The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is a regional intergovernmental organization established to promote socio-economic development in the Asia-Pacific through productivity enhancement. Since its inception, APO has focused on equipping industries, governments, and communities with the tools, knowledge, and resources to improve competitiveness and sustainability. It works across diverse sectors, fostering innovation, productivity-based strategies, and human resource development. APO engages in research, capacity building, training, and demonstration projects to create tangible impacts within its member economies. By addressing challenges such as digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusivity, APO supports the creation of resilient systems that can withstand rapid technological changes. Its initiatives aim to reduce development disparities among members while fostering cooperation, collaboration, and mutual learning. APO also emphasizes the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recognizing them as critical drivers of regional growth. Through targeted interventions like digital kaizen and productivity-enhancing models, APO strengthens industrial practices, equips practitioners with specialized knowledge, and disseminates successful strategies across its network. By collaborating with institutions, experts, and governments, APO strives to shape policies and models that support long-term, inclusive economic progress. Its focus remains on building practical frameworks that empower organizations and industries to become benchmarks in productivity and innovation.

The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a demonstration project on digital kaizen in the manufacturing sector. This initiative seeks to create model companies within member economies that can serve as benchmarks for digital transformation and productivity improvement. By integrating digital tools into the kaizen philosophy, the project aims to empower SMEs with cost-effective methods to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase competitiveness. The grant also supports training and capacity building by equipping productivity practitioners with advanced digital kaizen skills, encouraging them to implement and promote these practices within their economies. Selected institutions or teams will play a central role in designing the methodology, collaborating with APO Secretariat and national productivity organizations, and monitoring demonstration companies. In addition, they will document and disseminate case studies and best practices to inspire replication across the region. The project bridges gaps in digital adoption by addressing barriers faced by SMEs, such as resource constraints and high technology costs. Ultimately, this grant represents an opportunity to showcase digital kaizen’s practical benefits while advancing inclusive productivity growth in the Asia-Pacific manufacturing sector. Institutions with proven expertise in SME transformation are encouraged to apply.