GFMAM’s Bahrain Conference Strengthens Global Asset Management Collaboration

This month, the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM) convened its third in‑person session during the inaugural Gulf Society of Maintenance Professionals (GSMP) conference in Manama, Bahrain.

748 delegates from 15 countries attended, engaging in 57 research papers and panel discussions that addressed the most pressing maintenance challenges worldwide.

Representatives from across the globe—including the Australian Asset Management Council, Abraman (Brazil), EFNMS (Europe), FIM (South America), GSMP (Arabian Gulf Region) and SMRP (USA)—shaped the program. Chair of the Asset Management Council, John Hardwick, highlighted the conference’s impact: “The GSMP delivered a fantastic program that gave delegates diverse, relevant insights into maintenance issues we face together today.”

In a notable development, GFMAM welcomed the UK‑based Institute of Asset Management (IAM) as its newest member, following its founding in Sydney in 2009. IAM chief executive David Mckeown stated, “The IAM seeks to expand collaboration with like‑minded bodies. We believe GFMAM can become the premier global umbrella for asset‑management professionals, and we look forward to contributing our expertise and resources.”

Significant progress emerged from the Bahrain meeting, with several bilateral projects underway. The IAM and the Asset Management Council are jointly preparing a comprehensive scope for the Accord and Asset Management Landscape initiatives, slated for completion by January 2011.

The Accord aims to streamline hiring, enhance career development, and promote mobility across sectors and regions. The Asset Management Landscape seeks to establish a unified global perspective on asset management.

Hardwick noted, “This meeting has reinvigorated the Accord and Landscape work, establishing clear deliverables and timelines.”

Scope plans for both projects include:

• A detailed three‑year (2011‑2013) roadmap outlining required resources and milestones;
• An initial inventory of asset‑management courses offered by universities, training firms, and professional bodies in Australia, Europe, Asia, North America and South Africa;
• A presentation summarizing key findings and scope plans for GFMAM members.

The next GFMAM face‑to‑face session will coincide with the ICOMS Asset Management Conference on the Gold Coast, Australia, in May 2011.

For more information, visit GFMAM.org.

The Asset Management Council is a non‑profit organization dedicated to promoting best practices in asset management across industrial, commercial, academic and government sectors. It offers membership, courses, a body of knowledge, technical papers, presentations, forums, a business directory, local events and the annual ICOMS Asset Management Conference. Learn more at amcouncil.com.au.