The Training of Trainers on Smart Manufacturing for SMEs course, hosted by the China Productivity Center (CPC) in Taichung, the Republic of China (ROC), from 5 to 8 August 2025, gathered 21 participants from the National Productivity Council (NPC) of India and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Part of the APO Center of Excellence (COE) Program, the project was held with the support of the COE on Smart Manufacturing, which is hosted by the CPC, to enhance the competencies of trainers in promoting smart manufacturing adoption in Indian small and medium-sized enterprises. The COE on IT for Industry 4.0, India, also supported the program design and selection of participants.

This project was built on the 2023 multicountry Training Course on Smart Manufacturing Productivity Specialists in the ROC and aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct smart manufacturing training programs in their organizations and industries, ultimately boosting productivity and competitiveness. Topics covered included Industry 4.0, big data analytics, IoT integration, and cloud connectivity. Practical applications were observed through site visits to Shuter Enterprise Co., Ltd.; the Intelligent Machinery and Smart Manufacturing Research Center, National Formosa University; and the COE on Smart Manufacturing. The resource person from the ROC provided technical insights and case studies to guide practical implementation. Participants valued the combination of expert lectures and hands-on exposure. The program also fostered stronger collaboration between the NPC, CPC, and ACMA, paving the way for future joint initiatives under the APO framework.