Property Agents Should Go Through A Course On 'Code Of Conduct And Ethics' Before They Are Given Their Practising Certificate

Source : The Straits Times, Oct 3, 2007

I REFER to the article, 'Case, property body seek licensing of housing agents" (ST, Sept 26).

I fully endorse the positive move as we are behind many developed countries which already have this in practice.

I was at the public forum on Sept 25 organised by the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) with speakers from HDB, Case, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Small Claims Tribunal and NTUC. NTUC secretary-general Lim Swee Say and Case president Yeo Guat Kwang were there to grace the event.

Firstly, let me applaud IEA for initiating the launch of its 'Practising Certificate' for its members. By taking this first step, IEA shows that it is seriously concerned with the regulation of estate agents in Singapore.

However, it needs the support of the various government bodies to recognise and endorse its intention so that complaints lodged with Case can be reduced.

Mr Yeo's remarks that complaints lodged against real estate agents have almost doubled in the last two years (991 last year) makes one ponder how many of these complaints are from agents who have passed the Common Exam for Housing Agents (Ceha).

Most of its complaints can be avoided if agents were more ethical in their business transactions. I suggest that besides the 'paper qualification' of Ceha, agents should also go through a course on 'code of conduct and ethics' before they are given their practising certificate.

To eliminate 'rogue agents', there must be a system. If agents breach any code of conduct and ethics during their course of duty, they should be given a firm warning. If they continue to practise in an unethical manner, they should be barred from practice. In this way, we can be sure of high standards of professionalism and integrity.

During the forum, Mr Lim and Mr Yeo voiced their support of IEA in promoting real estate professionalism. Mr Lim also mentioned that the Government is looking into various categories of workers, comprising Blue, White, Silver, Gold and No collar workers. Real estate agents should be categorised as Gold collar workers as they are professionals. They should be regulated, go through a comprehensive course on ethical behaviour and pass Ceha to qualify them as full-fledged professionals.

Dennis Wee Chuan Peng
CEO
Dennis Wee Group