Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies

RIGSS BLOG | DEMOCRACY IN THE AGE OF AI by Yeshey Ohm Dhendup, Research Officer, RIGSS.

RIGSS Podcast | In Conversation with Jigme Pelden Dorji Seventy-one years ago, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay left behind a legacy of teamwork, audacity and adventure – inspiring the next generations to dream bigger and higher. Their indomitable spirit opened new horizons of what humanity can achieve with the right mindset and sheer determination. Since that historic achievement on May 29, 1953, the world's highest peak has witnessed many similar triumphs and at the same time many tribulations. Adding to the list of triumphs, Jigme Pelden Dorji, a young and promising lieutenant of the Royal Bhutan Army recently hoisted the country’s flag atop Mount Everest for the first time in the country’s history – making every Bhutanese swell with pride and honour. His achievement is not only symbolic of Bhutan’s ambitions and determination to leap out of mediocrity and commonplace but also an inspiration to many young generations to be limitless. https://lnkd.in/giGCJUD8

Coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’s birthday, the two-day RIGSS mobile training on “Leadership Skills for Professional Excellence” for public servants under Trashigang Dzongkhag began today in Sakteng. Close to 110 public servants under Sakteng Drungkhag and from nearby places like Radhi, Phongmey, Dungtse etc. are attending the training. The programme is carried out in collaboration with the Trashigang Dzongkhag and the Sakteng Drungkhag Administrations. Two other cohorts of public servants under the Dzongkhag will be trained in Wamrong and Kanglung soon.

As an embodiment of grace, compassion, and beauty, Her Majesty continues to inspire every Bhutanese and beyond. Her Majesty’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and advancing social welfare causes for the well-being of the people of Bhutan truly stand as a testament to Her profound benevolence and altruistic spirit. With deepest reverence and admiration, we wish Her Majesty a Very Happy Birthday.

The two-day programme on "Leadership Skills for Professional Excellence" in Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag concluded today. Trashi Yangtse is the second Dzongkhag covered under the RIGSS mobile leadership programme. About 130 public servants in the Dzongkhag attended the programme. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag Administration.

RIGSS Director Zimpon Wom Chewang Rinzin and officials from the institute met with the President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Professor Kazuo Yamamoto and his delegation in Thimphu last evening. The two sides held extensive discussions on possible collaboration in leadership training, capacity building, exchange programs and joint research projects as a precursor to formal institutional linkage that will be established between the two institutes in the coming weeks.

In collaboration with PemaGatshel Dzongkhag Administration, RIGSS launched a mobile leadership programme in Nganglam today. The two-day training programme aims to develop essential leadership skills in public servants working in the Dzongkhags, and comprises sessions on leadership, followership, communication and presentation skills, professionalism, organisational culture and leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT to enhance efficiency and productivity. Over 170 public servants working under Nganglam Drungkhag, PemaGatshel are attending the training. The training program for the second cohort of public servants under the Dzongkhag is scheduled in Denchhi on 16-17 May. The institute intends to take the programme to all other Dzongkhags.

RIGSS and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) signed an MoU today to enhance collaboration in leadership training and professional development of school leaders and educators in the country. The collaboration will strive to develop effective and wholesome leaders and educators in the country and contribute meaningfully to realise the noble objectives of the education reforms as envisioned by His Majesty The King. The MoU was signed by the Secretary of MoESD, Tshewang C. Dorji and the Director of RIGSS, Zimpon Wom Chewang Rinzin.

The week-long customised leadership programme for senior leaders of RICBL concluded today. The programme aimed to enhance key leadership competencies for effective personal and organisational development, build camaraderie and social capital among the employees of RICBL and foster common ethos and culture to advance the organisation’s vision in pursuit of the larger national goals. The course included modules on leadership, professionalism, communication, coaching, mentoring and a day's workshop on organisational culture. RIGSS Director Zimpon Wom Chewang Rinzin awarded certificates to the 20 participants during the closing held earlier today.

A week-long Leadership Development Programme for twenty senior managers of the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited (RICBL) began this evening with Orientation Programme. The institute is also hosting a ten-day onboarding programme for eighteen new recruits of the Anti Corruption Commission.