NEWS LETTER 2009

AJCE Activity 2008

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Young Professionals ExchangeProgramme 2008-a great success of revitalized YPEP-

Keiichi KanaiChairman

Professional Development Promotion Sub-Committee ,AJCE

Young Professionals Exchange Programme (YPEP)was established in 1996 to develop goodrelationship and friendship between Japaneseand Australian young consulting engineersthrough mutually visiting and staying with themember firms of AJCE and its Australiancounterpart, ACEA (Association of ConsultingEngineers Australia). While its primary purpose isto provide young engineers in both countries withopportunities to experience a different culture, to

learn different engineering skills, and to create anextensive network of young professionals, we arehoping that in the future we will see joint businessprojects be formulated through the networkestablished in this programme. In the pastdecade, more than 100 young engineersparticipated in the programme, and it has beennoted in the FIDIC member society as a goodexample of international capacity building effort.

In 2006, after 10 year of mutual exchanges, somenew ideas were infused to YPEP, such as “pre-visitdialogue” in which a trainee communicates witha mentor from the host company for severalmonths prior to visit ing the company, toexchange information and to prepare for theupcoming on-site training. This new elementproved, in 2007, to be very helpful for the traineesto get familiar with the host company and jumpstart the on-site programme. It contributed a lotto revitalize the programme.

Last year, AJCE sent 6 young engineers from 5member companies to Australia. Each trainee

No. NameCompany Host Company in Australia

2 Chodai Co .,Ltd Tadashi Hasegawa GHD

1 CTI Engineering Co .,Ltd Shinichiro Kai GHD

3 CTI Engineering Co .,Ltd Takuya Yagami Arup

4 Oriental Consultants Co.Ltd. Yuki Morinaga Costin Roe Consulting Pty Ltd

5 IDEA Consultants,Inc. Masato Ishiyama Masato Ishiyama

6 P.T.Morimura & Associates,LTD Hidechika Nakamura Simpson Kotzman

Trainees of YPEP 2008

Office

New Castle

New Castle

Brisbane

Sydney

Brisbane

Melbourne

Signing Ceremony of MOU in1995

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stayed with one of the ACEA’s membercompanies for 3 weeks in October. We are verygrateful that all the trainees were well taken care ofby ACEA and five host companies, and we wouldlike to thank them for their hospitality and kindness.

Upon the trainees’ return, AJCE held a reviewsession in which all the trainees presented thesummary of their experience in Australia.According to what I saw and heard in thesession, YPEP2008 was a great success. I believethat they spent wonderful three weeks full ofdiscoveries, new knowledge, suggestions,discussions, arguments and fr iendships. Inaddition to regular training activities such as anexchange of professional opinions on certainthemes, working on an actual project, site visitand seminar, their first-hand experiences of reallife of Australian consulting engineers must havebeen very valuable.

After the presentations, the trainees and otherparticipants including members of AJCE’s YoungProfessional Group had discussions in smallgroups on three topics: 1) Work style of Australian engineers2) Possibility for Japanese consultants to thrive in

overseas market3) Relationship among consultants, contractors,

governing bodies and civilians

The trainees’ fresh experiences from Australia andother participants’ broad knowledge and differentperspectives made the discussions very active andproductive. It was a wonderful opportunity foreverybody to review and appreciate the YPEP2008and its outcome. I truly hope that all six traineescapitalize on this experience, maintain theestablished human network, and realize the actualbusiness partnership with Australian engineers someday. AJCE will strongly support their effort to do so.

We have already started preparing for this year’sYPEP, in which AJCE and its member firmswelcome Australian young engineers in October,and we firmly believe that it will be another successin the history of this outstanding programme.

Traineers’ and their hosts in YPEP 2008 at Sydney

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2008 YPEP Exchange Program Report

Shinichiro KaiYPEP2008 Trainee

CTI Engineering Co., Ltd.

IntroductionI had training at GHD Newcastle in Australia.GHD is an international consultant based inAustralia. Newcastle is a second biggest city inNew South Wales country which is 150km off fromSydney. Newcastle thrives for exporting coalsfrom Newcastle Port.

1. Overview of TrainingAfter meeting at ACEA meeting, my training atGHD started for two weeks. I was assigned toroad planning and designing group.My mentor was Daniel O’sshaunessy. He works inGHD for four years after graduating NewcastleUniversity.I joined the work for making a study of trafficimpact when overtaking is closed forconstruction of Minimbar Project.Minimbar Project is constructing third tracks ofrailroad for reinforcement of coal freight. Thisproject is near completion.

There was interesting situation. In Japan, if weshowed unjudgeable figure based on criteria forevidence, Japanese road administration will notagree. In contrast, in Australia, it’s all right asevidence. Australian says “Criteria are criteria!Åh

2. Living in AustraliaIn a weekend, Daniel brought us to Nelson baywhere big sand exists. We enjoyed riding a fourwheels bike on sand and watched “Tin City” inwhich people live in houses on the sand.

3. ConclusionIt was a first time for me to go abroad for training.It was different from just a traveling abroad. Iexperienced not only difference in culturebetween Australia and Japan but also workingstyle and technical criteria.I enjoyed Australian’s living and working style. Iwould like to thank GHD and ACEA for their kindhospitality.

Fig.1 GHD Newcastle Fig.2 in Daniel’s home Fig.3 Tin City on the sand

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YPEP2008 REPORT

Masato IshiyamaYPEP2008 Trainee

IDEA Consultants, Inc.

OutlineFor about 3 weeks from October 7, to October 25,2008 I visited Brisbane Branch of "OPUS QANTECMcWILLIAM" for visit-training. In "OPUS", I activelyparticipated in the professional training and theweekend life, and it was very stimulating.Pre-visit trainingPrior to visit-training, I had three months of pre-visittraining. It started with each other's self-introduction, a company profile, thencommunication by email such as to finalisetraining schedule with Nathan Scott, my mentor.Because of the pre-visit dialogue, I was able toperform the visit-training in Australia smoothly.Visit-trainingIn the visit-training, building site inspection and thetraining in the office were main contents.Regarding building site inspection, I could visitvarious construction sites such as apartment,supermarket, hospital, and bridge. As the siteinspections, buildings in particular, were my firstexperience, I was very pleased and inspired.During the training in office, I took charge of loadcalculations of building structures and design of abridge. In the course of training, I had a chance todiscuss about difference in "ProfessionalDevelopment of engineers" between Japan andAustralia.

Life in Australia Living environmentin Japan is not sostimulating as I livethere for long time.In turn, Brisbane isquite comfortablecity to me. In theoffice, there were a few telephone calls duringoffice working hours, thus office environment wasquiet. Situation in Japan is contrary, frequent phonecalls keep us busy and make working environmentuncomfortable.In the visit-training, I commuted office from rentalapartment. However, I stayed at Nathan andJason's house in the weekend and at time ofbusiness tr ip to the Sunshine Coast office.Because of heartfelt hospitality of their family, I couldenjoy home stay. I would like to express millions ofthanks.Nathan took special care of me in week days andweek ends despite of his busy working schedule. Hetook to Brisbane city sightseeing, soccer games,zoo, and restaurants that were quite excellentguidance to experience Australia in various ways.Thank you Through the training, I could experience not onlyprofessional practices but also differnce in cultureand work environment between Japan andAustralia This will broaden my way of thinking asconsulting engineers.I would like to thank everyone in OPUS QANTECMcWILLIAM and structure group members; Mark,Aaron and Jason. I woe special thanks to Nathanfor his kind hospitality. I extend my thanks to Davidof "ARUP"

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YPEP2008 in GHD (Newcastle)

Tadashi HasegawaYPEP2008 Trainee

Chodai Co., Ltd.

SummaryIn three weeks of 07/10/08 to 23, I attended YPEP2008 as a trainee. Purpose of YPEP exchangeprogram is to learn and understand thedifferences in businesspractices and life stylesbetween Australia andJapan, and maketrustworthy relationshipbetween Australianyoung professionals andJapanese young professionals.This year, six Japanesetrainees visited Australianhost companies.

About pre-visit dialoguesBefore the visit to Australia,Pre-visit dialogues tookplace for smooth implementation of theexchange program. These dialogues took placewith E-mail between host company and trainee.

About host companyI visited Newcastle for the exchange program.Newcastle is a city ofbeautiful beach andhistoric architecture.My host company GHD isa big firm and employs7,000 people in the world.GHD Newcastle officehas 160 employees.I found difference with Japan that is many womanemployees work in office (25% of all employees). Ithought this point is associated with working timeand work environment.In addition, office space is very large andcomfortable, which made me envious.

About exchange programWorking time of GHD is 8:30 to 17:00 includinglunch time (1 hour, we can select free time).Project scale is larger than Japan. One projectintegrates many parts, for example bridge design,road design, system design, environment.On 2nd Friday at Newcastle office, one projectwas finished and we had lunch party. I attendedthe party and found out that many people wereengaged in the project.I compared Australian bridge design criteria withthose of Japan and made a report. My specialty isbridge substructure design and seismic design.I found out the bridge designs are similar, but seismicdesign force in Australian is quite smaller than that ofJapan. I guess thatAustralia has never hadbig earthquakes in thepast.

About life in AustraliaI met many Australianpeople in three weeks during the program. All ofthem were very friendly and I could spend verycomfortable time.In one weekend, I experienced 4WD drive at theStockton Beach and drove to Hunter Valley,known for wineries.

AcknowledgmentI am profoundly grateful to the all members of hostcompany GHD,ACEA, AJCE,and members ofChodai Sapporobranch whog e n e r o u s l ysupported myparticipation tothe YPEP08.

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YPEP2008

Takuya YagamiYPEP2008 Trainee

CTI Engineering Co.Ltd

1. SummaryI had an opportunity to stay at ARUP for threeweeks in October 2008. Before visiting Australia, Iexperienced pre-visit dialogue with my mentor inARUP for two months. Because of this dialogue, Icould get into the training in Australia smoothly.

2. Training in ARUPTechnical TourI participated in two-day Technical Tour forYoung Professional. I studied the water supplyprojects in South East Queensland. The mostimpressive thing for me was that the“Networking” time was set in the Tour. During thistime, participants could get to know each other.It is not common in Japan.

WorkshopDuring this training, I experienced a meeting witha client. The relationship with the client and ARUPseemed very good. Workshop with the client that Ijoined was very constructive. This workshop gaveme very good ideas as how decisions are madetogether with clients.

Capacity Building for Young ProfessionalsARUP and CTI have similar training programs such asOJT, presentation training, software skill training. Butthere is one big difference. ARUP has many officesaround the world. Therefore, ARUP can promotetransfers of engineers to overseas offices. This bringsadvantages over the company because it canbuild effective networks of consulting engineersaround the world.

PresentationI gave a presentation about rivers in Japan, andARUP also presented about their water relatedprojects. Through these presentations I could learnthe differences between Australia and Japanregarding policy and enforcement on riverplanning.

3. Work-life balanceWorking HoursEmployees can choose work hours in a week aslong as the total work hour per week is satisfied.Therefore one of the employees leaves office at 2p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. I’d like to proposethis system to my company. Office becomesalmost empty at around 18 p.m. But during busytime, some employees bring work to their homes. Itis similar to Japanese consulting engineers.

HolidaysEmployees have 20 day holidays in a year. Theirbosses insist that they take all of them. In addition, employees can earn 10 more holidaysby sacrificing their salary. My company gives also20 day holidays to employees, but we actuallycannot take them all.

4. Life in AustraliaDuring this training, I andanother trainee weresharing an apartment nearthe office. We sometimesbought groceries at a supermarket. Therefore I gotto experience what it’s like living in Australia.Thanks to friends in ARUP, I also enjoyed watchinga soccer game, playingwith koalas and kangaroos,fabulous beach, and a lotof delicious foods.

5. AcknowledgmentThanks to everyone in ARUP and ACEA, I spent afruitful time in Australia. I hope this trainingprogram will continue and more peopleexperience this valuable training. I really hope thatthis “networking” will contribute to furtherdevelopment in the good relationship betweenthe Japanese and Australian consulting engineers.

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REPORT of YPEP2008

Yuki MorinagaYPEP2008 Trainee

Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd.

1. IntroductionThe Young Professionals Exchange Program(YPEP) is the program of mutual visit and thetraining of the young engineers in Japan andAustralia. It has started in 1996 based on thememorandum of understandings between AJCEand ACEA I 1995. The purposes of this programare in the ski l l improvement and the viewexpansion of the trainees themselves, and in theconstruction of an excellent relation to keep thedevelopment in the future into the business withthe maintenance of networks cultivated in thetraining programs.This report is on visit-training and pre-visit trainingin 2008. The visit-training was carried out inSydney and Newcastle, Period of the programwas 7th - 25th / October.

2. Pre-visit trainingIn this program, trainees had obligation toprepare for the visit-training in advance bycontacting mentors in the host companies. Weexchanged profile of trainees, specialized fields,and the plan of the schedule of visit-training by E-mail. Through the information exchange, I couldspend time in Australia effectively. Mr. JamesDisher, my mentor and Mr. Mark Wilson took careof me for training and home-stay. They appliedtheir experience as the YPEP2007 trainees andplanned my program enthusiastically andfriendly.

3. Visit-training3-1. Outline of the host companyCostin Roe Consulting Pty Ltd. is a consulting firmmainly working for private customers. They

provide services in structural designs in theResidential, Commercial, Industrial, and civilengineering fields as well as the maintenanceand repair of housing complexes so-called“Strata Engineering Solutions“. Though they aresmall-scale organization of about 20 employees,they have a variety of business results from small-scale projects l ike structural inspection ofindividual house to large-scale projects thatrequire diversified technology like design andmanagement of compound facilities.

3-2. Activity of the consultant engineer in AustraliaIn Australia, the consulting engineers promoteactivities that will contribute to the improvementof status of their profession besides their regularpractices.By the request from ACEA secretariat,professionals visit high schools where the studentswho refrain from entering into college gather.The professionals explain subject like “What is theoccupation of consulting engineer?". ACEA

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pursues this approach to contribute to theimprovement of engineering education andhelping to raise the level of interest & ability inengineering from a long-term aspect. This wouldencourage them to enter into colleges,eventually into consulting engineering industry.Mr. James Disher ,my mentor also contributed tothis activity in the past. It is encouraging to seepromotion of similar initiatives by ACEA.

3-3. Home-stay in NewcastleI basically stayed in the condominium in Sydney. Ialso stayed home of Mr. Mark Wilson who is seniorengineer of Mr. James Disher, and works inNewcastle office. It was a precious experiencefor me to be able to touch Australia’s uniqueculture and lifestyle through the home-stay withhis family, and to watch Japan from anotheraspect.

3-4. Young SummitWe had the Young Summit (Reporting Seminar)at ACEA office with Australian professionals onOctober 24th. In the seminar, Japanese traineesreported on the content of the training each. Weexchanged the opinions about the difference ofthe Young Professionals Development System inJapan and Australia.

4. Difference in Professional Development Programsbetween Japan and Australia

4-1. Internal CourseThere are On-the-Job Training and mentoringprogram in Costin Roe. The system has manycommon features about the education methodfrom the young to senior. Study meetings areregularly carried out in the office.

4-2. External CourseThere exists master’s degree acquisition and seminarparticipation activities outside of the company. InAustralia, as for the master’s degree acquisition, theemphasis seems stronger than Japan, and thesystem of support from a company is moreadvanced than that of Japan. As for seminarparticipation, the system is similar to Japan as theContinued Professional Development system isapplied. But its function is quite different. In Japan, itis offered basically to hear specialist's presentations.Participants leave soon after the presentationswithout networking. In Australia, participantsexchange opinions positively and make efforts toexpand their networking and knowledge beforeand after presentations. We should follow this kind ofgood practices in Japan.

5. AcknowledgmentI wish to express my gratitude to ACEA and AJCEfor their support and encouragements. Specialthanks to everyone in Contin Roe Consulting whowelcomed me and made my training fruitful andmemorable. I would like to extend my thanks tomanagement of Oriental Consultants who gladlysent me to this program. I woe special thanks tomy family for their warm support. Hereafter, I will try further promotion of the YPEPfor the improvement of the consulting engineer'sstatus and recognition, by taking the experienceand networks obtained through this program.

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YPEP2008 in SIMPSON KOTZMAN PTY LTD(Melbourne)

Hidechika NakamuraYPEP2008 Trainee

P.T.MORIMURA & ASSOCIATES, LTD

1. PrologueI joined the Japan-Australia exchange trainingprogram YPEP2008. In the pre-visit period of 4months, I exchanged information with theSIMPSON KOTZMAN, the Australian firm thatprovides similar services as ours. I was least fluent inEnglish among the participants but tried my best.Visit-training in Australia was just for 3 weeks.However, I gained a lot of invaluable experiences.

2. Host Company DescriptionMy host company “SIMPSON KOTZMAN”(hereinafter referred as SK) is a consulting firm in buildingengineering services in mechanical, electrical andESD engineering fields. Their main works covershopping centres, office buildings, largeapartments and schools.SK has main office in Melbourne and branchoffice in Sydney whose staffs are around 30 to 40.

3. Content of Visit-training Program3-1. Training in Engineering ServicesI was assigned to support lighting system design.Using standard design calculations, I assisted indesigning lighting and Control systems.

3-2.Site VisitI visited construction site locating outside ofMelbourne. Difference with Japan is thatengineers can not conduct site supervision withoutthe license named “RED CARD”, which will beissued after safety training.

3-3.Participation in seminarsDuring training, there was a seminar on BIM. 3DDesign is important issue in Japan. I found that ithas not yet introduced in Australia.Additionally, I participated in a seminar usinglunch break which serves as a useful reference. Ithought that efficient time management like thisshould be introduced in our company.

Site visit- Swimming pool enclosure Internal seminar

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4. Capacity Building of Young EngineersIn the field of mechanical and electricalengineerings, SK places importance in capacitybuilding of young engineers in • Communication skills,• Early involvement of YEs in projects as good On-

the-Job Training,• Attend industry events, seminars, and• Networking in education.

Method of training for young engineers seemsalmost the same in Japan and Asutralia.Regarding networking in Japan, we gainexperience through projects not from preliminaryeducation. System of building engineering servicesis different in every project in Japan. With this inmind that building engineering services in Australiakeep consistency, thus well established.

5. Life in MelbourneMelbourne is the 2nd biggest city in Australia and oldbuildings are blended with modern and traditionalbuildings. There were many parks throughout the citywith plenty of green spaces. The streets are built ingrid lines and TRAMs run on main streets.

SK has friendly atmosphere. They communicatewell and joke regardless of senior or young whichwas very impressive.I was very surprised that many people left theoffice at 6 o’clock. On Friday, some of them startdrinking from lunch!

I had opportunities of seeing animals indigenousto Australia with young engineers and enjoyedwalking on nearby beach. I was invited to homeparty and enjoyed the gathering.

6. SummaryThrough the training, I could learn buildingengineering services in Australia.In addition, I learnt their working style, timemanagement and way of living. All of these,would be of valuable help in my life.

I would like to thank those who supported thetraining program; ACEA, AJCE, SIMPSONKOTZMAN and P.T.Morimura & Associates. Iapologize for not able to fully respond to thetraining program due to my poor English.I would like to express special appreciations againto all the staffs of SK for their heartfelt hospitality.

Tram and City

Enjoyable Home Party

SK’s Young Engineers

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Report of Official Function

Welcome ReceptionAfter 10 hours of long flight from Narita to Sydney,trainees and mentors gathered at the ACEAmain office in Sydney and welcome receptiontook place in the afternoon of 7th October.At f irst, trainees were somewhat stiff inconversation because of fatigue after long flight,stress and language barrier. But cheerful mentorsand Ms. Frances Lemon at ACEA made our stiffmind open up gradually.We introduced ourselves. I initiated talking butfelt nervous because of rather poor English.

After the reception, we moved to scenicrestaurant in Sydney. It started with self-introduction, and then lunch with pizza and beerfollowed. Rare foodstuffs like crocodile, emu andkangaroo meat were on the pizza! They weremuch delicious beyond imagination. And somebeers made us cheerful.

Sydney SightseeingBefore we moved to host companies, we had ashort time to visit Sydney Opera House, locating ina harbor where we enjoy watching beautiful townand the Harbor Bridge.While visiting the Opera House, we wereimpressed hearing about fascinating story aboutconstruction of the Opera House. Unfortunately,we could not take pictures inside because ofstage preparation but it was very beautiful. Ahuge pipe organ surprised us.Then we departed for host companies byairplane, car and other means.

Farewell PartyAfter three weeks of training, trainees and mentorsgathered at ACEA main office in Sydney again on24th October.At Young Summit (details: refer to another report),we made presentations regarding achievementsmade in the training program.

Lunch party Inside of Sydney Opera House

Tadashi HasegawaYPEP2008 Trainee

Chodai Co., Ltd.

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After the Summit, we moved to farewell dinner atThai restaurant facing the Sydney Harbor.Succeeding with exchange of opening addresses,trainees and mentors had pleasant drinking time.We all became congenial company after a full ofstimulating conversation. Nobody could expectthis at the welcome reception. Of course disheswere excellent!

After PartyAfter dinner, we moved to bowling alleys andKaraoke party followed. Australian bowling alleyshave different illumination and mood from thoseof Japanese. But once games have started, thatwas not a problem at all.The games were really exciting. We were onefamily.We went to Karaoke after bowling! We got slightculture shock. Not like in Japan, room was

illuminated in red and screen showed only letters.Japanese Karaoke rooms are softly lighted andletters on a screen come together with motionpictures.We sung favorite songs and spirited uppassionately.The Karaoke singing was supposed to last for 1 hour,but the date has changed when we left there.

AcknowledgmentI had a little hesitation at the beginning of the visit-training.However, it was overwhelmed by super hospitalityof everyone in host companies as well as ACEA.We felt quite safe and comfortable throughoutthe training and social programs.I am profoundly grateful to the all mentors,members of ACEA especially Frances and AJCEstaffs.

After young summit Farewell dinner

KaraokeStrike Bowling

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YPEP2008 Young Summit Report

In the followings are brief summary on the YoungSummit held on the last day of YPEP2008.

1. Agenda of Young Summit

DATE: Friday 24 October, 2008

Time Schedule: 2.00pm~ Opening address2.10pm~ Presentation by Trainees & Discussion3.20pm~ Afternoon Tea3.35pm~ Presentation by Trainees & Discussion5.00pm End

Venue: Meeting room, ACEA main office, Sydney

2. Contents of Young SummitIn the Young summit, there were 14 participants.They were 6 trainees, 6 young engineers from hostcompanies and 2 ACEA staffs.The contents of reports from trainees weredifferent from the past because no specific topicswere given by ACEA. Discussions were based on

the presentations regarding the training program.In addition, differences in the young professionalstraining program between Japan and Australiawas selected as a topic.

3. Training Program As the details of training programs are presentedin the separate section, summary of thepresentations and discussion are reported.

(1) Similarity in Training and Education• On-the-Job Training• Young engineers submit reports and have the

opportunities to present in periodical seminarson technical and operational aspects.

• There are several educational programs such as“ PDP and CPD ” for professionals offered by theInstitution of Engineers and Institution ofProfessional Engineers in Australia/ Japan. Andsimilar programs by other organisations.

• Advanced or expertise engineering study inUniversities

Young Summit Participants Presentation by Mr. Yagami

Hidechika NakamuraYPEP2008 Trainee

P.T.MORIMURA & ASSOCIATES, LTD

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(2) Difference in Training and Education• The way of On-the-Job training. Senior engineers

involve positively in the course of practices carriedout by junior engineers when it is appropriate.

• The style of seminar is different from Japanconsiderably.

• Young professionals are encouraged to obtainPostgraduate degree, such as Master’s degree.

• Networking is considered as important practice .

4. SummaryI observed that training programs for young

professionals in Australia are provided mainly by On-the-Job Training. The fundamental methodologyand contents of training programs seem similar inAustralia and Japan.However, interaction between senior and juniorprofessionals in Australia appeared much activethan Japan. This also applies to implementation oftraining program for young professionals.Furthermore, system of Networking in Australiaseems far advanced than that of Japan.I strongly feel that we should introduce thispractice in Japan.

Presentation by Mr. Ishiyama Presentation by Mr. Hasegawa

Presentation by Mr. Kai Presentation by Mr. Morinaga

Memory of YPEP2008 in ACEA

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Round Table Discussion at YPEP 2008Reporting Conference

Yoshihisa ASADA Professional Development Promotion Sub-Committee, AJCE

Young Professional Group, AJCE

1. IntroductionThe reporting meeting for the young professionalexchange program (YPEP) between AJCE andACE was held at the conference room ofOriental Consultants Co., Ltd. on 7th November,2008. The main speakers were the six traineeswho had received three months of pre-trainingbefore leaving for Australia and three weeks withthe Australian host company from 6th October to26 October. Another 20 young professionals alsoparticipated. The discussion covered: (a) anoutline of YPEP activities, (b) reporting of the YPEPactivities in 2008, (c) round table discussion and(d) introduction of FIDIC-YPF / AJCE-YPGactivities.

This report presents details of the round tablediscussion.

As a part of agenda item (b), each trainee spokeabout their experience from the training programand presented opinions on differences between

the consulting engineer professions in Australiaand Japan with respect to processes andprocedures, the working environment, andhuman resource development.

2. Topics of round table discussionThe round table discussion was designed as anopportunity to discuss the differences betweenJapan and Australia reported by the participantsand their implications for the future professionaldevelopment of young Japanese consultingengineers. The discussion topics were formulatedby the core-members of the young professionalgroup with reference to the trainee’s requests.The table below shows the three selecteddiscussion topics.

Topic 1 Working style for consulting engineers in Australia

Topic 2 Possibility for penetrating overseas markets byJapanese consulting engineers

Topic 3 Relationships between consultants, clients andthe public

The discussion was proceeded by dividing intothree groups and two trainees were allocated toeach group, creating a dynamic atmosphere.Trainees were assigned to play the role offacilitating the discussion, compiling the pointsraised, and presenting the outcome to the wholegroup after the round table discussion.

The outcomes of the discussions on each topicwere as follows.

Topic 1: Working Style of Australian consulting engineersTopic 1 was guided by a presentation of trainee,

Date: 7th November, 2008 (Friday)

Venue: Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd.

13:30-13:35 Opening remarks

13:35-13:45 What is the YPEP?

13:45-15:05 Reporting of YPEP 2008(official events

held, each trainee, Young Summit)

15:05-15:20 Tea break

15:20-17:15 Round table discussion

17:15-17:25 ntroduction of FIDIC-YPF, AJCE-YPG

17:25-17:30 Closing remarks

17:45-19:00 Networking

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Mr. Masato Ishiyama, IDEA Consultants, Inc., thendiscussion involving all participants followed.Mr. Ishiyama reported that the main characteristics ofthe working style in Australian consulting engineersare (a) they work less overtime, (b) they receivefewer phone calls from clients; quiet officeenvironment helps to concentrate in work, and(c) there are more opportunities for networking inthe consulting engineering industry outside oftheir company.After his presentation, there were questions andopinions expressed by participants. A summary ofthis discussion is as follows.

Opinion/Question Response from Trainee

Topic 2: Possibility of penetrating the overseasmarket by Japanese consulting engineers

Topic 2 was formulated to discuss the possibility ofJapanese consulting engineers entering intooverseas markets and was conducted by groupdiscussion. This topic seemed slightly abstractand broad, so a sub-title was adopted: “Whatkind of Japanese engineering expertise aresuperior to overseas?”

Discussion points1. What kind of Japanese engineering expertise were

recognized from their training that can be applied tooverseas markets?

2. What are the advantages in technology, engineer’scapability, or production systems?

3. What are the problems or challenges need to beovercome?

A summary of the group discussion is as follows.(1) What Japanese technologies can be proudly

applied overseas?• High standard engineering expertise (e.g.,

anti-seismic technology) and keepingproject time schedule in time.

• Engineers with a broad engineering

There is frequent checking of the younger engineer’s workprogress and outputs, and guidance given (though itsometimes feels like they are only being given tasks as a part oftheir normal duties, not for specific purpose of training).Young engineers are always encouraged to express theiropinions in meetings.

What are the features of guidance provided by seniorengineers?

There are more tangible targets for training and evaluationsystem. For acquiring qualifications, the company provides theopportunity for technical experience and to allow them tosubmit training reports.

What are the differences between Australia and Japan with respect to on-the-job training(OJT)?

In Australia, although the salary system is not clear, monthlysalaries were said to be about $US3,500 for an engineer with 25years experience, and house rent costs bout $US1,000. Theycertainly don’t seem to have higher salaries, but they seem tohave better quality of life.

Is the reduced overtimereflected in the salary system?

background and knowledge (in Australia manyengineers can handle only their own field ofspecialization).

• High capability of solving problems (precisethinking, good concentration); however,weak on original thinking and creative ideas.

(2) Advantages in technology, engineer’scapability, or production systems.

• When a Japanese company attempts toenter into overseas market, it would beappropriate to joint venture with Australiancompany.

• Enhancement of sales requires technologiesthat do not exist in the target market.

• Have to understand that possession of hightechnology alone does not guarantee highsales. Marketing efforts customized for thetarget country are essential for effective andefficient promotion.

• Overseas projects normally require totalproject management.

(3) Problems or challenges that need to beovercome

• Language skills, multi-cultural understandingand appropriate communication skills; all

Photo 1. Round Table Discussion

Photo-2. Round Table Discussion

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need to be improved as much as possible.• We should study and be trained in project

management for high-level engineeringjudgment.

Topic 3: Relationships between Consultants,Clients and the PublicTopic 3 dealt with issues and activit iesconcerning the relationships with contractors,clients, and the public from the viewpoint ofJapanese consultants.A summary of the results of the group discussion isas follows.1) Contractors - Clients Relationship

• The relationship between Japaneseconsulting engineers and their clients is like arelationship between an employer and anemployee (possibly due to the history of thebirth of consulting engineering in Japan).

• Australian consulting engineers haveresponsibility for whole projects, from design toconstruction; therefore, the industry has highstatus. Also, consultants have considerableflexibility to exercise judgment which is built intotheir contracts with clients.

• For example how much difference in thestatus of consulting engineers in Japan andother countries. In England, sometimesconsulting engineers request research fromprivate firm such as think-tank. Consultingengineers have superior role..

2) Relationship with Public• In Australia, public relations activities by

consulting engineering bodies areconducted frequently and by variousmethods (including visits to high schools). Asa result, public gain higher awareness in therole of consulting engineers, similar to theawareness of doctors and lawyers.

Due to time limitations, the group discussionswere allocated for only 30 minutes on eachtopic. However, participants raised manyinteresting points in lively discussions, which weremuch appreciated by the meeting organizers.One of the participants pointed out that this kindof information exchange between young

engineers can be extremely helpful for careerplanning.At the end of the group discussion, oneparticipant suggested that we young engineersshould take the initiative to change the status ofconsulting engineers and our workingenvironment. We should not expect or dependon clients and our companies to change thesituation.

3.ConclusionThis discussion provided a precious opportunityfor us to freely exchange opinions based on theexperiences from YPEP 2008. Many thanks go to allparticipants. The exchange program provided agreat opportunity for the trainees to comparecircumstances in Australia and Japan. Participantshad valuable experience in identifying thedifferences in culture and ways of practice andassociated issues, presenting findings, anddiscussing them with other young Japaneseengineers.Hopefully, more in-depth analyses of the causes ofthe differences between the consulting engineerprofession in Japan and other developedcountries will be continued, thereby identifyingdirections and actions for improvement. Theyoung professional group (YPG) in AJCE willcontinue to organize these kinds of opportunitiesfor discussion and networking for youngprofessionals.

Photo-3. YPEP 2008 Trainees and Participants (after the networking session)

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Inauguration of MOU between AJCE andKENCA

On 22nd July, 2008, Mr. Akihiko Hirotani ,president of AJCE and Mr. Haeng-Rae Cho,chairman of KENCA concluded Memorandum ofUnderstanding between AJCE and KENCA atToranomon Pastral Hotel in Tokyo. About 20people including executive board members fromboth associations participated in theinauguration ceremony.In the opening address, Mr. Cho expressed thatKENCA hopes to raise capability of CEs throughMOU and share progress and prosperity betweenboth associations. He stressed strong mutualcooperation on this regard.

Mr. Hirotani agreed with Mr. Cho’s address andresponded that AJCE looks for nurturingconstructive and trustful relationship.Main objective of the MOU is to cooperate andpromote development of CE industry in Japanand Korea. Scope of MOU covers informationexchange, exchange of professionals, cooperativeresearch, holding joint seminars or workshops, andpromotion of project opportunity.Three newspaper companies participated in theinauguration ceremony and reported the eventto construction industry.

From the left KENCA KIM Yong Gon, Vice President,CHO Haeng Rae, President,

AJCE Hirotani, President, Shimizu, Vice President

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Dialogues with Richard Stump

Former FIDIC YPF (Young Professionals Forum)chair and vice president of Stanley Consultants,Mr. Richard Stump visited AJCE secretariat onJuly 8, November 11, 2008 and January 23, 2009.Members of AJCE Professional DevelopmentCommittee and ASPAC (FIDIC MemberAssociations in the Asia- Pacific Region) sub-committee have exchanged information aboutissues as described below. His visit to AJCEcontributes greatly to activit ies of youngprofessionals in Japan as well as ASPAC membercountries.

AJCE and Richard have exchanged followinginformation:1) FIDIC YPF

Richard reported that the chair of FIDIC YPF willbe handed over to Alex Eyquem in 2008 FIDICQuebec conference. Three steeringcommittee members will retire in 2008. Richardrequested AJCE to nominate one steeringcommittee member from Japan. Respondingto his request, AJCE executive boardnominated a candidate, Takashi Nakajimawho was approved to be a steeringcommittee member at FIDIC YPF GAM inQuebec conference.

2) Establishment of ASPAC YPFRichard requested AJCE for a presentation atFIDIC YPF Open Forum in Quebec conference.Responding to his request, AJCE executiveboard assigned ASPAC sub-committeemember of AJCE to present a proposal ofestablishment of ASPAC YPF. Following thepresentation at the Open Forum, the idea ofASPAC YPF establishment was supported byFIDIC YPF. So-called Pre-steering committee ofASPAC has formed after the Quebecconference. Most of them are from FIDIC YPFsteering committee members in Asian region.

3) Young ProfessionalsExchange Program(YPEP)AJCE and ACEA(Australia) havebeen implementingYPEP for 12 years.Over 100 youngprofessionals haveparticipated in thisprogram. Six professionals from ACEA had visit-training in host companies of AJCE. It is ourunderstanding that YPEP program initiated an ideaabout establishing young professionals activities inFIDIC.

4) AJCE Young Professional Group (YPG)As a platform for continuous professionaldevelopment for young professionals whoparticipated in YPEP or FIDIC conference, KunjiAkinaga has established AJCE YoungProfessional Group (YPG).Since its establishment, AJCE YPG has sharedinternal newsletters, translation of FIDIC news in Japanese, and has been supporting activitiesof AJCE by on-demand basis. Approximately40 young professionals are registered for YPG.

FIDIC YPF was established in 2003 to promoteactivities of young professionals. This momentumis about to flourish in ASPAC. AJCE has involvedwith establishment of FIDC YPF from itspreparation stage

Richard and AJCE have been keeping friendlyand positive cooperation. AJCE values dialogueswith Richard and hoping it to be nurtured for along time. It is also our expectations that this kindof relationship could be extended to youngprofessionals in ASPAC YPF as well as FIDIC YPF.