The DAP and APO Secretariat organized an online training program on the Development of Public-sector Productivity Specialist (DPSPS), 1–5 April 2024. The program focused on a range of skill sets required for productivity specialists, emphasizing concepts, approaches, tools, and techniques. Its objective was to equip participants with essential skills and explore the roles of productivity specialists in public-sector improvement initiatives.

Forty-six individuals from 15 APO members attended the training course, emphasizing the need for gaining the skills and competencies required to excel as productivity specialists based on the APO Public-sector Productivity Program Framework. Four resource persons one from Canada and the ROK, two from the Philippines led participants through topics such as Citizen-centered Service in the Public Sector, Change Management in the Public Sector, e-Government, and Measuring Public-sector Productivity. The sessions were accompanied by group exercises to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to boost efficiency and innovation within public organizations.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the relevancy of the project to their roles in the public sector. They were confident that the knowledge and skills gained from the project could enhance their performance in their professional roles.