Roadmap for Redefining the Competencies of Malaysian Building Surveyors in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

The construction sector has been heavily impacted, globally, and locally, by the COVID-19 crisis since the beginning of the Movement Control Order in Malaysia in mid-March of 2020. This situation has severely impacted construction practitioners, building surveyors and the construction industry overall. Adaptations are necessary to continue updating professional needs and skillsets while minimising the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply of, and demand for, building surveying services. To ensure the continuous improvement of surveying practice, this study asks, “What new competencies skillset is required by building surveyors in Malaysia to deal with the post-pandemic crisis?” Therefore, this study attempts to redefine a new set of competencies that Malaysian building surveyors will need to succeed in the post-COVID-19 era. The research data for this study was collected using a qualitative method approach that involved analysing and reviewing documents such as the guidelines, standards and policies from the national and international professional bodies that govern this profession. Based on the document review and analysis approach, the study highlights how fourteen competencies are emphasised by the five professional bodies governing the building surveying profession. The study provides significant benefits to building surveyors, who can improve their employability, as well as to fresh graduates and undergraduates preparing for the working environment. It also offers valuable insights for policy makers and surveying institutions on how to structure their adaptation and plans to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that will confront building surveying practitioners.