CIG and Bhutan’s Royal Civil Service Commission Launch Leadership Programme for Division Chiefs

October 13, 2025
The inaugural cohort of the Leaders in Civil Service Programme gathers in Thimphu, Bhutan with representatives from RCSC, RIM and CIG to mark the launch of the programme
THIMPHU (Bhutan), 13 October 2025 — The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG), in partnership with Bhutan’s Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) and with support from the Royal Institute of Management (RIM), officially launched the Leaders in Civil Service Programme (LCSP) for Position Level 1 (P1) officers in Thimphu, Bhutan this week. The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening leadership capacity within Bhutan’s public service, with the inaugural cohort comprising 30 P1 Division Chiefs from various ministries and agencies.

CIG’s Distinctive Approach to Programme Development

Building on an initial scoping visit in March 2025, the LCSP was developed through extensive consultations with P1 Division Chiefs, their supervisors and Secretaries, as well as with key institutions including RCSC and RIM. These engagements provided valuable insights into the leadership challenges and aspirations of Bhutanese civil servants and informed the design of a programme tailored to Bhutan’s unique governance context.

Anchored in the RCSC Leadership Capability Framework’s (LCF) core foundations of Direction, Drive, and Delivery, the LCSP aims to strengthen the essential capabilities required to lead teams and organisations, set strategic vision and direction, and work cohesively as One Government, One Country.

In her opening remarks, Dasho Tashi Pem, Chairperson of the RCSC, urged the participants to embrace the learning opportunity:
“See the LCSP not merely as a training programme, but as a transformational journey that will shape how you serve the nation.”

Mr Ho Wei Jiang, Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance also reaffirmed CIG’s commitment, saying:

“Our commitment is not only to deliver a high-quality learning experience, but to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to RCSC’s broader vision of a professional, values-driven, and high-performing civil service that continues to serve His Majesty’s vision and the people of Bhutan with distinction.”

Mr Ho Wei Jiang (left), Dean of the Chandler Academy of Governance, and Dasho Tashi Pem (right), Chairperson of the RCSC, deliver opening remarks at the launch of the LCSP

Developing Future-Ready Leaders


The LCSP is structured as a three-segment programme featuring nine core modules mapped to RCSC’s LCF. Each segment combines practical and reflective learning approaches, including experiential exercises, fireside chats, mentoring, and capstone projects, to deepen learning and promote sustained behavioural change.


The first segment, themed “Foundations of Leadership” and held from 13 to 17 October 2025, focused on three core areas – leading self, leading teams, and leading partnerships. Participants reflected on their leadership styles, explored effective team management strategies, and identified areas for growth as part of a 100-day action plan.


They also took part in a series of practical exercises, including a five-minute scenario-based pitch, designed to help them identify their leadership strengths, blind spots, and readiness for higher leadership responsibilities.


Chief Facilitator Lam Yi Young together with CIG experts Tan Kwang Cheak and Derek Tan conduct a variety of interactive activities with the participants

Looking Ahead


In the subsequent segments, participants will deepen their leadership capabilities by integrating Drive with Direction and Delivery through topics such as foresight and visioning, strategic planning, and whole-of-government collaboration.


Beyond the classroom, participants will continue to engage with their mentors, work on individual assignments, and advance their group capstone projects. These activities are designed to reinforce learning and translate insights into tangible improvements within their respective organisations.

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About the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG)

The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) is an international non-profit organisation, headquartered in Singapore. We believe in a world where citizens have a deep sense of trust in their governments and public institutions, and where nations are governed by principled, wise leaders supported by an effective civil service. Trust and effective governance serve as a strong foundation for national development and prosperity. CIG supports governments in building government talent, leadership and public service capabilities through training programmes, research initiatives and advisory work. 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

About the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC)

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) is a constitutional body dedicated to fostering a high-performing, merit-based, and a political civil service in Bhutan. Established in 1982 and enshrined in the Constitution in 2008, the RCSC aims to promote good governance through effective human resource management. Its mission focuses on embedding intelligence, innovation, and integrity within the civil service, developing high-impact leadership, and cultivating entrepreneurial professionals to deliver transformative policies and sustainable solutions.

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

About the Royal Institute ofManagement (RIM)

The Royal Institute of Management(RIM), established as Bhutan’s apex management training institute, is mandated to “impart, promote and improve professional knowledge and skills in management and public administration in both the public and private sectors of the nation.” Established in 1986, RIM was incorporated as an autonomous institute in 1990 under the Royal Charter. Its mission centres on providing relevant courses of study for executives and professionals, conducting research in management, public administration, and training, as well as offering consultancy and training advisory services to organisations across both public and private sectors.

For more news and information, visit https://www.rim.edu.bt/.
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Chandler Institute of Governance