APO Moves Partnership Programme Into Action At Manila Meeting
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has moved its Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) further from planning towards implementation, as heads of national productivity organisations from its member economies met in Manila from Oct 20 to 22.
The 67th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations reviewed progress on SPP Plan activities in 2026 and planned activities for 2027. Delegates also considered proposals and updates on key APO programmes under its Vision 2030 strategy.
APO Secretary-General, Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata said SPP implementation was a key focus of the meeting, emphasising that it would strengthen member ownership, make APO support more member-focused and improve the delivery of measurable results.
The opening session saw the launch of the APO Guidebook on Green Productivity, and the reaccreditation of the Mongolian Productivity Organization Certification Body for a second term until Dec 5, 2030, APO said in a statement.
The Department of Budget and Management and the Development Academy of the Philippines also signed a memorandum of understanding on a public financial management microcredentialing programme for budget officers and analysts.
On the second day, delegates considered proposals to revise the APO Award Program, establish an APO training centre and update its accreditation and certification programme. Other discussions covered the 2025 Annual Project Review, the performance of APO centres of excellence, its Liaison Officers’ Meeting and its Genuine AI Action activities.
The meeting coincided with the APO’s 65th anniversary. Manila hosted the Second Asian Round Table Productivity Conference in 1960, where the draft convention that became the APO charter was adopted, and the convention was signed in the city on Apr 14, 1961, by eight founding members, including the Philippines.
“As the APO celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, it is fitting that we return to Manila not only to reflect on our beginnings but also to consider how the organisation should continue to evolve under the APO Vision 2030,” said Singawinata.
-- BERNAMA