The National Productivity Centre of Cambodia (NPCC), under the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, is conducting a 10-day seminar and training programme on "Auditing Management Systems". The workshop aims to bolster the productivity and competitiveness of Cambodian enterprises. 

The event, which runs from August 19 to 30, underscores the critical role that effective auditing plays in ensuring compliance with international standards and improving the overall performance of the Kingdom’s businesses.

During the opening ceremony, Phok Sovannrith, ministry secretary of state and country director for the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) – an intergovernmental organisation established to increase productivity throughout the region through mutual cooperation – highlighted the ministry’s commitment to building a robust national quality infrastructure. 

This infrastructure, he noted, is essential for driving the country's economic growth by ensuring that local enterprises can meet international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

“Enterprises that implement management systems cannot declare themselves successful or 100% compliant without the involvement of independent auditors,” he explained.

“An independent auditor plays a crucial role in determining how well a company meets the standard's requirements,” he added.

Sovannrith also noted the vital role of internal auditors, saying that they are essential to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of management systems within companies. 

“Clear and accurate audit reports will help companies continually improve systems, programmes or operations, leading to higher productivity,” he added.

The seminar's primary objectives include increasing the capacity of public officials to promote the implementation of international management systems, strengthening the ability of NPCC staff to provide auditing services and expanding the pool of competent local consultants and trainers. 

These efforts are seen as key to ensuring that Cambodian enterprises can not only implement but also sustain high standards of management practices.

Um Serivuth, NPCC director at the ministry, elaborated on the seminar's goals during his remarks. 

“This seminar aims to help companies, production enterprises and service providers understand the importance of system management audits,” he said.

Productivity involves managing a system by efficiently using the inputs, resources and outputs of an organisation," Serivuth explained.

He highlighted the NPCC's ongoing efforts to raise productivity across the country through various initiatives, including training workshops, consulting services, and domestic and international conferences. 

Serivuth noted that in the past, the NPCC has successfully completed numerous projects through the APO, particularly with model companies implementing ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 22000: 2005, and LEAN. 

“Most of the enterprises that participated in these projects have achieved a new level of success in their operations,” he said.

The importance of system management audits was further stressed by Serivuth, who pointed out that these audits are essential for ensuring the proper and effective implementation of international standards by enterprises. 

The seminar will also benefit from the expertise of a Malaysian expert from APO, who has extensive experience in conducting such audits.