The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development (DWPSD), Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Bhutan, jointly implemented the In-Country Program on Research Methodology for TVET Leaders and Teachers. A total of 30 TVET administrators, directors, lecturers, practitioners, and industry representatives joined the program that was held from October 7 to 11, 2024 at the Royal Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (RIHT) in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The five-day program was designed to determine effective research methodologies, assist TVET leaders and teachers in identifying key issues, and promote a research culture that enhances knowledge and awareness among TVET practitioners in Bhutan. As an outcome, the participants were expected to be equipped with the knowledge and skills in using appropriate action research methodology and techniques, and understand research frameworks relevant to improving TVET initiatives.
CPSC and DWPSD worked hand-in-hand to conduct the program with the supervision of Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General, and Mr. Sangay Dorji, DWPSD Officiating Director. Meanwhile, Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, CPSC Governing Board-Engaged Faculty Consultant, and Mr. Karma Dorji, DWPSD Training Director served as Program Coordinators.
CPSC Director General Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja delivers his welcome remarks during the opening ceremony
Prof. Dr. Dhameja hands over a token of appreciation to Dasho Tshewang C. Dorji, Chief Guest of the program
On October 11, 2024, Prof. Dr. Dhameja and Mr. Sangay inaugurated the program wherein they extended their welcome greetings to the participants, and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to CPSC and DWPSD-MoESD for their combined efforts in implementing the program. The ceremony also highlighted Dasho Tshewang C. Dorji, the Honorable Secretary of MoESD, who delivered a short address as the Chief Guest of the program.
Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen (right) hands over a token of appreciation to Mr. Sangay Dorji (left)
The succeeding days were dedicated to presentation of theme papers and workshops which were facilitated by Dr. Kesavan, and Mr. Sangay, including Ir. Ts. Dr. Thevaneyan K. David, who virtually joined his sessions with the participants. In addition, Prof. Dr. Dhameja delivered a special lecture after the opening ceremony wherein he discussed the overview of research and development, and significance of action research in the Asia Pacific region.
As an extension of the training program, the National Seminar on Empowering TVET Through Innovation: Research-Driven Strategies was conducted on October 10, 2024. The seminar revolved around the topics on research strategies for sustainable development, digital transformation in TVET, and role of TVET sector in the making of Developed Bhutan. The panel of the seminar was composed of Prof. Dr. Dhameja, Mr. Karma Dorji, and Mr. Brad Ker. After their presentations, Dr. Kesavan moderated the question and answer session for the participants and the panelists.
Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen (right) receives his certificate of recognition as the Program Coordinator
Group photo of the Bhutanese participants and the program organizers during the closing ceremony
The five-day program concluded on October 11, 2024 with a closing ceremony led by Mr. Sangay Dorji. Selected participants shared their feedback and insights gained from the program. Furthermore, Dr. Kesavan provided the summary of the program as he reflected on the lectures and activities throughout the program. A keynote address was also delivered by H.E. Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa, Honorable Minister of MoESD, who emphasized the key topics as essential to research and development in TVET. Finally, Mr. Karma Dorji expressed his gratitude to the participants and the program organizers for a fruitful and enriching training program.
