The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) recently held a workshop in Jakarta from August 27 to 30, focusing on the Development of Rural Economies through Smart Villages. Organized in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, and the Ministry of Manpower, the event aligned with the APO Vision 2025 to explore how digital technologies and business innovations can boost rural productivity, sustainability, and the overall quality of life.
We are happy to share that our CEO of Smart Village Movement (SVM), Vivek Shah, and Tulenam Laloo, Director of Operations, were among the featured resource persons. Their presentations highlighted SVM’s pioneering work in India, where the integration of technology and enterprise-driven solutions is empowering rural communities. They demonstrated how SVM’s models—from digital tools to sustainable business practices—are transforming rural economies by enhancing productivity, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving access to essential services.
The workshop brought together 25 delegates from 15 APO member countries. Discussions centered on key strategies for implementing the smart village concept, with case studies and expert insights shared by participants from India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Republic of Korea. Vivek Shah and Tulenam Laloo discussed how SVM’s successful approaches can serve as a blueprint for other regions, while also learning from the experiences of other countries in driving rural transformation.
This gathering created a foundation for future collaborations among APO member states, aimed at further promoting the smart village approach across the Asia-Pacific region. SVM remains committed to advancing these efforts, focusing on sustainable growth and technology-driven development to uplift rural communities globally.
