Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) are two distinct organizations related to the architectural profession in Malaysia. Here’s a breakdown of each organization and the differences between them:
- Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM): PAM, which translates to the Malaysian Institute of Architects, is a professional organization representing architects in Malaysia. It was established in 1920 and serves as a platform for architects to advance the profession, promote excellence in architecture, and uphold the interests of its members. PAM is primarily focused on professional development, architectural education, and advocacy for the architectural community.
Key functions and activities of PAM include:
- Promoting and maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and competence among its members.
- Organizing architectural competitions, exhibitions, conferences, and seminars.
- Providing continuous professional development programs and training for architects.
- Publishing architectural journals, newsletters, and other publications.
- Engaging with government bodies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to influence policies related to the built environment.
PAM’s membership is open to qualified architects, architectural graduates, and students pursuing architecture. It offers various membership categories, including professional architects, graduate architects, corporate members, and student members.
- Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM): Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, or the Board of Architects Malaysia, is a statutory body established under the Architects Act 1967. LAM is responsible for regulating the architectural profession in Malaysia and safeguarding the public interest in matters related to architecture.
The key functions of LAM include:
- Registering architects and architectural firms, ensuring they meet the prescribed qualifications and standards.
- Establishing guidelines, codes of conduct, and practice standards for architects.
- Conducting professional examinations for aspiring architects.
- Enforcing professional discipline and taking appropriate actions against architects who breach ethical or professional standards.
- Collaborating with relevant government agencies on matters related to architecture and the built environment.
LAM’s primary role is to regulate the architectural profession, ensuring that practitioners meet the necessary qualifications, abide by ethical standards, and provide competent services to the public. It focuses on the licensing, registration, and disciplinary aspects of the profession.
Differences between PAM and LAM:
- Nature and Focus: PAM is a professional organization, while LAM is a statutory regulatory body. PAM primarily focuses on professional development, education, and advocacy for architects, whereas LAM focuses on regulating and overseeing the architectural profession in Malaysia.
- Membership: PAM offers membership to qualified architects, architectural graduates, and students, providing them with a professional community and resources. LAM is responsible for registering and licensing architects and architectural firms, ensuring they meet the prescribed standards and qualifications.
- Functions and Activities: PAM organizes events, publishes architectural journals, and advocates for the profession’s interests. LAM establishes guidelines, conducts examinations, enforces professional discipline, and collaborates with government agencies on matters related to architecture.
In summary, PAM is a professional organization that represents architects and focuses on professional development, education, and advocacy. LAM is a statutory body that regulates and oversees the architectural profession, ensuring the standards, qualifications, and ethical conduct of architects in Malaysia. Both organizations play important roles in the Malaysian architectural landscape, albeit with different functions and responsibilities.