Understanding the Code of Ethics is crucial because engineering decisions directly affect public safety, environment, and integrity.
Let’s go through this clearly and structured — both for BEM (Board of Engineers Malaysia) and IEM (Institution of Engineers Malaysia), as their codes are closely aligned.
⚖️ 1. PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS
The Code of Ethics provides a framework that guides engineers to:
- Act responsibly in protecting the public interest.
- Uphold integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all engineering work.
- Avoid misconduct or conflicts of interest.
- Promote sustainable and safe engineering practice.
In short:
“Engineers must hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the practice of their profession.”
🏛️ 2. BEM (Board of Engineers Malaysia) Code of Professional Conduct
The BEM Code is legally binding under Section 15 of the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015).
Any violation can result in disciplinary action such as suspension, fine, or removal from the register.
Here’s a summary of the 8 main principles:
1️⃣ Responsibility to the Public
- An engineer must protect public safety, health, and welfare as the highest priority.
- Avoid designs or works that could cause danger to life or property.
- If safety is compromised, report the issue to the proper authority.
Example:
If you discover a design flaw that may cause boiler overpressure, you must take steps to stop the operation and report it — even if it delays production.
2️⃣ Competence and Professionalism
- Only undertake tasks within your competence and experience.
- Do not misrepresent your qualifications.
- Keep your knowledge up to date through continuous learning (CPD).
Example:
If you’re a mechanical engineer, don’t sign off on electrical design work unless you’re qualified and competent to do so.
3️⃣ Integrity and Honesty
- Always act truthfully and transparently.
- Do not engage in fraud, bribery, or misrepresentation.
- Do not falsify data, reports, or results.
Example:
Never manipulate test results to meet specifications under client pressure.
4️⃣ Conflict of Interest
- Avoid situations where personal interest conflicts with professional duty.
- Disclose potential conflicts to your employer or client.
Example:
If your relative owns a supplier company, you must declare it before recommending them for a project.
5️⃣ Confidentiality
- Do not disclose confidential information from clients or employers without consent.
- Protect proprietary or sensitive technical data.
Example:
You cannot share plant performance data of a client with competitors.
6️⃣ Responsibility to Employers and Clients
- Serve your employer and client faithfully and diligently.
- But — do not compromise public safety or ethical standards even if instructed.
Example:
If a client asks you to skip a safety test to save cost, you must refuse and explain the professional risk.
7️⃣ Responsibility to Other Engineers
- Treat fellow engineers with respect and fairness.
- Do not maliciously criticize or take credit for others’ work.
- Offer help and mentorship to younger engineers.
Example:
Do not publicly discredit another engineer’s work without valid technical evidence.
8️⃣ Responsibility to the Profession
- Uphold the dignity and reputation of the engineering profession.
- Promote awareness of ethical and sustainable practices.
- Avoid any act that brings disrepute to BEM/IEM.
Example:
Avoid posting unprofessional comments about your company or clients on social media.
🧭 3. IEM (Institution of Engineers Malaysia) Code of Ethics
The IEM Code complements BEM’s legal framework.
It adds emphasis on moral responsibility and professional conduct among members.
It’s grouped into five key obligations:
| IEM Code Category | Core Meaning |
|---|---|
| Obligation to Society | Prioritize safety, health, and environment above all. |
| Obligation to Employers/Clients | Be honest, loyal, and technically sound. |
| Obligation to Colleagues | Be fair, respectful, and cooperative. |
| Obligation to the Profession | Uphold the honour and advancement of engineering. |
| Obligation to Self | Maintain competence, integrity, and continuous learning. |
In essence, BEM = legal enforcement;
IEM = professional moral compass.
🧠 4. Typical Ethical Questions in IEM Professional Interview
Expect scenarios like these:
-
Conflict of Interest:
You are asked to approve a vendor your friend owns. What should you do?
→ Disclose the relationship and let another qualified person make the evaluation. -
Safety vs Production Pressure:
Your manager wants to bypass a safety interlock to maintain production. What will you do?
→ Refuse politely, explain safety and legal risks, and report to a higher authority if needed. -
Plagiarism or Misrepresentation:
A junior submits a report using data from another project. How will you handle it?
→ Investigate, counsel the junior, and correct the record honestly. -
Environmental Responsibility:
A project design may pollute a nearby river. How will you act?
→ Stop the work, evaluate mitigation options, and ensure environmental compliance.
🧩 5. Key Takeaways for Interview Preparation
✅ Memorize the main principles — safety, honesty, competence, integrity, responsibility.
✅ Practice answering ethical dilemma questions.
✅ Relate ethical values to your real engineering experience — that’s what impresses the interviewers.
✅ Always show you understand that public safety > company profit.
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