The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and Labtech International Ltd. have again extended their partnership through the implementation of the Online Regional Program on Training of Trainers on Renewable Energy Systems Using Virtual TVET last February 20 to 24, 2023. The program, which was conducted online via Zoom platform, was the first regional program that CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. conducted this 2023. A total of twenty (20) TVET officials, administrators, and trainers from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have attended the five-day training.

This program was primarily designed to provide the participants an in-depth understanding of the principles of Renewable and Green Technology components using a digital TVET framework featuring 3D animated models.

Supervising the program was Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General and Dr. Steven McKee, Labtech International Ltd. President. The program was facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, General Manager of Labtech Academy who delivered most of the lectures and oversaw the workshops. Mr. Antonis Siamas, Head Trainer and SME Superior Training Center Australia and Mr. Ian Andrew, Labtech International Ltd. Consultant and TVET Specialist also served as guest lecturers during the program.

CPSC Director General, Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe (left) and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi (right) delivering speeches during the opening ceremony, February 20, 2023

The opening ceremony which was held on February 20, 2023 was attended by key officials from CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. The ceremony was also graced by a special message by the chief guest, H.E. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Manila, and the incumbent CPSC Governing Board Chairperson. Ambassador Kazi stressed the importance of incorporating greening initiatives through digital learning in the TVET curricula of institutions. Furthermore, he extended his commendation to CPSC and Labtech for continuously advocating for programs that would improve the quality of TVET across Asia-Pacific.

Labtech Academy’s General Manager Mr. Brad Ker facilitating showcase of Labtech’s equipment on renewable energy.

The five-day training consisted of lectures and workshops that taught the participants about mechanisms and innovative tools in digital TVET learning in the field of renewable energy systems. Workshops were facilitated to help the participants better understand how to maximize the use of virtual TVET frameworks, explore various approaches in blended (hybrid) learning, and create lesson plans using digital technology. Labtech also showcased some of their best practices on renewable energy including safety measures for their equipment implemented by their trainers.

The closing ceremony was held on February 24, 2023. In attendance were key officials from CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. Participants from Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the Philippines shared brief yet comprehensive insights, feedback, and reflections on the course of the five-day training. Moreover, CPSC Governing-Board Engaged Faculty Consultant Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, who gave the closing remarks on behalf of CPSC’s Director General, extended the Staff College’s gratitude towards Labtech International Ltd., for its unwavering support and commitment to develop and implement programs for CPSC’s member countries for the past two years.

Screenshot of the participants