Training Course on the Development of Productivity Practitioners: Advanced Course
2 November 2009, Subang, Selangor, Malaysia

Welcome Remarks

by Mr. Shigeo Takenaka
APO Secretary-General

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak at the opening of the training course on the Development of Productivity Practitioners. This is in fact the first time for me to join this project, which is one of the longest-running training courses conducted by the APO.

Today I would like to speak on the importance of training courses in general and this advanced training course in particular. At the last WSM in Manila, the Philippines, I emphasized the importance that the Secretariat attaches to training courses, considering their tangible and measurable contributions. Back in 2004, when I joined the APO, we had only 12 training courses, but from that time on, as many of you may have realized, we have made conscious efforts to make training courses the main vehicle for imparting skills and knowledge to our project participants. The number of training courses implemented in 2008 stood at 24, and the number of participants rose from about 200 in 2004 to 750 in 2008.

However, these figures represent only our face-to-face multicountry training activities. During this period, we also expanded our e-learning training courses tremendously. In 2004, we had only two e-learning courses using the World Bank’s distance learning centers. In 2008, we implemented six such projects, and as each project consisted of three independent sessions, the six projects therefore totaled 18 sessions. The number of participants in the e-learning projects also shot up from 100 in 2004 to 1,450 in 2008.

In addition, we trained a total of 77 participants in the national programs held in India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Pakistan in 2008. We also held three agricultural training courses each in Lao PDR and Cambodia with the participation of 300 individuals. In total, we trained at least 2,550 people in 2008 as compared with only 300 in 2004.

This year, under our two-tiered project scheme, we organized nine national programs to follow up three multicountry projects conducted in 2008. These nine national programs were attended by more than 460 participants. Therefore, by this year, the total number of participants in all of our training courses will reach 3,000. Starting from the figure of 300 in 2004, this is quite an achievement.

We have not only worked to increase the number of training courses but also to improve their quality. Now all APO training courses include examinations to gauge their quality and the level of learning by participants. Training courses leading to certification have also been added. We also take the extra step of producing manuals to accompany many training courses. The manuals are provided free of charge to participants or anyone interested in the subject in the form of downloadable e-books available on the APO Web site. We intend to improve our training programs both qualitatively and quantitatively in future.

Now let me turn to this training course to develop productivity practitioners. The basic course started in 1994, and the advanced version was introduced in 1998. These courses have special meaning for us. Because, first, we do not simply train people: We train them so that they can train others as well. In other words, we expect substantial multiplier effects from them. From 1998, the advanced course has produced more than 130 productivity practitioners. If all of them give thorough training to 10 people, they can train 1,300 every year.

Second, we are conducting these courses with a view to strengthening national productivity organizations. That is the reason why most of the participants are from NPOs. That is also why we recently revised the course structure so that the participants can receive the type of training that is more relevant to the needs of NPOs. In 2008, the APO formed a committee comprising professionals from NPOs and other experts to review the contents of the courses. They examined the objectives and reorganized and aligned the contents accordingly. The curriculum used in the current course is based on the outcome of that review.

Third, we expect participants to interact and socialize among themselves so that this opportunity may help you to form new, enduring bonds of friendship among your peers. If most of you play important roles in promoting productivity in your own countries for many years to come, such friendships will be an invaluable asset not only for yourself but also for the organizations you represent and for the APO. Therefore I hope that all of you will gain new knowledge, insights, and friendships from this course.

Before closing, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Mohamad Razali Hussein, Director General of the Malaysia Productivity Center and his capable staff for their support and cooperation, not only in this training course but also in other APO projects implemented in Malaysia. I wish you all a very productive training course and a pleasant stay in Malaysia. 

Thank you.

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