Asia has vast needs in strengthening the capabilities of institutions and human resources. Asia Policy Research has played a key role in institutional capacity building for the public and private sectors by designing appropriate institutional structures, conducting change management programs, and enhancing policies for human resources development and higher education.

Thailand National Science and Technology Policy Capacity: A project to support the National Science and Technology Policy Committee (NSTC) in developing, coordinating and evaluating the reform of Thailand’s science and technology (S&T) system. The scope of work covered four principal areas: 1) strengthening the policy formulation process; 2) strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of public investments in S&T; 3) enhancing the capability for internal management and human resource development of the NSTC Secretariat; and 4) designing an electronic database of S&T policy research.

Change Management in Thailand's Board of Investment: In conjunction with Chulalongkorn University, conducted a series of “Change Management and Investment Promotion Projects” for the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The project involved a comprehensive examination of the products and processes of the BOI, bringing together technical and managerial inputs to develop a comprehensive organization development plan for the BOI. It involved numerous activities related to investment promotion policies, strategies, information technology, human resource development, and managerial and structural reform at the BOI. A comprehensive needs assessment of BOI staff formed a key element of the activities.

Zambia-Malawi-Mozambique Growth Triangle (ZMM-GT) Secretariat: Designed the business plan for establishing the ZMM-GT Secretariat, including the organizational structure, functions of the Secretariat, staffing and job descriptions, budget, priority projects, strategy for interfacing with other ZMM-GT institutions, and more.

Management Training Course for Myanmar SMEs: Developed a training program to enhance the management skills of small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) and assist them with their integration into the global economy. Project included designing a curriculum for business short courses offered to Myanmar SME managers in agro-business, handicrafts, and tourism. Also prepared and conducted a needs assessment survey designed to gauge the skills needed by Myanmar managers, and developed background studies for the three aforementioned sectors.

Technical Support Facility for Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC): Conducted a study to examine the feasibility of and options for establishing a technical support facility (TSF) for the regional economic cooperation grouping BIMST-EC and establishing a permanent secretariat in the future. Several secretariats or similar backstop bodies for various subregional cooperation arrangements from around the world were examined in terms of their structures, functions, and processes to help identify potential “best practices” and possible models for the BIMST-EC TSF. In addition to options for the structure of TSF, the study also considered issues such as functions and responsibilities of the TSF, financing arrangements, and staffing.

Strengthening the Chambers of Commerce under the GMS Business Forum: Designed and delivered a training course for building the capacities of GMS chambers of commerce and industry so that they can serve their members better, attract more foreign investment and joint venture partners, and interface with government policymakers more effectively. Key components included evaluating the chambers, surveying members about the chamber and its activities, and designing training modules for staff members of the chambers.

Science and Technology Manpower: Consultant to Thailand's Ministry of University Affairs on a technical assistance project to examine science and technology higher education. In addition to evaluating the S&T manpower scene in Thailand, the research exercise identified major issues to be addressed for the much-needed enhancement of the quality and quantity of S&T manpower production in Thailand.