APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata (L) and Prof. Toshiro Nishizawa, GraSPP, University of Tokyo.

Professor Toshiro Nishizawa of the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), University of Tokyo, visited the APO Secretariat for a meeting with Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata on 6 June 2023. While recognizing and appreciating their collaborative relations since 2018, they explored possible future opportunities for their organizations to develop joint programs focusing on capacity building in the public sector.

During the meeting, several key considerations were raised for creating programs or courses to train future productivity leaders in APO members. Professor Nishizawa shared his experiences and gave examples of successful courses organized by GraSPP for government officials in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam which could serve as viable options for the APO.

In addition, Professor Nishizawa expressed gratitude for the APO Secretariat’s collaboration in a GraSPP internship program before the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped that the initiative could be resumed. He emphasized the importance of productivity in various sectors, including universities, and stressed the need for continuous efforts in this area. Secretary-General Dr. Indra and Professor Nishizawa concluded the meeting with joint affirmation of continued communication to explore ideas and areas for collaboration.