The Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA) and Griffith University, Australia, with support from the Australia Awards, successfully conducted a capacity-building initiative to strengthen higher education regulation and quality assurance systems in Bhutan.
The closing ceremony was graced by Dasho Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and Chairperson of the BQPCA Governing Council.
In his closing remarks, Dasho Secretary described the initiative as โa catalyst for system transformation,โ calling for strong implementation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained follow-through. He emphasised the importance of building a robust, internationally aligned quality assurance ecosystem to support Bhutanโs evolving higher education landscape.
The initiative was delivered through a blended model, comprising a virtual phase (November 2025), an intensive programme in Australia (February 2026), and in-country implementation in April 2026. This approach enabled participants to integrate global perspectives with Bhutanโs institutional and regulatory context.
Facilitated by experts including Professor Dr Sarojini Choy and Dr Sangita De, the programme promoted practical, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented capacity development aligned with national priorities.
Key achievements include the development of 20 Return-to-Work Plans (RWPs) outlining institutional and system-level reforms, the establishment of thematic knowledge clusters across sectors, and the presentation of applied research and implementation posters.
These outcomes have strengthened governance, improved institutional coordination, and enhanced the effectiveness of Bhutanโs quality assurance systems, while reinforcing the alignment between policy, practice, and evidence.
The programme marks a significant milestone in advancing Bhutanโs higher education system, strengthening international engagement, and enhancing long-term credibility and competitiveness.
