The year 2020 is a significant milestone as the world ushers in the second decade of the 21st century. For the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), 2020 is especially important as we approach the 60th anniversary of its founding.

Six decades of existence is an admirable achievement. However, looking ahead, we need to ask how the organization may continue to be relevant and support our common quest for a more productive, prosperous Asia-Pacific region.

One immediate challenge is to clarify the position of productivity in the current dynamic environment characterized by the emergence of new-generation technologies. Which innovative measures, techniques, tools, and methodologies will promote and sustain productivity best in the face of today’s rapidly unfolding, revolutionary changes?

An equally important challenge is elucidating the organization’s role in addressing common global concerns. Its nearly 60 years of accumulated experience should enable the APO to make meaningful contributions to the international community. A key point is to link productivity initiatives directly to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while creating greater synergy and broad-based partnerships with other international organizations as well as entities, associations, and government agencies in APO members.

I look forward to more proactive engagement and collective efforts as we devise new, advanced productivity solutions to address the challenges that lie ahead.

Happy New Year!