On behalf of Bureau of Laboratory Accreditation, Department of Science Service (BLA-DSS), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Mrs. Pochaman Tagheen, the DSS the Deputy – General Director of DSS and Mrs. Chantarat Vorasapavit, the Director of BLA-DSS jointed the conference titled “Accreditation of Reference Material Producers (ISO 17034) and relevant ISO 3340x standards” &“APAC Evaluator Workshop – ISO17034”. The conference was held at Muscat, the capital of Oman during 2 - 6 December 2024. The conference sought for a preparation for Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) assessors and relevant stakeholders, together with an empowerment of assessment-related personnel aligned with the most recent revised-version ISO 17034 documents. The conference ensured effective engagements of the APAC members, enabling an harmonization of assessment and its day-to day operation and practice in compliance with ISO 17034.

Mrs. Pochaman Tagheen, the Deputy – General Director of DSS emphasized the importance of the role and missions of BLA-DSS as one of the four national accreditation bodies.  In this case, the conference has brought hand-on experiences to BLA-DSS, important for a preparation for the Peer Evaluation 2026, which requires being undertaken every 4 year. The conference allowed assessment knowledge and experiences exchanges between the APAC members so that each has gained a solid and clearer understanding of information, regulations and guidelines established by the APAC. The knowledges gained from conference will be passing onto BLA-DSS staff and assessors affiliated to BLA-DSS in a timely manner as it is seen as important resources for maintaining the MRA and further sustainability development for the country.