CIG and Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance Conclude Inaugural Finance Excellence Programme

December 5, 2025

The inaugural cohort of the Finance Excellence Programme (FEP) together with the Secretary and Heads of Departments of the Ministry of Finance, alongside representatives from the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG).

THIMPHU (Bhutan), 5 December 2025  — The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) has successfully concluded its inaugural Finance Excellence Programme (FEP), delivered in partnership with Bhutan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) . The five-day programme was designed to equip entry- to mid-level Finance Officers with the strategic capabilities needed to operate as effective strategic partners within their organisations.

Developed following months of close consultation with MOF’s senior leadership, the FEP was carefully tailored to Bhutan’s public sector context and the day-to-day realities faced by Finance Officers. The curriculum sought to catalyse mindset shifts, deepen strengthen macro-level strategic thinking, and build practical competencies that enable officers to contribute more holistically to organisational decision-making.

Mastering the Macro: Strategic Finance and Fiscal Planning

The programme opened with a macro-level exploration of the evolving role of Finance and Finance Officers in strategic decision-making. Guided by CIG Advisory Council Member Mr Lee Kok Fatt, participants examined how finance officers can meaningfully shape strategy formulation, with a focus on strategic planning, fiscal management and budgetary processes. These concepts were brought to life through a CIG-developed case discussion on budget allocation under fiscal constraints, enabling participants to apply analytical frameworks to realistic policy and resource trade-offs.

Participants present their discussions on the case simulation with inputs from CIG expert Mr Lee Kok Fatt.


Participants were also introduced to techniques for project evaluation and risk management, drawing on Singapore as a reference case while exploring how relevant practices could be thoughtfully adapted to Bhutan’s national context. The programme further covered communication strategies to help officers articulate value more effectively, while creating space for participants to reflect on systemic challenges within their organisations and identify practical quick wins they could begin implementing immediately.

Mr Lee Kok Fatt providing his views and inputs to the participants.

Translating Analysis into Action

The latter half of the week shifted the focus from analysis to execution, equipping participants with practical tools to craft clear, compelling, and data-driven stories. Led by CIG Expert Mr Derrick Yuen, participants engaged in hands-on exercises to distil key insights from complex datasets and structure them into persuasive narratives that resonate with decision-makers.

Participants engage in hands-on data visualisation practice guided by Mr Derrick Yuen, and present the narratives that they have crafted collaboratively.

Embracing the Mindset Shift

In his closing remarks, Mr Ho Wei Jiang, Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance, underscored the critical role Finance Officers play in enabling sound governance and long-term national outcomes. He encouraged participants to take the deliberate steps towards building the capabilities and confidence needed to lead change from within their organisations.

"I encourage you to carry forward the curiosity, openness, and commitment you demonstrated here. Share your insights with your colleagues. Practise the tools you have learnt. Reflect on how your role can evolve. And above all, embrace the mindset shift that positions you not only as administrators of finance, but as contributors to Bhutan’s long-term goals.”

Mr Ho Wei Jiang, Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance, delivers closing remarks at the conclusion of the FEP, which was graced by the Secretary and Heads of Departments of the Ministry of Finance.

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About the Ministry of Finance (MOF)

The Ministry of Finance is responsible for managing the nation's fiscal policy and financial stability to transform Bhutan into a high-income and self-reliant nation. The ministry's mission is to ensure fiscal sustainability through prudent and efficient public financial management, foster entrepreneurial and innovative practices and advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth through aligned fiscal policies.

For more news and information, visit https://mof.gov.bt/.

About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG)

The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) is a non-profit organisation that works with governments worldwide to build a strong and efficient public sector. We are a team of seasoned government practitioners grounded in real-world experience, focusing on the critical ‘how’ of governance in our partnerships with governments to strengthen institutions and systems, equip leaders, and share knowledge. Drawing on proven practices from Singapore and around the world, we tailor our solutions to each country’s unique needs – because context matters in governance. We are not affiliated with any national government or political party, and we do not represent any partisan or commercial interests. 

For more news and information, visit https://www.chandlerinstitute.org/ or follow CIG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @ChandlerINST
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