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Initial Professional Development

Judged on Competency Standards identified in

UKSPEC
¾ Competence, Capability and Commitment
¾ Ideally, they should follow IMechE Monitored
Professional Development Scheme (MPDS)
¾ Details of the MPDS at
http://www.imeche.org.uk/mpds

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Initial Professional Development

PERIOD and CONTENTS

¾ CEng requires normally 4 years of Professional
Development
¾ IEng requires 3 years Professional Development
¾ Recommended Guidance by a MENTOR
(Who should be a Corporate Member of IMechE)

¾ Experience created solely must be “real life” and not

artificially for the purpose of meeting IMechE
requirements

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Initial Professional Development

PERIOD and CONTENTS (cont’d)

¾ Responsibility lies with the applicant, and not with the
organization
¾ IMechE expects each individual engineer will have a
DIFFERENT competence profile
¾ As example, a Research Engineer will have a different
profile to that of a Manager in the Manufacturing
Industry

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Initial Professional Development

Process
¾ Determine which competences have been
attained and how these meet the requirements
of the UK SPEC
¾ Determine which competences are needed for
a particular target
¾ Mentor-Assessed during MPDS to show level
of achievement for each competency

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Initial Professional Development

Development Action Plan

¾ Set Targets

¾ Review & Measure Achievements

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 Continuing Professional Development
(For Corporate Members)

• Further qualifications such • Distance/open learning

as MBAs, diploma in
engineering management,
• Technical & business
courses
• Workshops
• Seminars, Conferences &
Lectures
• Submission of /to
Technical articles/journals
• Updating in own and other
fields of work
• IMechE interviewer or
industrial advisor
• MPDS Mentoring
• Language studies
• Government activities
• Community and Charity
work

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 Degree Accreditation
¾ IMechE is licensed by the ECUK to Accredit University Degree
programs for both IEng and CEng
¾ If degree not listed, seek clearance from Membership Department
¾ You need to provide
¾ Name of University
¾ Degree Title
¾ Degree Discipline
¾ Level of Award
¾ Mode of Study (full time / part time / sandwich)
¾ Starting and Graduation dates
¾ Full list of accredited degrees on ECUK website www.engc.org.uk
¾ List of IMechE accredited degrees at www.imeche.org.uk

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 UK-SPEC & IMechE
(UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence)

Published by Engineering Council in December 2003

and implementation from March 2004

Sets Standard for

COMPETENCE, CAPABILITIES & COMMITMENT
¾ Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding
¾ Professional Development and Experience

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 UK-SPEC & IMechE
Academic Qualifications
¾ CEng
9 BEng(Hons) + MSc
9 BEng(Hons) + Further Learning to Masters Level
9 MEng
9 Overseas Qualification of acceptable standard and profile

¾ IEng
9 BEng(Hons)
9 Relevant IEng degree or equivalent qualification
9 HND/HNC + further learning to degree level
9 Overseas Qualification of acceptable standard and profile

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 UK-SPEC & IMechE

Further Learning Contents

9Engineering & Science deepening
9Technical broadening
9Non-technical broadening

No quantitative values attached

Individual Assessment
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 Translation from
SARTOR to UK-SPEC
Academic qualifications, recognized by the
Engineering Council at the time they were
gained, will continue to be acceptable under
UK-SPEC

All non-standard routes(i.e. Mature Candidate

Scheme, Career Appraisal Route, Individual
Case Procedure, Cognate Degrees and Senior
Route) subsumed into Technical Report

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 Non-standard routes Before UK-Spec

Candidates without Exemplifying Academic Qualifications

could seek CEng or IEng by:

1. Mature Candidate Route

2. Career Appraisal Route

3. Individual Case Procedure

4. Cognate Degrees

5. Senior Route

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 Assessment Process Now

For Individuals without exemplifying qualifications:

ƒ Follow Further Learning

ƒ Take further Qualifications or

ƒ Take EC(UK) examinations or

ƒ Approved assessed work-based learning (IMechE)

ƒ Or Apply for Technical Report submission or

ƒ Or Any combination of the above

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 Technical Report

• Career history must show they have sufficient Mech Eng experience to submit a
report

• It must show a depth of MechEng knowledge to meet UK-SPEC competences

• It must be Technical (to Masters’ level for CEng) - A pure management type
report is not acceptable

• Peer assessment by two trained Assessors consists of:

– Applicants career history

– Appraisal interview based on the report

• Professional review if report is acceptable

• NOTE: in all cases (CEng & IEng) a MENTOR is appointed

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 Technical Report (IEng)

• Approx 6-7K words

• FDg/HND/HNC + 4-5 yrs experience

• No relevant qualifications + 10 yrs experience at

the appropriate level

• Transfer from CEng 2/3 yrs using IEng competences

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 Technical Report (CEng)

• Approx 8 – 10K words

• FDg/HND/HNC + 10 years experience

• BEng(Hons) non accredited + 5-6 yrs exp

• Non Mech Hons degree (Scientific) + 8 yrs appropriate exp

• No relevant quals + 15 yrs at an appropriate level

• Transfer from IEng 2/3 yrs using CEng competences

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Technical Report Process

• Submit qualifications and career outline

• AAC review and invite TR, scope defined and Mentor appointed

• Submit synopsis of TR

• Synopsis approved with guidance given if necessary

• TR prepared (essential Mentor involvement)

• Submit TR + qualifications + career appraisal

• TR reviewed by assessors

• Interview on TR

• Professional review

• PR interview

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 Application, Submission &
Reports
presented by

Dr Arthur Wong
CEng, FIMechE, HKIE, RPE

Professional Interviewer
Committee Member, Hong Kong Branch

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Application Process (UK-SPEC)

Application

Academic
Qualifications

Professional Development
&
Professional Competencies

Professional Interview

Corporate Membership
&
Professional Status

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Flowchart to Corporate Membership (UK-SPEC)

Academic Professional
Application
Study Training

Academic
Qualifications
Assessed

Yes Exemplifying No
Qualifications Academic
Assessment
Approve Committee
Professional
Review
Applicant
Further
Choice
Learning
Professional Options
Review
Interview Yes
Professional
Review Academic
Committee Study
No Recommendations

Technical
Report
Approve
Defer with Recommendations
Corporate Membership
Recommendations Not &
Approved Professional Status Technical Report
Yes No
Interview
Reject

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Corporate Application Process

Documentation required
¾ currently 4 - 6 months processing time
¾ application form
¾ Training report (to be replaced for IPD)
¾ Professional Review Report
¾ Development Action Plan/Evidence of
Continuing Professional Development
¾ application fee appropriate to class applied for

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The Application Form

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The Application Form

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 Sponsorship
¾ IPD mentor ideally as main sponsor
¾ Normally should be Chartered Engineers acquainted
with applicant and does not have to be an IMechE
member
¾ Any registrant with the ECUK can sponsor plans
¾ Both sponsors are required to be ECUK registrants or
FEANI or Washington Accord qualified engineers.
¾ Sponsors are required to complete the ‘Sponsors’ form
which details the applicant’s competency.
¾ Branches and Membership will help

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 Member to Fellow
¾ Simple application form + submission of
comprehensive CV.
¾ Sponsors are not required to complete the ‘sponsor’
form
¾ CV + evidence of CPD submitted to Industrial Advisor
- possible recommendations are:
¾interview (insufficient evidence provided)
¾election to Fellow
¾not recommended
¾ Professional Review Committee

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 Alternative Routes
Mutual Recognition Agreements
¾ Are in place with HKIE (Hong Kong), IEAust
(Australia) and IEI (Ireland)
¾ Standard application form but no interview
required if sufficient evidence provided
Existing CEngs or IEngs
¾ Standard application form but no interview
required if sufficient evidence provided
¾ Sponsors are not required to complete the sponsor
form

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Professional Review Report
¾A critical part of the application and
should identify where the candidate has
achieved the UK SPEC competencies i.e.
A2, B3 etc.
¾Presentation and Communication skills
are assessed
¾Will form the framework for questions
during the Professional Review Interview

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Professional Review Report
Contents
¾ Introduction

¾ Summarizing professional experience

and career development to date

¾ Supplement information in the

application form

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Professional Review Report
Contents
¾ Details
¾A critique of the breadth and depth of
applicant’s initial professional
development, experience and the extent
of professional responsibility
¾Identify and demonstrate how each of the
competences have been developed

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Professional Review Report
Contents
¾ Details

¾ Organization Chart
¾ Environmental Awareness
¾ Occupation Health and Safety
¾ Continuing Professional Development

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Professional Review Report
Alternative
¾ Select one or two projects which were
enjoyable or provided the greatest
challenge during recent years
¾ Highlight clearly which and how each of the
competences were satisfied throughout the
lifecycle of the project
¾ Write logically, clearly and simply

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Professional Review Report
Development Action Plan
¾Sets out how the applicant intends to
maintain and enhance engineering
competence through personal
development
¾Should include short, medium and long
term goals and how these are likely to be
achieved

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 Professional Review Report
Format of the Report
¾ Be written in first person singular
¾ Be between 2000 – 2500 words in length and
typed in double line spacing, single-sided
¾ Identify where UK SPEC competences have been
achieved
¾ Not use acronyms, jargon or abbreviations
¾ Be signed by a mentor, as main sponsor, or by
senior-in-charge

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 The Interview

presented by

Ir C Y Fong
CEng, FIMechE, FHKIE, RPE

Professional Interviewer
Hong Kong Branch

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 The Contents
¾ Objective

¾ Proforma

¾ Basis

¾ Interview Skills

¾ What we are Assessing

¾ Common Remarks for Unsuccessful Cases

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 The Interview
Interviewers assess the Professional Review Report before the
interview takes place
The objective
¾ An assessment of the applicant’s suitability as a Qualified
Engineer (Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer)
The Interviewers
¾ A structured meeting with two interviewers (Senior IMechE
members)
¾ At least one interviewer should be of a similar registration
standard sought by the applicant
The Meeting
¾ Last for approximately 45 minutes

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Pro-Forma for the Interview
¾ Introduction

¾ Competence in Engineering

¾ Professional Conduct and Commitment

¾ Development Action Plan

¾ Closure

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 Basis of the Interview
¾ Competence Based Interview
¾Assessing the applicant’s engineering
experience

¾ UK SPEC
¾UK Standard for Professional
Engineering Competence

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 Chartered Engineer (CEng)

¾ Use a combination of general and specific mechanical

engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise
the application of existing and emerging technology

¾ Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods

to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

¾ Provide technical and commercial leadership

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Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
¾ Use a combination of general and specialist engineering
knowledge and understanding to apply existing and
emerging technology

¾ Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to

design, develop, manufacture, construct, commission,
operate and maintain engineering products, processes,
systems and services

¾ Provide technical and commercial management

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 IEng & CEng
In addition, Incorporated and Chartered Engineers must
demonstrate

¾Effective interpersonal skills

¾A personal commitment to professional standards,

recognising obligations to society, the profession and the
environment

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 Interview Skills
¾ Confidence

¾ Competence

¾ Preparation

¾ Presentation

¾ Ease

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Competence and Commitment

Competence
A – Knowledge and Understanding
B – Application to Practice
C – Leadership and Management
D – Interpersonal Skills
Commitment
E – Professional Conduct

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 Competence Requirements –
Evidence (Examples)
Information Provided
¾ The Professional Review Report
¾ The Training Record Book
¾ Presentation at the Interview
Evidence
¾ Drawing / Design Studies
¾ Data Sets / Calculations
¾ Project Plans / Photographs
¾ Computer Programme / Project Reports etc.

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What we are assessing? - CEng

A - Knowledge and Understanding

¾ Maintains a sound theoretical approach in enabling the
introduction and exploitation of new and advancing technology
and other relevant developments
¾ Engages in creative and innovative development of mechanical
engineering technology and continuous improvement systems
B - Practical Application
¾ Identifies potential projects and opportunities
¾ Conduct appropriate research
¾ Undertakes design and development of mechanical engineering
solutions
¾ Implements design solutions and evaluates their effectiveness

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What we are assessing? - CEng
C - Technical and Commercial Leadership
¾ Plans for effective project implementation
¾ Plans, budgets, organises, directs and controls tasks, people
and resources
¾ Leads teams and develops staff to meet changing technical and
managerial needs
¾ Brings about continuous improvement through quality
management

D - Interpersonal Skills
¾ Communicates in English with others at all levels
¾ Presents and discusses proposals
¾ Demonstrates personal and social skills

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What we are assessing? - CEng

E - Professional Conduct
¾ Complies with relevant codes of conduct
¾ Manages and applies safe systems of work
¾ Undertake engineering activities in a way that contributes to
sustainable development
¾ Carries out CPD necessary to maintain and enhance competence
in own area of practice, including a personal Development Action
Plan
¾ Demonstrates involvement with the IMechE, other professional
engineering institutions, schools, colleges or other local community
activities

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 What we are assessing? - IEng

A - Knowledge and Understanding

¾ Maintains and extends a sound theoretical approach to the
application of technology in mechanical engineering practice
¾ Uses a sound evidence-based approach to problem solving and
contributes to continuous improvement
B – Practical Application
¾ Identifies, reviews and selects techniques, procedures and
methods to undertake mechanical engineering tasks
¾ Contributes to design and development of mechanical
engineering solutions
¾ Implements design solutions and contributes to their
evaluation

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 What we are assessing? - IEng
C – Technical and Commercial Management
¾ Plans for effective project implementation
¾ Manages the planning, budgeting and organisation of tasks,
people and resources
¾ Manages teams and develops staff to meet changing technical
and managerial needs
¾ Manages continuous quality improvement

D - Interpersonal Skills
¾ Communicates in English with others at all levels
¾ Presents and discusses proposals
¾ Demonstrates personal and social skills

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 What we are assessing? - IEng

E - Professional Conduct
¾ Complies with relevant codes of conduct
¾ Manages and applies safe systems of work
¾ Undertakes engineering activities in a way that contributes to
sustainable development
¾ Carries out CPD necessary to maintain and enhance competence
in own area of practice, including a personal Development Action
Plan
¾ Demonstrates involvement with the IMechE, other professional
engineering institutions, schools, colleges or other local community
activities

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 Common Remarks –
Unsuccessful Cases
Not able to
¾ Applying original thought (A&B)
¾ Having sound theoretical knowledge (A&B)
¾ Having satisfactorily managerial responsibility
(C)
¾ Integrating well with other professionals and
understanding their roles (C)

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 Common Remarks –
Unsuccessful Cases
Not able to
¾ Achieving the adequate level of professional responsibility
in Engineering (C)
¾ Having the adequate presentation skills (D)
¾ Having satisfactorily understood the importance of health
and safety in relation to risk appreciation (E)
¾ Having a full appreciation of the role of the engineer in
society(E)

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 Recommendation

¾Elect to Corporate Membership and

application for Professional Registration

¾Defer

¾Reject

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 Statistics

Hong Kong Year 2004:

Interviews conducted 51

Pass rate 69%

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Matching Process & Round Up

presented by

Dr C W Tso
CEng, FIMechE, FHKIE,RPE

Chairman of Membership Subcommittee

Hong Kong Branch

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 Matching Process

Career to Date

¾ Names of employer

¾ position held

¾ dates and brief outline of responsibilities

¾ in chronological order

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 Matching Process

Professional Experience

¾ Overview of present appointment

¾ Brief outline of your organization

¾ Detail your personal responsibilities

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 Matching Process

Industry Classification

¾Specify your current areas of engineering

activities

¾3 areas only

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 Matching Process

Industry Classification

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Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Thank You

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