ARB Statement on the HKIA/ARB Professional Interview Incident

Dear Registered Architects, 
  
We refer to the notice issued by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (“HKIA”) on 7 July 2026, regarding the inappropriate posting on social media by a panel interviewer immediately after the Professional Interview under the HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment (“PA”) on 25 March 2026. 
 
It is noted that HKIA has issued a formal warning letter to the Interviewer concerned, with a subsequent face-to-face meeting convened by the HKIA Vice President, the Chairs of the Board of Educational Affairs, the Professional Assessment Committee, and the Professional Interview Subject Panel. The interviewer has also been suspended from serving the Professional Interview.  
 
The HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment is jointly organized by HKIA and the Architects Registration Board (“ARB”), with HKIA administering the PA as entrusted by ARB, the regulatory authority for the admission of registered architects in Hong Kong.
 
ARB is of the view that the PA is a serious public examination with robust procedures to ensure the highest degree of credibility. By disclosing details of the interviewing process, the interviewer has not only violated the explicit confidentiality undertaking, but has also compromised the trust placed in the interviewer’s professional judgement and integrity. 
 
ARB acknowledges and supports HKIA’s prompt actions in addressing the matter, and remains committed, together with HKIA, to upholding the confidentiality, fairness, and integrity of the PA without compromise.

We trust that all registered architects will continue to observe the highest standards of professional conduct in support of this objective.  
 
Yours sincerely, 
Architects Registration Board, HKSAR