The crucial and demanding nature of operation and maintenance engineering necessitates that Engineers and Technicians uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrating absolute honesty and integrity. The professions’s role in ensuring the quality of life and work environment is undeniable. Therefore, PMC members must maintain and ensure impartiality and objectivity in all actions and decisions, with the ultimate goal of protecting the health and safety of the community. Professional behavior standards that Engineers and Technicians must follow are founded on the highest ethical principles.
This code of ethics is designed based on the principles of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and has been adjusted to better fit PMC’s standards and requirements in real estate operation and maintenance. Engineers and Technicians must adhere to the following principles:
¾ Ensure safety and sustainable development through infrastructure operation, maintenance, and repair.
¾ Treat everyone with dignity and fairness, and encourage active participation without discrimination.
¾ Consider society’s current and future demand.
¾ Apply professional knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life in the community and work environment.
Every member of PMC, regardless of position or duties, is committed to upholding the stated ethical responsibilities. The interested organizations shall be prioritized according to a predetermined order. Above all, in every situation, health, safety, and community welfare take precedence over other responsibilities.
A. PRINCIPLES AND BASIC RULES
BASIC PRINCIPLES
IOperation and maintenance engineers and technicians shall uphold the integrity, honor, and dignity of the profession by:
1. Using knowledge and skills to benefit the community.
2. Being honest, fair, and serving Clients, Companies, and Company partners impartially.
3. Striving to improve the competence and prestige of the engineering and technician profession.
4. Supporting professional and technical associations in the industry.
BASIC RULES
When executing their professional duties, Engineers and Technicians must:
1. Prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the community.
2. Only perform services in areas of competence.
3. Ensure public statements are objective and true.
4. Demonstrate professional integrity and prevent conflicts of interest while dealing with developers, building owner’s committees, and clients as professional representatives or authorized staff
5. Build a professional reputation based on the Company’s quality standards and fair competition principles.
6. Demonstrate respect, ethical responsibility, and legality to uphold the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession.
7. Avoid deceptive practices.
8. Foster professional growth throughout their careers and create opportunities for professional development for other Engineers and Technicians under their supervision.
GUIDANCE ON BASIC ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
1. Engineers and Technicians must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the community in their professional duties.
a. Engineers and Technicians must recognize that the community’s life, safety, health, and welfare depend on the technical decisions and practices applied to structures, machines, products, services, processes, and equipment.
b. Engineers and Technicians should not approve or seal drawings and/ or specifications that do not meet technical standards and design safety, as this may endanger community health and welfare.
c. If the professional judgment is overruled in situations that risk the community’s safety, health, and welfare, Engineers and Technicians must notify the Developer, Building Owner’s Committee, or Company of the possible consequences, and if necessary, alert the relevant authority.
y Engineers and Technicians must disclose standards, test codes, and quality control procedures to inform the public about the safety or lifespan associated with the use of designs, products, and systems for which they are responsible.
y Engineers and Technicians must ensure the safety and reliability of their designs, products, or systems for before approving design plans.
y Engineers and Technicians must alert their superiors or the relevant authorities if they observe conditions that pose a threat to public safety or health.
d. If Engineers and Technicians know or have reason to believe that another person or Company is breaking law, they must report it in writing and cooperate with the authority to provide necessary information or support.
y Engineers and Technicians must inform the authorities when reviewing the safety and reliability of a project or system or if mandated designs pose risks to the community during use.
y Engineers and Technicians must not authorize changes or modifications to products, equipment, or systems that may compromise their safety and reliability.
e. Engineers and Technicians should seek opportunities to take on civil responsiblities to improve community health, safety, and welfare.
f. Engineers and Technicians should commit to improving the environment for a better quality of life.
2. Engineers and Technicians should only perform services in their areas of competence.
a. Engineers and Technicians should only undertake technical tasks for which they have the appropriate training or expertise in the relevant technical field.
b. Engineers and Technicians may undertake tasks beyond their areas of competence, but only if they fulfill project criteria. All additional stages of the project must be completed by associates, consultants, or personnel who have the necessary qualifications.
c. Engineers and Technicians must not sign and/or seal any drawings or technical documents related to subjects or fields in which they are not trained or have no practical experience. They should also not sign and/or seal any drawings or documents that were not prepared under their direct supervision.
3. Engineers and Technicians must ensure public statements are objective and true.
a. Engineers and Technicians stay up-to-date on scientific and technical advancements.
b. Engineers and Technicians must provide objective and truthful professional reports, remarks, or arguments, containing all relevant and important information.
c. Engineers and Technicians servinng as witnesses for functional agencies must have thorough knowledge of the issue, solid technical foundations, and genuine confidence in their claims.
d. Engineers and Technicians must not make reports, arguments, critiques, or statements on technical issues based on inspiration or payment from one or more parties unless they have disclosed their identity, the identity of the party or parties they represent, and the existence of any financial interests they may have in those matters.
e. Engineers and Technicians should maintain a modest and humble demeanor when explaining their work and achievements, and avoid activities that undermine the profession’s integrity, honor, and dignity.
4. Engineers and Technicians must demonstrate professional integrity and prevent conflicts of interest while dealing with developers, building owner’s committees, and clients as professional representatives or authorized staff.
a. Engineers and Technicians must avoid all known conflicts of interest that may impact the Company’s strategy or service quality, including the Company’s and those with Clients or other commercial ties.
b. Engineers and Technicians should avoid accepting that might lead to conflict of interest with their clients or employees.
c. Engineers and Technicians can not accept pay or other compensation from multiple parties for the same project unless agreed upon by the Company and all involved parties.
d. Engineers and Technicians are prohibited from requesting or accepting any financial or valuable items (including free technical designs) from suppliers of materials, equipment, or devices to define product usage.
e. Engineers and Technicians must not solicit or accept any gifts from contractors, agents, or other related parties, whether direct or indirect.
f. When the results of their studies indicate that a project is likely to fail, Engineers and Technicians must inform the Company or its Clients.
g. Engineers and Technicians must keep work-related information confidential and refrain from using it for personal benefits if it harms the Company’s Clients or public interest.
y Confidential information about a Client Company’s business operations or technical processes, whether current or former, or a Contractor under evaluation, should not be disclosed without their consent.
y Engineers and Technicians must not disclose confidential information or related matters when working on a project.
y Engineers and Technicians must not reproduce designs provided by the Company or its Clients without authorization of the parties concerned.
y While employed by the Company, Engineers and Technicians can not promote or negotiate for jobs in other Companies if they have expertise without the Company’s consent.
h. Engineers and Technicians must be fair all parties when managing a contract that the Company has signed, such as the supply of materials, equipment, machinery, maintenance, and repair.
i. Before executing work involving improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other documents with copyrights or patents, Engineers and Technicians must acquire a clear agreement on ownership rights.
j. Engineers and Technicians must acknowledge and accept errors when they are proven incorrect. Avoid distorting or changing the truth to justify their decisions.
k. Engineers and Technicians should not undertake work linked to their expertise or knowledge for external companies or entities unless they fully understand it.
l. Engineers and Technicians must not use misleading or flattery tactics to entice personnel from other companies unless they fully understand the Company and wish to join.
5. Engineers and Technicians must build a professional reputation based on the Company’s quality standards and fair competition principles.
a. It is unlawful to engage in or propose payments to superiors or related individuals to secure their income or job position (bribery), whether directly or indirectly.
b. When reviewing, writing, or negotiating contracts, Engineers and Technicians must demonstrate their expertise equitably and solely on the basis of their proven capabilities and qualifications.
c. When reviewing, writing, or negotiating contracts, Engineers and Technicians must consider the methods and rates that correspond to the scope of services provided by the contractor, ensuring that the costs of technical services are fair and reasonable but not a controlling factor in the selection of individuals or companies providing these services. Mutual agreement among parties in the contract is necessary to establish mutual trust. Engineers and Technicians must apply these principles when hiring services from other contractors.
d. Engineers and Technicians must not use underhanded methods to replace personnel in their project, as these personnel have been selected by the Company through interviews. (If the personnel do not meet the job requirements in their project, a report must be submitted to the Company’s leadership or human resources department).
e. Engineers and Technicians must not request or propose commissions when contributing ideas or technical expertise to a project or providing consultations to subcontractors.
f. All technical personnel must not use fake certificates or degrees, nor should they exaggerate the level of responsibility of previous jobs when applying for suitable positions in the Company.
6. Engineers and Technicians must maintain and enhance the integrity and dignity of the profession.
a. Engineers and Technicians must not associate with or allow themselves or the Company’s identities to be used by businesses or any other individuals or companies to engage in fraudulent or dishonest business or professional activities.
b. Engineers and Technicians must not use other individuals, companies, or partners as a “front” for unethical behaviors.
7. Engineers and Technicians must foster professional growth throughout their careers and create opportunities for professional development for other Engineers and Technicians under their supervision.
a. Engineers and Technicians should encourage their technical staff to continue their education.
b. Engineers and Technicians should encourage their technical staff to enroll in specialized training courses as soon as possible.
c. Engineers and Technicians should encourage technical staff to attend and present papers at company training meetings or specialized training courses.
d. Engineers and Technicians should provide professional and occupational knowledge support to personnel training courses or skill training for subordinate personnel.
e. Engineers and Technicians must accurately credit individual efforts for the technical work they have performed. Whenever possible, they should identify the individual(s) who have taken steps, designed, invented, or achieved outstanding accomplishments in their assigned work.
f. Engineers and Technicians must strive to acquire and expand their technical knowledge from colleagues, online spaces, and society. They must not contribute to the spread of incorrect statements.
g. Engineers and Technicians should allocate technical tasks to technicians with deep specialization relevant to their skills and experience as much as possible, while assigning less critical functions to other technical staff or technicians with comparable skills and experience.
h. Engineers and Technicians must provide potential technical staff with full information about their working conditions and career opportunities, and after recruitment, they must notify them of any changes.
B. ETHICAL RULES
SOCIETY
1. Must prioritize protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
2. Should contribute to improving the quality of life for the community.
3. Must provide professional and honest opinions only based on sufficient knowledge and reasonable beliefs.
4. Must adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards bribery, fraud, and corruption in any form and report violations to relevant authorities.
5. Must demonstrate dedication in their work, diligently serve in their roles, especially in customer service.
6. Must treat everyone (colleagues, clients, contractors, etc.) with respect, dignity, and fairness, and firmly oppose all forms of discrimination and harassment.
7. Must respect colleagues’ diverse social and cultural backgrounds and integrate them into their work without discrimination.
8. Must recognize the limitations and effectiveness of current and emerging technologies used for work.
9. Must report any misconduct to leadership or relevant authorities to protect the health, safety, environment, and rights of workers.
ENVIRONMENT
1. Must comply with sustainable development principles.
2. Should balance social and environmental impacts with opportunities for improvement in their work.
3. Should minimize negative impacts on society, the environment, and the economy.
4. Must use resources efficiently and reasonably, acknowledging that resources are gradually depleting.
PROFESSION
1. Must respect the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession.
2. Must ensure compliance with workplace legal standards when performing professional tasks.
3. Must accurately represent their professional qualifications and experience.
4. Must reject unfair competition.
5. Should ensure equitable training and knowledge sharing with current and prospective colleagues.
6. Should promote public awareness of engineering’s role in society.
7. Must continuously develop professional skills to enhance both technical and non-technical competencies.
COMPANY AND DEVELOPERS/ BUILDING OWNER’S COMMITTEES
4. Must clearly and promptly explain to the Company and Developers/ Building Owner’s Committees the repurcussions of overruling their technical judgment, which may harm public health, safety, and welfare.
5. Must keep confidential any information, terms, and agreements established between the Company and Developers/Building Owner’s Committees.
6. Should provide services exclusively within their professional areas of competence.
7. Must only approve, sign, or seal work documents that have been thoroughly reviewed or are under their direct supervision.
1. Must act as a bridge between the Company and Developers/Building Owner’s Committees, demonstrating integrity and professionalism.
2. Must clarify any potential or perceived conflicts of interest with the Company and Developers/ Building Owner’s Committees.
3. Must promptly communicate any work-related risks and limitations to the Company and Developers/ Building Owner’s Committees.
COLLEAGUES
1. Can only take credit for the professional work they themselves conduct.
2. Must recognize and credit the contributions of others.
3. Should promote and enhance workplace health and safety inspections.
4. Should demonstrate inclusive, fair, and ethical behavior in all interactions with colleagues
5. Demonstrate honesty and fairness towards colleagues.
6. Should encourage and support the training and development of other Engineers and Technicians and aspiring technicians in the profession.
7. Must supervise fairly and respectfully.
8. Should professionally evaluate the work, reputations, and character of other Engineers’ and Technicians.
9. Must report violations of the Code of Ethics to the Company.
C. CODE OF PRACTICE
1. Engineers and Technicians must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the community in all professional tasks.
a. If Engineers and Technicians’ judgment is overruled in lifethreatening situations, they must notify the Company or Clients, and if necessary, report to the appropriate authorities.
b. Engineers and Technicians should only approve technical documents that comply with applicable standards.
c. Engineers and Technicians must not disclose work, data, or information without prior consent from the Client or Company unless required by law or the Code of Practice.
d. Engineers and Technicians are prohibited from using their names or qualifications in any business ventures with individuals or companies suspected of fraudulent or dishonest practices.
e. Engineers and Technicians must not assist or enable illegal engineering practices by any individual or company (e.g., foreign nationals working illegally in Vietnam).
f. Engineers and Technicians must understand the Code of Practice, report violations to superiors, professional organizations, or public authorities, and cooperate with relevant authorities when needed.
2. Engineers and Technicians should only perform work within their areas of training and competence.
a. Engineers and Technicians should only undertake tasks for which they have adequate professional training or relevant experience.
b. Engineers and Technicians must not sign any drawings or documents that are outside their professional competence or were not prepared under their supervision.
3. Engineers and Technicians must make public statements objectively and truthfully
a. Engineers and Technicians must provide objective and honest professional reports, statements, or arguments, including all relevant information, and date such information if it is current.
b. Engineers and Technicians may publicly express technical opinions based on their knowledge of facts and competence in the issue.
c. Engineers and Technicians must not make reports, arguments, or statements on technical issues based on feelings or payment from interested parties unless they have disclosed their identity, the identity of the parties they represent, and any financial interests.
4. Engineers and Technicians must avoid deceptive practices.
a. Engineers and Technicians must not use fradulent certificates or exaggerate their previous job responsibilities when applying for employment within the Company.
b. Engineers and Technicians are prohibited from soliciting or accepting bribes to secure contracts, which might compromise personal and Company integrity.
D. PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS
1. Engineers and Technicians must be guided in all their relationships by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
a. Engineers and Technicians must acknowledge their mistakes and avoid distorting or altering the truth.
b. Engineers and Technicians must advise Clients/Developers/ Building Owner’s Committees or the Company if they believe that any item/project/plan will fail due to related issues.
c. Engineers and Technicians must not accept external work that is detrimental to their current job or primary interests. If they accept any external technical work, they must notify the responsible person at the Company.
d. Engineers and Technicians must not use fraudulent or deceptive methods to attract personnel from other employers.
e. Engineers and Technicians must not promote personal interests that undermine the profession’s integrity and honor.
f. Engineers and Technicians must treat everyone with respect, fairness, and without discrimination.
2. Engineers and Technicians should always prioritize public interest.
a. Engineers and Technicians are encouraged to engage in social events, career guidance for youth, and strive to improve community safety, health, and welfare.
b. Engineers and Technicians should not approve, sign, or seal any drawings and/or technical specifications that do not comply with established technical standards. If Clients/Developers/Building Owner’s Committees or the Company request such unprofessional actions, they must alert the relevant authority and withdraw from the Company/ project.
c. Engineers and Technicians must strive to acquire and expand their technical knowledge from colleagues, the internet, and society. They must not contribute to the spread of fraudulent, unfair, or exaggerated technical statements.
d. Engineers and Technicians are encouraged to adhere to sustainable development principles to protect the environment for future generations.
e. Engineers and Technicians must continue their professional development throughout their careers and stay current in their fields of expertise by practicing, reading technical documents, participating in Company training courses, associations, forums, and attending industry meetings and seminars.
3. Engineers and Technicians must avoid any misleading actions in society.
a. Engineers and Technicians must avoid using reports that misrepresent the truth or omit important facts.
b. In accordance with the foregoing, Engineers and Technicians may promote recruitment.
c. In accordance with the above terms, Engineers and Technicians may write articles for technical journals or industryspecific media, but such articles must not imply recognition for the work of others.
4. Engineers and Technicians must not disclose confidential information related to the business activities or technical processes of any Clients, current or former Companies, or government agencies they have worked with without the consent of the relevant parties.
a. Engineers and Technicians must not propose or arrange for new work on a specific project in which they have special knowledge and expertise without the consent of all involved parties.
b. Engineers and Technicians must not participate in or represent opposing interests relating to a specific project or process for which they have special knowledge and expertise on behalf of former Clients or the Company without the consent of all involved parties.
5. Engineers and Technicians must not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicts of interest.
a. Engineers and Technicians are prohibited from requesting or accepting any financial or valuable items (including free technical designs) from suppliers of materials, equipment, or devices to define product usage.
b. Engineers and Technicians must not solicit or accept any gifts from contractors, agents, or other related parties, whether direct or indirect.
6. Engineers and Technicians must not use dishonest tactics to gain employment, promotion, or professional commitments, such as criticizing other colleagues or through questionable methods like bribery.
a. Engineers and Technicians must not solicit or accept any gifts from contractors, agents, or other related parties, whether direct or indirect
b. In positions compensated by the Company, Engineers and Technicians may only accept part-time technical work that is consistent with Company policies and ethical considerations.
c. Engineers and Technicians must not use Company equipment, materials, workshops, or office facilities for personal projects without Company consent.
7. Engineers and Technicians must not harm, falsely accuse, or degrade others’ professional reputation, prospects, or employment opportunities, whether directly or indirectly. If there is evidence of unethical or illegal actions by others, they must report it to the Company for action.
8. Engineers and Technicians must take personal responsibility for professional carelessness. However, compensation can be claimed if the action is not a result of serious negligence. They must not collaborate with other individuals, companies, or partners to conceal unethical actions.
They must not collaborate with other individuals, companies, or partners to conceal unethical actions.
9. Engineers and Technicians must credit others’ technical work of others and ownership rights.
a. Whenever possible, they should name the individuals who have created measures, designed, invented, or achieved significant accomplishments in their assigned work.
b. When using designs provided by Clients, they must acknowledge that the designs belong to the Clients and must not copy them for others without permission.
c. Before performing work involving improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or records protected by copyrights or patents, they must have a clear agreement on ownership rights.
d. The designs, data, records, and reports created by Engineers and Technicians for Company work are Company property.
Note: Laws governing competitive bidding have no bearing on the engineering profession’s ethical regulations.
