CHONEY ZANGMO
Thimphu
The Kaizen Training for Reforming Corporate Governance and Enhancing Productivity of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) is a strategic initiative undertaken by JICA in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (MoF). Since November 2023, these organizations have been conducting a data collection survey aimed at reforming corporate governance and improving the productivity of Bhutan’s state-owned enterprises. During this survey, Japanese Kaizen methods were introduced on a trial basis, particularly at Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Ltd, where they received positive feedback. Based on these promising results, this training program has been designed to offer a comprehensive course on Kaizen principles and their practical applications in neighboring third countries.
The primary goal of the training is to familiarize participants with Kaizen philosophy and methods, promoting its adoption in state-owned enterprises in Bhutan. The program also aims to explore effective ways to introduce Kaizen and design future training systems for sustainable implementation. To achieve this, the training will include interactive lectures, discussions, and company visits that showcase successful applications of Kaizen principles in Cambodia.
Participants of this program will comprise officials from the MoF and SOE’s who are expected to play a central role in integrating Kaizen within their organizations. Additionally, university lecturers and trainers from institutions aiming to establish Kaizen-focused courses will also take part in the program. Scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 4, 2025, the training will be hosted at the Cambodia- Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The role of CJCC is central to the program’s success, as it will conduct the five-day training session tailored to Bhutanese participants. Prior to the training, a thorough analysis of participants’ training needs will be conducted, allowing for a customized curriculum to be developed. CJCC, established in 2004 with the support of the Japanese government and JICA, has significant experience in business management and organizational training. The center operates based on Japanese business philosophy, making it a valuable resource for sharing knowledge and experience in Kaizen. The decision to hold the training in Cambodia was influenced by CJCC’s expertise, as well as the geographical and cultural proximity between Cambodia and Bhutan, which enables long-term collaboration opportunities.
The concept of Kaizen, a Japanese term meaning “improvement” or “change for better,” is a core element of the training. Unlike one-time reforms, Kaizen emphasizes continuous, incremental improvements that enhance efficiency, productivity, and employee morale. The training will cover key Kaizen methodologies, including the 5S framework (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, and the Ho-Ren-So (Report-Contact- Consult) communication framework. Participants will also explore the distinction between Kaizen and Kaikaku (innovation), identify potential improvement areas, and develop actionable plans for their respective organizations.
By the end of the training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to implement Kaizen practices effectively and address potential challenges, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their workplaces. The program will also highlight the essential role of leadership in sustaining Kaizen initiatives. A dynamic and interactive approach will be used throughout the training, combining expert-led lectures, group discussions, case studies, and company visits to ensure practical learning.
The agenda includes an in-depth exploration of Kaizen tools such as the KJ method, Affinity Diagram, Prioritization Matrix, Pareto Chart, and the Five Whys technique for root cause analysis. Additionally, participants will engage in hands-on learning through company visits to Vasochin Bird Nest Best Life Product Co. Ltd and Cambodia Chemical Supply (Cam-Paint), both of which have successfully implemented Kaizen practices. These visits will provide valuable insights into real-world applications of continuous improvement principles.
At the conclusion of the training, participants will reflect on their learnings and present their Kaizen action plans. The final session will focus on the Ho-Ren-So framework, emphasizing effective communication in Kaizen activities. This ensures that participants can translate their knowledge into actionable strategies for implementation in their own organizations.
The training will be led by experienced professionals, including Dr. KHIM Leang, the Director of CJCC, and Mr. Sy Vanna, the Senior Manager of the Human Resource Department at JICA. Dr. KHIM Leang, with a strong academic background and extensive experience in business training and leadership, has played a key role in promoting Kaizen in Cambodia. Mr. Sy Vanna, a highly trained professional in transformational coaching and Japanese-style management, brings over sixteen years of experience in business strategy, leadership, and human resource development. Together, they will provide participants with valuable guidance and practical knowledge to drive continuous improvement within Bhutan’s state-owned enterprises.
This training marks a significant step toward institutionalizing Kaizen in Bhutan’s corporate governance framework. Through knowledge-sharing, hands-on practice, and expert guidance, participants will gain the skills and confidence to champion Kaizen principles in their organizations, leading to long-term improvements in efficiency, productivity, and overall workplace culture.
