Privileged to chair Session A3 ; “Future of the Quantity Surveying Profession” during the second day of the PAQS Congress 2026 parallel sessions.
One of the most interesting and lively discussions centred on Gen Z entering the profession, embracing technology, and how we maximise the benefits of AI for the QS fraternity.
With numerous AI platforms now being developed and commercialised, the question is no longer whether technology will transform Quantity Surveying ; it is how effectively we utilise it without losing the human intelligence, professional judgement, discipline and interpersonal skills that remain fundamental to our profession.
An equally engaging discussion emerged on our Gen Z graduates entering the employment market. Delegates from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia openly shared some common concerns and experiences , including whether our younger generation has sometimes been too pampered and whether they are sufficiently prepared for the realities and pressures of professional practice.
The presentation on “Macho Culture” by the Sri Lanka/UAE delegates ignited particularly active participation. Dato’ Peter contributed actively to the debate, followed by our colleagues from SISV and Hong Kong. Different countries, but surprisingly similar experiences!
And perhaps we cannot deny that this is not merely a workplace issue , many of us experience the same generational differences in our own homes with our teenage sons and daughters! 😬😬
The conclusion for me is quite practical:
AI is here to stay. Gen Z is here to stay.
Whether we like it or not, the profession must learn to manage both.
We should maximise AI to improve productivity, cost intelligence and professional services, while at the same time gently and tactfully guiding our young entrants into the realities of professional practice. Technology can accelerate their capabilities, but experience, judgement, accountability and professional values still need to be cultivated.
A very interactive session with diverse perspectives from across the PAQS fraternity and certainly a discussion worth continuing.
PAQS Congress 2026 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Constructing the Evolution: Unleashing Human Intelligence
