By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: National Productivity Organization (NPO) Pakistan, in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), Tokyo, Japan, officially inaugurated the APO International Workshop on “Promoting Productivity through Digitalization” at a local hotel .
The four-day event, running from October 6 to October 9, 2025, brings together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore the transformative role of digitalization in driving productivity.
The workshop features 19 overseas participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam, and Pakistan, fostering regional cooperation and shared learning.
Mr. Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhary, CEO, NPO Pakistan, extended a warm welcome to the chief guest Mr. Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman/Incharge, FPCCI Capital Office and to all participants and guests of the workshop.
He emphasized the growing importance of digitalization as a key driver of productivity, while also addressing pressing challenges such as cybersecurity, infrastructure gaps, and environmental sustainability.
He expressed the need for collaborative efforts, enabling policy frameworks, and inclusive innovation to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are widely shared.
The workshop is led by Mr. Tomoyuki Yamada, Programme Officer from the APO Tokyo, Japan along with a distinguished panel of international resource persons, including, Dr. Suraya Sulaiman, Innovation Provocateur, Alpha Catalyst, Malaysia, Mr. Yuichi Ota, Partner, YCP Vietnam Company Limited, Vietnam, Mr. Syed Ahmad, Founder & CEO, DPL (Pvt) Ltd., Pakistan. Mr Yamada said that participants will learn practical insights and case studies on leveraging digital tools, including AI, to boost organizational efficiency and productivity. Over the course of the workshop, key themes will include: Policies and strategies for digital transformation, Emerging digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Organizational change management, Case studies and best practices from various sectors.
The Objective of the workshop is to Introduce the concept and significance of digitalization in enhancing productivity – Demonstrate how digital tools and technologies, including AI, can improve efficiency within organizations, Share best practices for planning and implementing digital transformation initiatives.
As an outcome the participants are expected to leave the workshop with practical skills to plan and implement digital transformation projects, A solid understanding of key technologies, including AI, Insights into policies and frameworks supporting digital productivity, The tools to foster a digital-first, productivity-driven culture in their organizations.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief guest expressed that while digitalization presents numerous opportunities, it also brings challenges, including disparities in cybersecurity preparedness and concerns about sustainability.
To address these, governments and organizations must invest in infrastructure, promote education reform, and establish robust regulatory frameworks. This workshop provides a platform to discuss these issues and explore effective responses.
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo of the participants alongside the Chief Guest, marking the beginning of a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences over the coming days.
