ASEAN Surpasses 10,000 Chartered Professional Engineers

Bangkok, Thailand – 15 June 2026 — The 58th ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer Coordinating Committee (ACPECC) Meeting marked a significant milestone in regional engineering cooperation, with the total number of ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineers (ACPE) exceeding 10,000.

Hosted in Bangkok and chaired by Engr. Praxedes Bernardo of the Philippines, the meeting brought together representatives from all ASEAN Member States (AMS) to advance engineering mobility, digital certification, and cross-border collaboration under the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on Engineering Services.

Record Growth in ASEAN Engineering Mobility

During the meeting, ACPECC approved 412 new ACPE applications, bringing the cumulative total to 10,137 approved engineers, with 10,086 currently active.

This continued expansion highlights the growing importance of ACPE certification as a regional benchmark for professional recognition and mobility across ASEAN.

Digital Transformation Through e-Certification

The Committee advanced implementation of the ACPE e-Certificate system, aimed at improving verification efficiency and accessibility for engineers and regulators.

ASEAN Member States have been requested to participate in system testing and validation, supporting the transition toward fully digital credentialing across the region.

Malaysia–Thailand MoU Strengthens Regional Collaboration

A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Thailand on internship and exchange programmes.

This initiative is expected to enhance:

• Professional knowledge exchange
• Capacity building
• Cross-border engineering experience

The MoU represents a practical model for strengthening ASEAN engineering mobility frameworks.

Policy and Regulatory Developments

Progress was also noted in aligning national regulations with MRA objectives. Updates from Member States reaffirmed the importance of collaborative practice models for foreign engineers, ensuring compliance with domestic professional standards.

In parallel, Thailand announced a reduction in ACPE registration fees, expected to encourage greater participation in the ACPE system.

Looking Ahead

The ACPECC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing regional integration, mobility frameworks, and digital systems, with the next meeting scheduled for October 2026.