In a significant advance for the Asian Productivity Organization’s (APO’s) Accreditation and Certification Program, the Singapore National Productivity Organization Certification Body (SG NPO-CB) and FTPI Center for Professional Certification (FTPI-PC) in Thailand have been accredited to operate the Green Productivity Specialists certification scheme. This achievement was announced at the 66th Session of the APO Governing Body (GBM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 28 May, bringing the total number of APO-AB accredited certification bodies (CBs) to nine, with three specifically dedicated to Green Productivity Specialists.

During the Welcome Dinner at the 66th GBM, APO Chair Jone Maritino Nemani and Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata presented Certificates of Accreditation to the APO Alternate Director for Singapore and Acting APO Director for Thailand. The ceremony was witnessed by the GBM host, APO Director for Malaysia Datuk Kamaruzzaman Johari, and APO Alternate Director and NPO Head for Malaysia Zahid Ismail.

APO Alternate Director and NPO Head for Singapore and CEO of the Singapore Productivity Centre Michael Tan (center) with the Certificate of Accreditation for the SG NPO-CB.

APO Director for Singapore Joanne Tan expressed her enthusiasm, “I’m delighted to share that the SG NPO-CB is now accredited by the APO Accreditation Body (APO-AB). This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the SG NPO-CB team. I would like to congratulate the SG NPO-CB for this achievement. It signifies a new chapter for the SG NPO-CB, empowering it to elevate certification standards and contribute to an overall pursuit of productivity excellence in Singapore and beyond.”

APO Director for Singapore Joanne Tan.

NPO Head for Thailand and President of the Thailand Productivity Institute (FTPI) Suwanchai Lohawatanakul (center) with the Certificate of Accreditation for the FTPI-PC.

NPO Head for Thailand Suwanchai Lohawatanakul, President of the FTPI, expressed his gratitude to the APO-AB on accreditation of the FTPI-PC and highlighted the environmental focus in his statement, noting that, “As part of its current National Economic and Social Development Plan, the country has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment reflects Thailand’s determination to create a sustainable future, emphasizing environmental stewardship and responsible industrial practices.” He added, “This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment for the FTPI and Ministry of Industry of Thailand, highlighting our commitment to promoting excellence in certification activities. I believe that the FTPI-PC’s dedication to environmental integrity and commitment to fostering environmentally friendly industries align perfectly with the APO’s mission. We stand united with the APO in advancing the cause of environmental responsibility and look forward to a fruitful partnership.”