Since joining the APO in early 2020, Turkiye has actively participated in programs and projects. However, the global pandemic prevented the newest member from sharing its productivity efforts in the face-to-face (F2F) modality. After waiting for almost three years, the first F2F APO multicountry project was held in Turkiye from 19 to 23 June. In collaboration with the Department for Productivity Implementations, Ministry of Industry and Technology, the designated National Productivity Organization (NPO), and Konya Model Factory Complex, a total of 27 participants from 17 members attended an observational study mission (OSM) on Best Practices in Lean and Digital Transformation for SMEs, in Konya.

Hands-on learning at the Konya Model Factory Complex.

In opening the program, Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Strategic Research and Productivity, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Turkiye, Hulya Oztoprak Yilmaz stated that the timing of this mission was due to the accelerated adoption of digital technologies in response to the pandemic. She explained that the focus was on Turkiye’s model factories and “Learn and Transform” programs, with a combination of applied learning techniques and hands-on training provided.

During the OSM, Director of Konya Model Factory Ayhan Tufan Ayan and Director of Adana Model Factory Gunes Umit Artuk illustrated how training was conducted in the model factories, while Dr. William Lee Gan Kai, Research Director, Cloud Services, International Data Corporation Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore, and Dr. Syed Radzi Bin Rahamaddulla, Lecturer, University Malaysia Pahang, gave presentations on lean digital transformation for SMEs in Singapore and Malaysia, respectively. To gain practical insights on lean implementation in Turkish SMEs, participants visited three manufacturing companies in Konya.

Safety briefing at Onallar Agriculture Machinery, Konya, Turkiye.

Robotic technology demonstration at AKINROBOTICS, Konya, Turkiye.

The five-day OSM closed with remarks by Konya Chamber of Commerce President Selcuk Ozturk, who appreciated the collaborations with institutions under the chamber, including the model factory group. He then presented certificates of attendance to all OSM participants. The closing ceremony was also attended by Head of Department Directorate General of Strategic Research and Productivity, Ministry of Industry and Technology, Turkiye, and APO NPO Head, Dr. Cangul Tosun, Konya Chamber of Commerce Board Member Mehmet Nuri Ozsahin, and Konya Chamber of Commerce Technology and Training Campus Director Seyfi Suna.

Group photo at Caglayan Refrigeration, Konya, Turkiye.