24 MARCH 2000 : ASEAN ENGINEERS CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION.

The ASEAN Engineers Certificate Presentation held at the Holiday Villa, Subang on March 24, 2000, was likely an event recognizing the first or early batch of professional engineers admitted to the ASEAN Engineers Register (AER).

Here is some context about the ASEAN Engineers Register (AER) around that time:

Formation of AER: The idea for the AER was first proposed in November 1996, and the first working paper on the guidelines was tabled in November 1998. The initial text of the Register was prepared and finalized in January 1999.

Purpose: The AER was established by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) as a key initiative to spearhead and facilitate the mobility of engineers within the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). This was intended to prepare for the liberalization of professional services under the World Trade Organization (WTO) initiative.

Implementation: The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) was appointed the Secretariat responsible for the AER's implementation and maintenance, a role confirmed at the 18th AFEO Board meeting in November 2000.

The 2000 Presentation: Given that the AER was finalized in 1999 and the presentation took place in March 2000, this ceremony would have been one of the first few public events to award certificates to engineers who met the minimum requirements for admission, such as:

Possessing an engineering degree recognized by their home country.

• Being a full-time member of their home engineering organization and licensed to practice.
• Having a minimum of seven (7) years of postgraduate professional working experience.
• Having spent at least two (2) years in responsible charge of significant engineering work.

This certificate would signify their registration as an ASEAN Engineer, promoting recognition of their qualifications across the ASEAN region.

HOLIDAY VILLA SUBANG

The Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang was an iconic and established landmark in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, known as a premier business resort. It was opened in 1988, situated on a large area of beaufifully landscaped land overlooking pristine lake. 

However, the hotel ceased operation on 1 October 2021 after 33 years in business. 

7/12/2025: 2.07 a.m