Development of professional system in the construction industry of China

Nowadays, the traditional roles and specialisms of the different disciplines of professionals such as architects, engineers and surveyors in construction industry are becoming less clear-cut. The concept of educating separate disciplines of construction professional may not be apt any more in the so-called "international" practice system. With the unique socio-economic legacy in China, professional practice and qualifying system in the construction industry is rather different in comparison with the international context. This uniqueness creates an ideal opportunity for China to look for its own new model of training and development of construction professionals instead of merely copying the "international" mode. Based on a survey carried out in Hong Kong, this paper aims to investigate the phenomenon of disintegrating professional boundaries in the "international" practice system which serves as a reflection on the development of construction professionals in China. The investigation shows that construction professionals should critically re-examine their professional skills in their traditional domains. Multi-disciplinary and integrative-professional approach in the curricula of education is called for in the "international" practice. The traditional education curriculum may not be sustainable in today's "international" construction industry. At this juncture, China can make use of the opportunity to establish a new model for itself.