The MALAYSIAN ARCHITECTS EXPORTERS CLUB (MAEC) under the auspices of the PAM International Affairs Committee was inaugurated on 9th Feb 2006 with the aim of promoting the export of architectural services by members. As we are all aware, trade in services is undergoing global metamorphosis that would eventually traverse national boundaries completely. Much as we like to remain protective, international pressures have been gaining momentum for total liberalization of trade for us to remain relevant and particularly as we are a signatory of GATS and member of the WTO.

Currently the Malaysian government is also actively involved in several bilateral negotiations with Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan and soon with USA and India under the Economic Partnership Agreements which are the prelude to the Free Trade Agreements with these countries. Under AFAS we have already establish a timeline for equity shareholdings of foreign entities as follows: 2006 - 30%; 2008 - 49%; 2010 - 51%; 2015 - 70%.

Our members must be prepared to develop their competitive edge against the onslaught of foreign architects who will enter our domestic market. We have been resisting the pressures to open up our market, but it will not be tenable for very much longer. The liberalization regime is here to stay and we have no alternative but to be part of it.

To overcome this new services trade landscape we have to review our business model and posture. We have to be global and change our mindset. Firstly, we need to increase our capacity, capabilities, and enhance our quality of services. Secondly, we have to venture abroad. The domestic market will become smaller and smaller, while there are growing markets overseas. As it stands there are already a few members who are actively doing projects overseas, but we don’t know exactly who they are nor how many of them.