HKIA and ARBUK Signed MOU on Mutual Recognition of Professional Academic Qualifications

HKIA and ARBUK Signed MOU on Mutual Recognition of Professional Academic Qualifications

The Architects Registration Board of the United Kingdom (ARBUK) and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will allow for the mutual recognition of relevant architectural qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK) and Hong Kong on 28 August 2024.

The MoU Signing Ceremony was held at the HKIA/ARB premises with the signatories being Mr. Hugh SIMPSON, Chief Executive and Registrar of ARBUK (online) and Ar. CHAN Chak Bun Benny, President of HKIA, in the witness of Mr. Alan KERSHAW, Chair of ARBUK and Ar. TAM Kwok Chi, Chairman of Architects Registration Board of Hong Kong (ARB).

The MoU recognises the high educational standards of both jurisdictions and the importance of public protection, and makes moving and working between the UK and Hong Kong easier for eligible graduates and architects. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration and business potential for practices in both jurisdictions.

The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from British Consulate General, British Council, RIBA Hong Kong Chapter as well as local universities with accredited architectural programmes.

The signing of the MOU between HKIA and ARBUK.  

(from left to right) Ar. TAM Kwok Chi, ARB Chairman, Ar. CHAN Chak Bun Benny, HKIA President, Mr. Hugh SIMPSON, Chief Executive and Registrar of ARBUK and Alan KERSHAW, Chair of ARBUK.

HKIA President, Ar. Benny CHAN (fourth from left); ARB Chairman, Ar. TAM Kwok Chi (third from left); Chief Executive and Registrar of ARBUK, Mr. Hugh SIMPSON (center);  Chair of ARBUK, Mr. Alan KERSHAW (center); Director of Governance and International of ARBUK, Ms. Emma MATTHEWS (fourth from right); International Manager of ARBUK, Mr. Rob WILSON (third from right); Director General, Trade & Investment of the British Consulate-General Hong Kong, Mr. Chris WOODWARD (second from left); Associate Director, Education and Healthcare - Trade of the British Consulate-General Hong Kong Ms. Sophia IP (far right); Director of British Council, Ms. Susannah MORLEY (far left); Honorary Secretary of RIBA Hong Kong Chapter, Ms. Louise GREER (second from right), posed for a photo together.

Group photo of participants attending the signing ceremony.

The joint press release is available to download from HERE.