(Click here for the talk.)

Asian Productivity Organization (APO) deliberates on the centrality of productivity in a new normal world in a talk outlining prospects for 2021.

The talk concludes a twice-a-week web-based series of discussions on economic and business resilience held since April 2020. A total of 77 sessions bringing together 108 speakers from various countries participated in the series.

Meidyatama Suryodiningrat of Indonesia’s Antara News Agency moderated the finale.

Seasoned Pakistan entrepreneur Imtiaz Rastgar underlined reaching out to customers as survival strategy for small businesses. For this, businesses should tap on digital technology and mobile applications. Another key measure is keeping business lean by scrutinizing costs.

Speaking on the hard-hit tourism sector, Noor Zari Hamat, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, the country’s strategy is to shift to domestic tourism. It also introduces travel bubbles for inbound travelers. A key measure here is balancing seamless travel experience and safety health protocol.

Technology entrepreneur and Chair of Cinnamon Inc., Japan, Yoshimitsu Kaji observes that the pandemic accelerates adoption and reliance on technology. These alter the conventional notions of distance, time, and location which change the way we work and live.

APO Secretary-General AKP Mochtan notes that the current crises enabled creativity and innovation, thus allow continuous improvements. All these are the essence of productivity. He underlines adaptability as key for growth and acceleration in a new normal environment.

The talk concludes that uncertainties will remain in 2021, but adaptability and productivity will give raise to hope and optimism. ***

Click here for the list of panelists.