Kuala Lumpur, 28 May 2024 - Malaysia proudly welcomes representatives from 20 member economies to the 66th session of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) Governing Body Meeting (GBM) from 28 to 30 May 2024. Organized by the APO and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), this significant event aims to boost regional productivity, setting the stage for sustainable socio-economic growth across the Asia-Pacific.

Founded in 1961, the APO has consistently led initiatives to improve productivity through cooperation and knowledge exchange among its members. Celebrating over six decades of impactful contributions, the organisation continues to inspire comprehensive, innovation-driven productivity enhancements under the ambitious APO Vision 2025.

This year’s GBM focuses on important initiatives and future-focused strategies. High on the agenda is the integration of insights from the APO Vision 2025 into ongoing strategic planning. A key highlight is the development of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to better synchronize project execution with member needs. Discussions will also include an update to the Green Productivity (GP) approach, aligning it with current environmental standards and productivity paradigms.

The meeting will also review progress made under the APO Specific National Programme (SNP) since 2018, which customises productivity-enhancing policies and roadmaps for member countries. Another significant discussion point covers the standardisation of Mutual Recognition Arrangements across APO Certification Bodies, facilitating smoother recognition of certified productivity specialists.

Malaysia, through MPC, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in hosting key APO projects in the past and continues its commitment to regional productivity enhancement. Zahid Ismail, MPC’s Director General, expressed pride in hosting this year's GBM, reaffirming Malaysia's dedication to promoting productivity at both national and regional levels.

Looking ahead, Malaysia is set to spearhead several multi-country initiatives, including workshops and conferences focused on regulatory reform, productivity enhancement through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and modern management practices for SMEs. These initiatives aim to equip member economies with the latest tools and strategies to drive sustainable productivity growth.

"Productivity is the heartbeat of economic prosperity. Today we gather not just to discuss numbers and strategies but to envision a brighter, more productive future for Malaysia and the entire APO member countries." said YBhg. Datuk Kamaruzzaman Johari, Chairman of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).

Looking ahead, Malaysia is set to spearhead several multi-country initiatives, including workshops and conferences focused on regulatory reform, productivity enhancement through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and modern management practices for SMEs.

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About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

MPC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). It drives national productivity holistically at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels through three main thrusts: developing future talent, driving digitization and innovation, and building a robust ecosystem. It collaborates strategically with the private and public sectors by emphasising productivity as a key agenda to boost productivity growth and national competitiveness, ultimately leading to shared well-being and prosperity.

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