Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) Director General Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja conducted courtesy visits to the respected offices of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade at Thimphu, Bhutan from October 8 to 9, 2024.

Photos of Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General with Hon. Secretary Mr. Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (top left); Mr. Karma Phuntsho, Chief Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (top right); and Hon. Ms. Yeezang De Thapa, Minister of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (bottom)

During the visits, Prof. Dr. Dhameja officially introduced himself as the new CPSC DG and exchanged dialogues with Hon. Ms. Yeezang De Thapa, Minister of MoESD; Hon. Secretary Mr. Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of MoESD; Mr. Karma Phuntsho, Chief Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and CPSC’s Liaison Officer (LO); Mr. Sangay Dorji, Officiating Director of the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development; and Dr. Ugyen Tshewang, Director of Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority.

The discussions with the Bhutanese officials provided an opportunity for Prof. Dr. Dhameja to share his plans for Bhutan and tender a joint arrangement of a Regional Program for FY 2025-2026. He also discussed possibly engaging a Seconded Faculty from Bhutan and requested for the assistance of the Government of Bhutan in facilitating the Professional Internship Program for International Experience (PIPIE) among TVET graduates in the country.

Furthermore, Dr. Ugyen Tshewang expressed his interest in acquiring more accreditation of TVET institutions in Bhutan through the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC).

In view of CPSC and Bhutan’s shared vision of an enhanced TVET systems in the country and in the Asia Pacific region, Prof. Dr. Dhameja emphasized CPSC offers of varied platforms for customized programs and study visits for the country’s TVET policymakers, senior officials, and institution directors during the meetings with the officials. This includes the request to involve CPSC, through its DG and Faculty members, to be part of a panel for Bhutan’s policy formulation undertakings.

The meetings concluded on a positive note as the Bhutanese officials showed eagerness to collaborate with CPSC. Prof. Dr. Dhameja then extended his appreciation to the officials for the meaningful discussions, assuring them of CPSC’s sincere efforts on the delivery of varied programs and services to Bhutan in view of achieving an employable TVET workforce for the country.