From 2 to 5 March 2026, Bangkok played host to a four-day training course on Digitalization in Accreditation, as part of the ADAPT project. The event aimed to equip participants from the Asia-Pacific region with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization in the field of accreditation.
Led by two trainers from the UK, Jeff Ruddle and Kieran Walshe, the training brought together 36 participants from 16 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The course was accompanied by the ADAPT project team, consisting of the project coordinator Lukas Nagel, project assistant Kira Wolf, and consultant Graham Talbot.
Despite the challenges posed by the escalation in the Middle East, which resulted in some participants from South America being unable to attend or arriving late, the training was a resounding success. Two participants from Ecuador made the long journey to attend the event for only three days, demonstrating their commitment to embracing digitalization in accreditation.
Throughout the course, participants worked in small groups of 5-6 to investigate various topics, including the current digital landscape, digitalization options for accreditation processes, and the core principles for successful digital transformation. Finally, putting their knowledge into practice, the attendees created a hypothetical real-life business case.
The event provided a unique chance for mutual learning. During the training and evening meals, participants had ample opportunities to swap stories, share experiences, and glean valuable insights from one another. For those seeking more in-depth guidance, the trainers were present in the lobby each evening offering one-on-one chats to tackle specific, real-world challenges.
The Centara Grand Ladprao proved to be a great venue for the training, offering a comfortable and conducive environment for learning and networking. The hotel’s efforts to accommodate the participants’ needs during Ramadan were particularly appreciated.
The feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the relevance and content of the training. The opportunity to share knowledge and best practices with fellow experts from the region was greatly appreciated.
The ADAPT project aims to promote digital transformation in accreditation in the Asia-Pacific region. As the world becomes increasingly digital, accreditation bodies must adapt to effectively reduce technical trade barriers, improve product quality, safety and foster trust and reliability. The training course in Bangkok was the last big event before the end of the project in April 2026 and marks a significant step towards achieving this goal.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the participants, trainers, and hotel staff for their participation and support in making this training a success.
A group exercise during the training sessions on digitalization
Copyright © all pictures: PTB/Kira Wolf
