Global MPM Insight

Personnel Administration Cooperation for Transforming the Public Workforce in the Age of Disruption and Innovation Personnel Administration Cooperation for Transforming the Public Workforce in the Age of Disruption and Innovation 2025MPM–OECDAsia Public ServiceNetwork The acceleration of digital transformation, the rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and rising public expectations for administrative services are collectively compelling governments worldwide to undertake fundamental reforms of their public personnel management systems. The public service can no longer remain within the confines of traditional personnel administration frameworks. Instead, it faces the imperative of establishing a flexible and strategic resource administration system capable of proactively responding to an evolving and increasingly complex policy environment. In response to these transformative trends, MPM has, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), launched the Asia Public Service Network in 2023. The Network has since evolved into a regular consultative platform dedicated to policy exchange and collaborative innovation in the field of public human resource management among countries across the Asian region. As the first regional network established by the OECD in the area of public personnel administration, this initiative holds particular significance. It institutionalizes mutual learning and cooperation among Asian countries, building upon the Republic of Korea’s accumulated experience and policy expertise in public personnel management. In order to further deepen and expand regional cooperation in public personnel management across Asia, MPM convened the Third Asia Public Service Network on 26 November 2025, under the theme “Transforming the Public Workforce in the Age of Disruption and Innovation.” 1. Introduction Kuk Eunkyeong Assistant Director of International Cooperation Division, MPM The 2025 MPM-OECD Asia Public Service Network was attended by high-level representatives from personnel authorities of 14 countries, including seven ASEAN Member States, as well as China and Australia. Notable participants included Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan, Director-General of the Public Service Department of Malaysia; Alinee Thanawatsuggasari, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Civil Service Commission of Thailand; and Ryan Alvin Acosta, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission of the Philippines. In addition, ambassadors to the Republic of Korea and domestic experts were in attendance. Through this gathering, participating countries engaged in substantive discussions on strategies for advancing human resource innovation in the public sector, in response to the era of artificial intelligence and large- scale digital transformation. Starting of the Event Tschoe Dongseok, Minister of Personnel Management, opened the Conference by underscoring that digital transformation centered on AI presents both new opportunities and complex challenges for the public service. He emphasized that effective response requires going beyond the mere adoption of technology, calling for a comprehensive rethinking of collaboration between people and AI, as well as the transformation of work processes and organizational culture within the public sector. In her congratulatory remarks, Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, highlighted three core priorities - technology, competency, and leadership - as the critical responsibilities of public personnel authorities in ensuring resilience and responsiveness in an evolving policy environment. She further underscored the urgency of investing in AI literacy and transformational leadership capabilities among senior public officials, stressing that such efforts are essential to strengthening the overall capacity and adaptability of public administration. 2. Sketch of the Event International Cooperation 74 Global MPM Insight Vol.5 75