53rd Governing Body Meeting
19−21 April 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Closing Statement
by Ryuichiro Yamazaki
APO Secretary-General
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Directors, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I would like to thank the Directors and delegates for your help in making my first Governing Body Meeting (GBM) as the new Secretary-General of the APO a success. This was a special GBM to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the APO, and we were greatly honored by the presence of the five APO Regional Awardees.
I am pleased to note that member countries agreed on the 2011–2012 membership contribution apportionment recommended by the task force in the long-standing APO spirit of cooperation and solidarity. This was critical as it now enables the Secretariat to implement its programs for the 2011–2012 biennium. The Secretariat also noted the decision of this GBM directing us to undertake a further review and propose options for the membership contribution formula for its consideration next year.
It was also important that the GBM approved the new strategic directions proposed by the Secretariat. As mentioned in the reference paper on the Review of APO Thrust Areas and Subject Areas, the key to the success of the new strategic plan is in its execution. Thus, the next steps are for the Secretariat to involve the NPOs in developing detailed action plans aligned with the new strategic directions. The Secretariat also noted several important comments by members on the new strategic directions including the need to assess the impact of the strategic plan.
The withdrawal of the cash grant from the Government of Japan for the rental of the Secretariat office from 2012 is not an issue that can be easily resolved. As I mentioned in the plenary session on 19 April, the Secretariat has already taken drastic measures to cut administrative costs and will continue its drive to become even more cost-effective. These measures, however, may not be sufficient to address the shortfall should Japan withdraw the entire rental cash grant from 2012. The Secretariat will take the advice of the GBM to seek new sources of funding proactively from members and other organizations that share common goals with the APO. At the same time, we hope that members can provide further suggestions to mitigate the impact of the rental cash grant withdrawal.
The presentations by the APO Directors provided valuable insights into the thoughts and needs of our members on their future directions. Member economies have been developing at a fast pace, and their aspirations and expectations for the APO have likewise been rising. The APO, in its 50th year of existence, is indeed at a crossroads. We have reached the equivalent of a strategic inflection point. This is what Andy Grove, former chairman of Intel, described as a major change in the competitive environment for businesses. The APO must thus revitalize itself and adapt its role to meet the productivity enhancement needs of members to stay relevant. This will not be easy and may require a change of mindset. We at the Secretariat will exert our best efforts in this regard. Only then can the APO emerge stronger as an international organization and become better placed to carry out its mission.
I wish now to thank outgoing Chair Dr. Dong-Kyu Choi, APO Director for the Republic of Korea; incumbent APO Chair Mr. Somdy Inmyxai, APO Director for Lao PDR; First Vice Chair Tan Sri Dato' Seri Azman Hashim, APO Director for Malaysia; and Second Vice Chair Mr. Yamaaranz Erkhembayar, APO Director for Mongolia, for their leadership during the GBM.
I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate my gratitude to Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad, Minister of International Trade and Industry, who gave an overview of the strategic directions for the Malaysian economy to become a developed country.
Finally, I would like to convey my special thanks to the host country Malaysia. Words cannot describe my gratitude to Malaysia for agreeing to host this year’s GBM at only one month’s short notice, back to back with last year’s GBM, also held in Kuala Lumpur. Special mention goes to Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Azman Hashim and Mr. Mohd. Razali Hussain, Director-General of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, for mobilizing an army of staff members who worked tirelessly and effectively to ensure that all the preparations and logistic arrangements were ready in time for this 50th anniversary GBM and Regional Awards Ceremony. Now, with the permission of the Chairman, I would like to ask everyone to join me in a standing ovation for Malaysia in appreciation for a job so well done.
I hope to see all of you at the next GBM in Singapore. Once again, I thank all our members for your continuous support for the APO and wish everyone a safe, pleasant journey home.
Thank you.
