Dear Practitioner,

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our perceptions, beliefs, and ways of working. It has exposed gaps in the way we have been managing projects. One area that needs urgent re-focus is risk management. In this issue of Manage South Asia, we discuss how an integrated approach toward risk management is critical in today’s business environment. As organizations look to fortify and future-proof themselves, we see risk management increasingly becoming a critical skill for project managers. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® will help you stay on top of your game and increase your relevance to your organization.

Another article to check out is our By Invitation column on program management. Learn how organizations can develop resilient program managers to lead their teams for greater success during these difficult times. If you want to get the extra edge in your career as a program manager, consider our Program Management Professional (PgMP)® certification.

On 29 and 30 May, our Project Management Regional Conference, focusing on the theme ‘Digital Project Management: New Horizons. New Strategies,’ was held on a virtual platform. Several well-known experts and leading practitioners from across the globe shared their knowledge and insights on the impact of digital technologies on projects, and the importance of developing digital skills to stay relevant. In this context, we invite you to cultivate ‘power skills,’ that include competencies in digital technologies and soft skills, in order to become future-ready project managers.

Besides the learning, the virtual event provided a great opportunity for our practitioners in Region 11 to connect and network online. We had a big turnout, with more than 800 delegates from 20 countries, and active participation in the interactive segments, including the project management quiz, audience polls, and Q&A sessions. I would like to congratulate the PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter, as well as volunteers from Region 11 chapters, for their impactful and effective collective endeavor.

PMI recently released the Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications 2021 report. It unravels the main reasons behind the talent gap in projects. Do read the report and stay up-to-date on how organizations and professionals can meet the high demand for project management skills.

Stay safe and healthy.

Kind regards,

Dr. Srini Srinivasan
Managing Director,
PMI South Asia