DATE: October 22–23, 2025 (Online) October 27-31, 2025 (On-site) |
Type: Regional Program |
ORGANIZERS: Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), Philippines and Cagayan State University (CSU)
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Background
The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing human resource development (HRD) in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across its 16 member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 1973, CPSC has remained committed to shaping the future workforce by equipping TVET leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with forward-looking competencies, global best practices, and regional cooperation platforms.
CPSC fulfills its mandate through a variety of program modalities, including:
- Regional Programs that foster knowledge-sharing and multilateral collaboration
- In-Country Programs that address national priorities and institutional needs
- Open Registration Programs for cross-border benchmarking and networking
- Customized Training for specific institutions or sectors
- Webinars, Conferences, and Thematic Forums on emerging issues in TVET and HRD
Through these platforms, CPSC strengthens institutional capacity, promotes innovation, and enhances regional alignment with global trends such as Industry 4.0/5.0, sustainable development, digital transformation, and inclusive skills development.
Strategic planning in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential to align educational programs with the evolving demands of industries and labor markets, ensuring relevant skill development for economic growth. Effective planning empowers TVET institutions to optimize resources, improve governance, and foster innovation. The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) plays a significant and vital role in this context by supporting its 16 member countries in the Asia and the Pacific region. It facilitates capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation to ehanced cooperation to enhance the quality and responsiveness of TVET systems, thereby contributing to sustainable development and workforce competitiveness in the region.
The year 2025 marks the midpoint of CPSC’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2023–2028), a comprehensive roadmap designed through collaborative consultations with TVET experts, senior executives, and national stakeholders. The plan was formulated to address the dynamic changes in the global skills landscape and to align CPSC’s services with international commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and TVET reforms across the Asia-Pacific.
Given the rapid evolution of industry demands, technological disruption, and growing expectations from member countries, a Mid-Term Strategic Review has become essential. This review is not only an accountability exercise but also a strategic recalibration process aimed at:
- Evaluating progress on key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Identifying implementation gaps, opportunities, and challenges
- Gathering insights from stakeholders for realignment of priorities
- Designing a responsive roadmap for 2025–2028
- Elevating institutional impact and regional leadership of CPSC
Long-Term Contribution to TVET Standards in Member Countries
This regional program, which integrates strategic review workshops and an international conference on TVET transformation, serves as a cornerstone for long-term capacity building and policy alignment. It provides an opportunity for member countries to:
- Benchmark national progress and reforms against regional peers
- Adopt forward-thinking strategies for curriculum, certification, and quality assurance
- Align national TVET policies with international standards and labor market needs
- Develop actionable strategies that support green skills, digital competencies, inclusivity, and sustainability
- Strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, government, and development partners
By consolidating strategic inputs, success stories, and policy recommendations, the program will directly contribute to uplifting the quality, relevance, and responsiveness of TVET systems in CPSC member countries. It also reinforces CPSC’s commitment to becoming a center of excellence for regional TVET transformation, fostering a future-ready workforce that supports socio-economic growth and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific.
The Regional Training Program integrates three core components in a hybrid modality:
- Strategic Planning and Management in TVET
- Mid-Term Review of the CPSC Strategic Plan 2023–2028
- International Conference in collaboration with Cagayan State University, Philippines
The event provides a platform for TVET policymakers, practitioners, and institutional leaders from 16 CPSC member countries to engage in strategic review, knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and policy discourse. It also showcases regional innovations through plenary discussions, academic engagement, and institutional reflections.
Program Objectives
By the end of this program, participants are expected to:
- To strengthen capacity in leadership, governance, and competency-based assessment to improve institutional effectiveness.
- Evaluate mid-term progress of the CPSC Strategic Plan (2023–2028)
- Share country-specific strategic developments and TVET reforms
- Strengthen alignment with SDGs and global TVET trends
- Enhance knowledge of quality assurance through the new APACC Accreditation Manual
- Formulate strategic recommendations and a roadmap for 2025–2028
Foster academic and institutional collaborations through the International Conference
Expected Outputs
These are the tangible deliverables or activities to be completed during the program:
- Country Presentations
- Insights from 16 CPSC member countries on strategic TVET developments, innovations, and reforms.
- Best practices in policy implementation, quality assurance, and institutional transformation.
- CPSC Strategic Plan Review Documentation
- Presentation of the Mid-Term Review report outlining CPSC’s progress, accomplishments, and implementation gaps.
- SWOT analysis and evaluation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Group Reports and Feedback Papers
- Strategic recommendations from participant groups regarding future directions for CPSC and APACC.
- Roadmap drafts highlighting proposed reforms, collaborations, and implementation approaches for 2025–2028.
- Conference Session Proceedings
- Policy briefs, case studies, and session summaries from each plenary session at CSU.
- Compilation of actionable recommendations from panelists, moderators, and country delegates.
- Conference Publication
- Consolidated documentation from CSU and CPSC proceedings, including best practices, innovations, and frameworks for replication.
- Networking and Collaboration Plans
- Joint initiatives among institutions for benchmarking, research, or cross-border certification recognition.
- Prospective MoUs or commitments to regional cooperation in TVET, certification, or curricula development.
Expected Outcomes
The broader, longer-term results or impacts that the program intends to achieve:
- Improved Implementation of the CPSC Strategic Plan
(2023–2028)
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Industry 4.0 and 5.0, and national TVET priorities.
- Strategic adjustment of the CPSC plan 2023–28 based on real-time feedback and peer insights.
- Enhanced Capacity of TVET Leaders and Institutions
- Knowledge and strategic thinking enhancement among TVET professionals in planning, quality assurance, and sustainability.
- Exposure to global TVET trends, tools, and innovative practices.
- Strengthened Quality Assurance Culture through APACC
- Deeper understanding and application of the updated APACC Accreditation Manual.
- Improved institutional readiness for international accreditation and benchmarking.
- Increased Regional Cooperation and Policy Dialogue
- Greater inter-country exchange of ideas, standards, and educational frameworks.
- More inclusive and collaborative approaches to TVET reform in the Asia-Pacific.
- Sustainable Academia–Industry–Development Partner
Linkages
- Establishment of working relationships between academia, industries, and development organizations for curriculum design, certification, and job-market alignment.
- Strategic Positioning of CPSC and CSU in Regional TVET
Reform
- Institutional leadership roles will be elevated for both CPSC and CSU in facilitating TVET transformation, policy advocacy, and training excellence.
Program Contents
Presentations/Theme papers on the following:
- Theme Paper 1: Strategic Planning & Management in TVET
- Theme Paper 2: Emerging Trends, Technologies, and Transformative Practices in TVET
- Theme Paper 3: Enhancing TVET Quality through the New APACC Accreditation Manual
- Theme Paper 4: Harnessing TVET for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Theme Paper 5: Navigating the Future: Strategic Thinking and Scenario Building in TVET
Presentations/Theme papers on the following:
Tasks/Activities
- Mid-term Strategic Plan Review Workshops
- Country Presentations and Policy Dialogues
- Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussions at CSU
- SWOT Analysis and Strategic Roadmap
- Group Discussions and Action Planning
- Networking and Institutional Collaboration
International Conference on “Global Landscape: Aligning TVET and Industry for Sustainable Development”
Approach and Methodology
Instructional Strategies
- Keynote and Thematic Presentations
- Case Studies and Country Reports
- Strategic Review Workshops and Feedback Groups
- Scenario-building exercises and SWOT analyses
- Panel Discussions and Policy Dialogues
- International Conference and Networking Sessions
Participants Profile
The participants are expected to be composed of the following:
- Senior TVET Planners, Leaders, and Policymakers from 16 CPSC Member Countries
- CPSC Liaison Officers and Accreditation Experts
- Representatives from Accrediting Bodies and Industry
- CSU Officials, Faculty, Researchers, and Local TVET Stakeholders
Date and Venue
The regional program cum expert meeting will be held from:
- October 22–23, 2025 – Online pre-training session
- October 27–28, 2025 – at CPSC headquarters, in Pasig City, Philippines, and
- October 30–31, 2025 – the International Conference will be hosted at the Cagayan State University, in Tuguegarao, Philippines
Program Facilities
- CPSC Headquarters (training rooms, audio-visual, internet, documentation support)
- CSU Convention Centers and Conference Rooms with AV setup
- Online platforms for virtual sessions (Zoom, Google Drive, WhatsApp coordination)
- Travel, accommodation, and local transportation facilities for on-site participants
Program Management and Resource Persons
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Program Schedule
