The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has initiated a training course on the Productivity-Linked Wage System (PLWS) in Cambodia, marking a significant step toward enhancing output and economic growth. 

The five-day event, being held at Poulo Wai Hotel and Apartment from July 1, was inaugurated by Phork Sovanrith, APO director for Cambodia and secretary of state at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

“This course is a gathering of minds and a platform where we come together to collectively strive for a more productive and prosperous future,” Sovanrith stated during the opening session. 

He noted the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed multi-country APO programmes for nearly three years, limiting learning opportunities to virtual platforms.

Cambodia, which has seen substantial economic growth in sectors such as textiles, agriculture and tourism, continues to face hurdles including low productivity levels, workforce skills gaps and labour management issues. 

Sovanrith emphasised that the introduction of PLWS could address these challenges by enhancing employee motivation, improving operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth.

He said the training course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of PLWS concepts and applications. 

According to Sovanrith, experts from 11 countries will share best practices and innovative approaches to PLWS over the next five days, aiming to equip attendees with the skills necessary to design, implement and manage effective wage systems.

Nobutsugu Miyama, programme officer at the APO Secretariat, highlighted the diverse expertise of the 26 participants and two observers, emphasising their role in enriching discussions and learning experiences. 

“By understanding and implementing these systems effectively, we can create a more motivated and efficient workforce, leading to greater organisational success and economic growth,” Miyama said.

As Sovanrith remarked, “This training is a stepping stone for Cambodia, providing valuable information and experience that could revolutionise our productivity and drive sustainable growth.” 

The course promises to delve into critical aspects of labour management, potentially leading to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover rates and a more competitive business environment.

The APO, a nonprofit, intergovernmental organisation established in 1961, aims to increase productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation, policy advisory services, research and various capacity-building programmes and plays a crucial role in the sustainable socioeconomic development of its 21 member economies, including Cambodia.

Its members include Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye and Vietnam.

Cambodia, a member since May 2004, subsequently established the National Productivity Centre of Cambodia (NPCC) to underscore the importance of productivity in national development. The country continues to actively participate in APO programmes to bolster its economic development.