We, the Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers from the Member Countries of the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS), realizing that close cooperation among ourselves from the Asia Pacific Region would help promote our missions stated in Article 1 below and the following additional aspirations to:

• Further develop and foster a global community of leaders in the Profession;
• Foster global cooperation in areas significant for global policy for the Profession;
• Shape the agenda for a global forum regarding economic trends, climate change, energy and water management;
• Provide a platform underpinned by knowledge and technology to ensure excellence in service delivery, competence, and education;

have established the following Constitution for the establishment and governance of the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors.

1.1 The Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors ("the Association") consists of membership as defined in Article 2. It is an international association of national organizations representing Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers in the Asia and Pacific Region (“the Region”).

1.2 The Mission of the Association is:

• To promote the practice of quantity surveying, cost engineering, and cost management in the Region.
• To promote "best practice" for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers in the Region.
• To promote dialogue between member organisations.
• To encourage regional co-operation in the practice of quantity surveying and cost management.
• To foster research for better understanding of building practice in the Region.
• To assist members of member organisations working in each other's countries.

2.1 Qualifications
Membership may be granted to organisations which are public or private, national in breadth of function, and which represent Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers.

2.2 Definition of Membership
Membership consists of:

• Member organisations that were founding the Association and pay annual dues.
• Member organisations elected after submitting an application and payment of entrance fee and dues.
• Associate organisations with one hundred (100) or fewer members paying reduced fees, having no voting rights but access to research results and eligible for committee appointments.

2.3 Application
Organisations applying for membership must submit evidence of qualification, pay the entrance fees and the annual membership dues, as determined by the Board.

2.4 Election of Members
Membership is granted by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board by secret ballot.

2.5 Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated by:

• Voluntary withdrawal, with approval by the Board.
• By expulsion due to non-payment of fees, or actions detrimental to the Association.
• Dissolution of the Association.

Dismissed members may request arbitration but shall have no claim to Association assets or funds.

2.6 Membership Dues and Rights
Members have rights including:

• Access to research and reports subject to intellectual property rights retained by the Association.
• Voting rights as specified under Article 3.
• Appointment to working groups and committees.

Associates have access to research and committee appointments but do not have voting rights.

2.7 Observer Organisations
Observer organisations may be invited to participate in the Annual Meeting but:

• They are not members.
• Pay no fees or dues.
• Do not have voting rights.
• Cannot hold office.
• Do not have access to research results.

3.1 Delegates
Each member organisation shall appoint one delegate to the Board. Notice of appointments or termination must be provided to the Secretary.

3.2 Authority
The Board shall:

• Administer the affairs of the Association.
• Approve the annual financial statements and budgets.
• Consider new projects.
• Decide admissions or expulsions of members.
• Elect officers including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor.

3.3 Meetings
The Board shall meet annually between January 1 and June 30. Special meetings can be called by the Chairperson or a majority of members. Notices and agendas must be provided at least 21 days prior. Quorum is two-thirds of members.

3.4 Voting Rights
Each member organisation shall have one vote. Unless otherwise specified, resolutions require a simple majority to pass. Officer elections shall be held by secret ballot.

3.5 Officers

3.5.1 Chairperson
Elected by the Board for a term of two years. Responsible for chairing meetings and representing the Association.

3.5.2 Vice Chairperson
Appointed by the Board for a term of two years. Acts in the absence of the Chairperson.

3.5.3 Secretary
Maintains records, correspondence, and meeting minutes.

3.5.4 Treasurer
Responsible for managing funds, accounting, and financial reporting.

3.5.5 Auditor
An independent auditor appointed by the Board to audit financials annually or as required.

3.6 Tenure and Eligibility
Board members serve two-year terms. They may be re-elected but should not serve more than two consecutive terms unless approved by the Board. Suspension or resignation procedures apply as per Board rules.

3.7 Duties
The Board manages the business and activities of the Association, approves policies, establishes working groups, and governs the Secretariat.

3.8 Secretariat
The Secretariat maintains the Association's principal office. It is headed by the Executive Secretary, appointed by the Board, responsible for maintaining records, attending meetings, and supporting Board functions.

4.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

4.2 Dues
Annual dues are payable in currency determined by the Board by September 30 each year. The amount shall be set by a two-thirds majority Board vote. Failure to pay dues shall result in denial of voting rights.

4.3 Entrance Fees and Dues
Entrance fees and dues for membership shall be established by the Board by two-thirds majority vote.

4.4 Administration of Funds
The Board shall administer funds according to approved budgets and policies.

4.5 Auditor
An independent auditor shall be appointed to audit financial records at least once annually, and also upon retirement of a Treasurer or upon dissolution of the Association.

4.6 PAQS Congress
The PAQS Congress shall be held annually, generally in conjunction with the Board Meeting. The hosting country is determined in rotation or by bidding. A country hosting shall not host another Congress until at least three years have passed.

5.1 Proposed amendments to the Constitution may be made by the Board or by petition from member organisations, with appropriate justification.

5.2 Approval of amendments requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Board at any duly convened meeting.

6.1 The Association may be dissolved only by a two-thirds majority vote of the entire membership at an Annual General Meeting or special Board meeting called for this purpose.

6.2 Upon dissolution, any assets shall be liquidated and distributed prorated among members according to their period of membership.

7.1 Disputes between the Association and its members shall be referred to a Board of Arbitration for judgment.

7.2 The request for arbitration must be submitted within 60 days of the decision giving rise to the dispute.

7.3 Parties shall first seek resolution through mediation with assistance from an independent third party agreed upon by all parties.

7.4 The Arbitration Board shall consist of two Board members appointed by the Chairperson and one independent expert mutually agreed upon by the parties.

7.5 The Arbitration Board shall determine the costs of arbitration, which shall be shared by the parties as decided by the Board.