Izah Azahari
Real estate appraisers and agents should always be aware of the laws in force in this country, Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment ) at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak said.
She said this as the guest of honour when the Ministry of Development through its Board of Valuers and Estate Agents (BoVEA) presented certificates to 37 participants yesterday as valuers and estate agents who succeeded in the Real Estate Practices Part I and II.
It was co-organised with AVA Brunei Chapter and Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) at Indera Pahlawan Hall, Training and Work Skills Centre, Ministry of Development.
BoVEA Registrar of Appraisers and Real Estate Agents, cum Event Co-Chairman Pengiran Dr Harizan bin Pengiran Haji Piut in his welcoming speech said the course like this is expected to be a vehicle for improving the knowledge and ability of every appraiser and registered real estate agent, in providing services to the public. It is also hoped to be able to increase the credibility of every appraiser and real estate agent from a technical and professional point of view, comparable to best practice regionally and internationally.
It is also hoped that similar courses will be able to educate the appraisers and registered real estate agents on the do’s and don’ts based on what has been provided in the Appraisers and Real Estate Agents Order, 2019 which emphasises ethics, professionalism and also expertise in carrying out practices as industry players in this country. This is one of the important aspects highlighted by BoVEA, to jointly support the wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in providing related services that bring benefits to all levels of society in this country.
“The field of Real Estate Appraisers and Agents in this country is still in an increasingly progressive development stage, and this requires a more extensive and in-depth understanding, especially for practitioners, stakeholders and the public in general to ensure that the practices implemented are fair and without misconduct at every level for the benefit of all,” said Pengiran Dr Harizan.
The permanent secretary also expressed hopes that the course will be able to channel continuing professional education to appraisers and registered real estate agents as well as employees serving under a recognised practice.
“I believe that this course, provides benefits and opportunities to improve knowledge and personal abilities (upskilling) as well as business progress (reskilling) and strengthen good relationships between industry true players in the field of a conducive and resilient real estate industry environment,” said Dr Nor Imtihan.
They should be honest, and trustworthy in work and business, understand the socio-cultural conditions of the community’s life wisely, strive to improve the experience with relevant education and strengthen the level of discipline and ethics as a professional and registered person at all times and circumstances, which adds to the public’s confidence in the quality of services provided by registered real estate appraisers and agents, she said.
To date, there are 19 qualified practitioners with Practising Certificates to practise as registered real estate appraisers and agents to carry out real estate appraisal, management and marketing services to the public in this country.
The permanent secretary also raised several problems identified about real estate marketing advertisements currently rampant and are openly carried out by parties not registered in Brunei Darussalam.
“This kind of behaviour is inconsistent with the provisions contained under the Valuers and Estate Agents Order, 2009, and under Chapter 22 (g) of this Order, if convicted the fine does not exceed BND5,000, and an additional fine of BND500 for each day during the continued offence will be imposed on a person who is not registered under chapter 16(2),” she said. “Therefore, every registered practitioner is required to include their Registration Certificate number and the Practising Certificate Number for their business name in all appraisal reports and real estate marketing advertisements.
“The public in need of real estate appraisal, management and agency services, can refer to the list of names of registered legal practitioners that can be found and downloaded from the BoVEA website at www.bovea.gov.bn.”
The permanent secretary also urged and suggested that all parties such as land owners, developers, builders, suppliers of building materials and contractors are not allowed to issue any real estate marketing advertisements on any advertising platform, whether physical on the ground or through any print and online media.
The event saw the presentation of certificates to course presenters and volunteers, as well as to course participants and a video clip presentation on the BoVEA CPE Course Series 01/2022 which concluded the event.
