Prof. Daiji Kawaguchi (2nd R) and Prof. Toshiro Nishizawa (1st R) from the GraSPP, The University of Tokyo, paid a courtesy call on APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra (center).

Professor Daiji Kawaguchi, Dean of the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) at The University of Tokyo, met with Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata at the APO Secretariat on 18 June. The meeting was also attended by Professor Toshiro Nishizawa of GraSPP and APO Secretariat staff members. They explored the needs for productivity innovation in the public sector and potential collaboration between the APO and GraSPP.

During the meeting, key considerations for developing joint research and capacity-building programs for government officials in APO members were discussed. Secretary-General Dr. Indra emphasized the critical need for policy research and technical advisory assistance from academia, particularly in light of recent regulatory reforms within APO economies. In response, Professor Kawaguchi shared insights into GraSPP’s recent research on technological advances and their impact on labor productivity, highlighting case studies involving AI, robotics, and space policies in Japan.

Professor Kawaguchi expressed gratitude for the APO Secretariat’s continuous support for GraSPP’s internship program, which has been in place since 2018, and mentioned preparations for the next internship program this summer. Additionally, Secretary-General Dr. Indra requested knowledge sharing from GraSPP with APO Secretariat staff to enhance understanding of the links between digitalization and labor productivity.

The meeting concluded with Secretary-General Dr. Indra, Professor Kawaguchi, and Professor Nishizawa reaffirming their commitment to ongoing communication and exploring further collaboration opportunities.