1. History It was established to assist the member countries of the Colombo Plan in developing and enhancing their technical education systems for human resources development as a result of a decision made during the 23rd Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM), held in Wellington, New Zealand. On 5th December 1973, CPSC was operationalized in Singapore , the first host country of CPSC. And CPSC moved to Manila in 1987 on the invitation of the Philippine Government. For seventeen (17) years, CPSC enjoys the hospitality of its second host country in Manila , Philippines . 2. Member Countries CPSC has a total of twenty eight (27) member countries classified as charter and current members. The present nineteen (19) member countries are: Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan , Republic of Korea , Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Republic of Palau as Honorary Member. Eight (8) Charter member countries are: Australia , Cambodia, Canada, Laos, Thailand, United Kingdom , United States of America and Vietnam. 3. Current Activities in Asia and the Pacific Region CPSC is a unique Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO) that consistently addresses technical education and vocational training (TEVT) issues in its member countries through the planning and implementation of demand-driven training programs; research and development, information dissemination and consultancy activities in Asia and the Pacific region. For over three decades, CPSC continues to assert its role in advancing human resources development across the region. Through the dynamic leadership of its Director General, Dr. Man-Gon Park, CPSC has innovated and transformed into a center of excellence in TEVT for human resources development in the Asia and the Pacific region. The integration of innovative approaches in all of its endeavors is anchored on the 3A Principle: Accelerated Service to CPSC Client System Advanced System in TEVT Aggressive Activities and Continual Innovation 4. Objectives and Functions The objective of CPSC is to improve the quality of technical education and training systems in the Colombo Plan region by meeting the needs for technician teacher educators and trainers and senior staff in technician education who can play a more active part in in-service training and staff development and programs. The main functions of the CPSC are: - to conduct, both at the CPSC and in Member Countries, training programs of further professional education and training for serving technical teachers, educators, key persons responsible for the planning, development, administration and supervision of technician education and training systems and persons in key supporting roles such as training officers, librarians and registrars; - to hold international congresses, conferences, workshops, and seminars for professionals, educators, and students from TEVT and industry for extending and updating knowledge, technologies, and related information and adjusting environmental changes in the knowledge-based society; - to assist Member Countries to undertake developmental projects in the field of TEVT for Human Resources Development, technological projects in the fields of IT, BT, NT, ET, CT, and ST, and quality assurance projects in the fields of accreditation and certification, ISO, TQM, and BPR; - to coordinate and undertake research projects on special topics and issues for the enhancement and improvement of TEVT systems and for development of fundamental technologies in the region; - to collaborate closely with TEVT Institutions such as technical/polytechnic colleges, technical teacher training institutions, vocational training institutions, institutes of technology and education, and technological/engineering universities in the member countries and elsewhere in the world for the exchange of information, ideas, experience and cooperation between and among these institutions ; - to a ssist in institution-building and networking with activities that generate the sharing of resources, experience, expertise and information as well as networking among TEVT institutions in its member countries. 5. Governance and Operation 5.1 Governance CPSC is governed by the Governing Board, consisting of heads of diplomatic missions of the governments of participating countries based in the Philippines . The Director General, the Chief Executive Officer of the College, is appointed by the Governing Board for an initial period of three years and an extension of two more years from among eminent and professional experts in technology education in the Member Countries. 5.2 Faculty The College is staffed by the international faculty members equipped high level expertise and technologies in various aspects of TEVT. Faculty members are composed of the Governing Board Engaged Faculty (Core faculty), Seconded Faculty by member governments, and recruited faculty (Associate and Assistant Faculty) directly by the College. They stay in the College for appointed period. 5.3 Funding As an inter-governmental international organization, CPSC derives its funds from the contribution of participating countries as determined by the Governing Board. In addition, some participating governments, other international and national agencies, and industry provide contributions and donation for fellowships, training programs, consulting projects, human resource secondment, and TET resources such as books, instructional materials, computer software systems, equipment, and facilities. 5.4 Corporate Plan 2008 6 . Location CPSC occupies a modernized building inside the DepEd Complex provided by the Philippine Government through the Department of Education. The complex is situated along Meralco Avenue , Pasig City, just a few meters away from the Ortigas Center , Metro Manila’s newest central business district. Blk C, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue , Pasig City, Manila , Philippines Phone: + 63-2-633-8413, FAX: +63-2-633-8425 / +63-2-631-0996 E-mail: cpsc@cpsctech.org Website: http://www.cpsctech.org