Three new training programmes focusing on digital skills, artificial intelligence and construction management are set to equip Bhutan’s civil servants with the expertise needed to improve public service delivery and infrastructure development.
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Management (RIM), has introduced three capacity-building initiatives aimed at modernising the public workforce and strengthening institutional efficiency.
The initiatives—the RIM Digital Skills Academy, AI Learning Hub and Construction Management Programme—seek to address emerging technological demands while improving professional competencies across the public and private sectors.
A major component of the initiative is the Digital Skills Academy, which will provide structured training in areas such as digital literacy, artificial intelligence, digital governance and cybersecurity. The academy is designed to help civil servants adapt to an increasingly technology-driven working environment, encouraging the practical application of digital tools, data-driven decision-making and innovative approaches to governance.
According to Kuenga Yangki, Focal Person for the Digital Skills Academy, the training framework will cover five domains, with courses organised into four progressive levels—foundation, practitioner, specialist and strategic leadership.
The academy will follow a five-year implementation roadmap, with training introduced in phases. The first sessions are expected to commence in March next year.
RIM Director General Tshering Yangden highlighted the importance of developing a digitally competent workforce to support the government’s broader transformation agenda. She said the programme would contribute to greater productivity and institutional capacity within the civil service.
Complementing the academy is the AI Learning Hub, developed in partnership with InnovateUS. The platform will provide flexible, self-paced learning opportunities to help civil servants understand artificial intelligence and its responsible application in professional settings.
Unlike conventional classroom-based programmes, the hub will allow participants to access learning resources remotely, whether from their workplaces or homes. The initiative is expected to make AI-related education more accessible while encouraging informed and ethical use of emerging technologies.
Alongside these digital initiatives, RCSC and RIM are also placing emphasis on improving the management and execution of infrastructure projects through a dedicated Construction Management Programme.
The programme will offer practical training in the use of professional construction management software developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. It is intended for a broad range of personnel involved in infrastructure development, including engineers, site supervisors and professionals without engineering backgrounds.
Dorji Pem, Focal Person for Construction Management, explained that the initial phase would use software developed by the Department of Infrastructure Development. Technical experts from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport will serve as resource persons, providing participants with hands-on guidance in applying the software to construction-related activities.
The training is tentatively scheduled to begin in November.
Emphasising the programme’s wider significance, Tshering Yangden said strengthening construction management capabilities was essential to ensuring safer infrastructure, higher construction standards and greater accountability in project implementation.
The three initiatives reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen professional skills in areas increasingly important to effective governance and national development. While the digital programmes focus on technological readiness and innovation, the construction management training addresses the practical challenges of delivering quality infrastructure.
Participation will not be limited to civil servants. Public sector personnel and private sector employees will also have opportunities to benefit from the programmes, extending their potential impact beyond government institutions.
Through these initiatives, RCSC and RIM aim to cultivate a more skilled, adaptable and accountable workforce capable of responding to changing technological demands, improving service delivery and contributing to Bhutan’s long-term development priorities.
