the solution of problems presented to him but his analysis of the problem must depend on his knowledge of his community as a responsible citizen."
But it was not always that know- ledge was used to produce buildings. There had been many occasions when the architect's advice to his client had been that he should not erect a par- ticular building on a particular site advice which perhaps lost him a client.
Fortunately for architects, there were more occasions when they were able to make definite proposals for new buildings. A look around Singa. pore today showed that architects in general and those of the Housing and Development Board in particular, had been having a very busy time.
Mr. Wong pointed out that not all the working houurs of the architect were devoted to the design and super- vision of buildings.
The SIA had representatives on no fewer than eight Governmental and statutory bodies dealing in matters ranging from town planning control
to the training of future architects. In all these representations, members acted in an honorary capacity, making their contribution to the development of the community.
But such work was essential be- cause it was important that architects. by virtue of their special knowledge, contribute towards ensuring that the town planning of Singapore would be rationally administered.
"It is important that architects con tribute towards the training of future architects and very recently, resulting from opinions expressed in our journal, we hope that the Government will introduce certain measures to regulate and improve estate housing in the private sector." Mr. Wong said.
While the SIA recognised that the specialised knowledge of foreign ex- perts, who had been brough to Singa. pore, was highly necessary for the State's development, the SIA felt that in the long run "we should develop a reservoir of specialised knowledge so that architects in both the private and public sectors can in time be
Well organised and experienced General Building Contractors . .
drawn upon for the development of this country."
Mr. Wong said that as a profession- al body the SIA was dedicated to the advancement of architecture, but the advancement of architecture could best be served by working towards the centralisation of one pan-Malay- sian professional institute.
was
Efforts were being made towards this end and if all went well the public would benefit from having an architectural profession that unified in its practice and procedures. while at the same time the best brains of all the territories could be brought to bear to contribute towards the development of the whole region.
"Our efforts towards improving the standard of service to the public as well as our efforts towards improving architectural training could then be on a pan-Malaysian level." Mr. Wong said. "The architects who are today serving on committees dealing with the town planning of Singapore will in time sit on committees that will deal with the regional planning of the Malaysian nation."
CHAN & CHUA CONSTRUCTION
SELANGOR KWANG TANG ASSOCIATION BUILDING,
ROOM 310, 3rd FLOOR, PUDU ROAD, KUALA LUMPUR. TELEPHONE: 84877.
WE ARE PROUD OF BEING THE
GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS
FOR THE FOLLOWING MAJOR BUILDINGS:-
* CAXTON PRESS (P. Jaya)
• LEVER BROTHERS (NEW EXTENSIONS)
* MALAYAN PACKAGING (FACTORY & OFFICE)
• ESSO REFINERIES OFFICES & MECHANICAL BLOCKS (P. DICKSON)
• COLD STORAGE (OFFICE & FACTORY SG. BESI)
+ FRASER & NEAVE (OFFICE & FACTORY)
• RADIO MALAYSIA OFFICE BLOCK & STUDIO MALACCA
• EAST ASIATIC OFFICE BLOCKS & CAR SHOW ROOM
THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER—VOLUME 19, NUMBER 1
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