American Society for Quality South Asia: A Journey of Excellence and Innovation

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) South Asia, established in India in 2010, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality landscape across various sectors in the region. As a 100% owned subsidiary of ASQ, USA, it stands as a testament to the commitment to advancing quality practices and knowledge globally. As a pivotal player in fostering quality excellence, ASQ South Asia bridges the legacy of its parent organization with the dynamic and burgeoning needs of the region. 

ASQ’s Legacy: Nearly Eight Decades of Excellence

Established nearly 80 years ago, the American Society for Quality (ASQ) emerged as a beacon for quality management in the industrial world. ASQ has been dedicated to promoting quality as a discipline and driving continuous improvement across industries. Its roots can be traced back to the post-World War II era when the need for standardized quality practices became evident in manufacturing and engineering.

ASQ celebrates the life and legacy of the pioneers in the quality movement such as Dr. Joseph Juran, De. Edward Deming, Dr. Walter Shewart, and Dr. Philip Crosby among others shaped how we understand and practice quality management today. Their vision and wisdom continue to guide the quality profession.

Throughout its journey, ASQ has evolved from being a US-centric organization to a global leader with a presence in 130 countries and over 40,000 members, advocating for quality in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, banking, education, technology, government, defence, and more. Its certifications, training programs, and quality frameworks perfected over nearly eight decades have become benchmarks for organizations worldwide striving for operational excellence.

Elevating Quality Standards

ASQ’s vision is deeply rooted in its belief that quality is a transformative force enhancing lives for a better tomorrow. ASQ South Asia mirrors this vision by providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by businesses in the region. 

The core activities of ASQ South Asia include:

1. Capability Building: Offering ASQ BoK-based training and customised learning pathway to empower individuals nominated for our public training and corporates inviting ASQ to support their quality ecosystem to enhance skills and knowledge needed to excel in quality management roles.
2. ASQ Global Certification: Offering ASQ’s Global Certifications for those who aspire to benchmark themselves with world-class capability standards with ANSI accredited certifications such as the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) – which is the first certification offered by ASQ, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) and thirteen more certifications to develop a skilled workforce.
3. Advisory Services: Assisting organizations in the deployment & implementation of robust quality management systems that align with their specific solutions and meet international standards.

4. Recognising Excellence: ASQ South Asia Team Excellence Award (SATEA) is an annual award celebrating exceptional improvement projects, best practices, and innovative approaches and recognising high performing teams at a national platform to learn, share, and network.
5. Knowledge Sharing: Organizing conferences, webinars, and workshops to disseminate best practices and foster a culture of continuous learning.

The year 2025 will see the ASQ community celebrate excellence in quality through the Reliability Conference which will bring thought leaders and next generation talent to innovate and shape the future of quality and reliability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape of IoT and AI.

Women in Quality will honour outstanding achievements and inspire innovation in the field. The Healthcare Quality Initiative will bring leaders together to address evolving challenges in healthcare excellence.

6. Industry Engagement: Building partnerships with industries and government bodies to promote quality as a key driver of economic growth.

ASQ South Asia partners with significant players like the TATA Group, Maruti Suzuki, Adani, Vedanta, major Public/Defence Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as DRDO, BEL, and IT giants such as Infosys and TCS. This extensive collaboration enhances their quality-related capabilities.

7. Support for national Initiatives: With an MOU with the Quality Council of India, ASQ South Asia supports initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and promotes ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’ manufacturing practices. ASQ has a similar strategic MoU signed with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and, National Institute for Quality & Reliability (NIQR) for joint collaborative initiatives.
8. Engagement with Academic Institutions: Empowering students with knowledge, tools, and strategies to enhance their professional skills and competitiveness in global markets.

Evolution Through Innovation, Automation, and Technology

ASQ South Asia has embraced innovation as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and automation into its offerings, the organization has stayed ahead of the curve. Some of the notable advancements include:

• AI-Powered Solutions: Incorporating artificial intelligence in quality management systems to enhance capability training on Lean Six Sigma and decision-making.
• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing advanced data analytics and simulation modelling to provide actionable insights for cost reduction and in turn improve organizational performance.
• Customized Learning Paths: Leveraging technology to design personalized training modules for professionals and organizations.
• Digital Transformation: Launching online training platforms and virtual certification exams to ensure accessibility and convenience.

Management Vision: The Way Forward

We are driven by a vision to expand and foster a culture of quality excellence across the region by:

• Building Strategic Alliances: Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, industry bodies, and government organizations to amplify its reach.
• Fostering Innovation: Investing in research and development to address emerging challenges in quality management.
• Enhancing Accessibility: Making quality education and resources available to underserved sectors and regions with Artificial Intelligence Integrated learning methodologies to gain practical insights that drive measurable results.
• Sustainability Focus: Promoting practices that align with global sustainability goals, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility.

ASQ South Asia not only helps organizations enhance their quality practices but also significantly contributes to the overall development of India’s quality framework, making it a vital player in the advancement of global quality standards. By empowering individuals and organizations through knowledge and resources, ASQ South Asia is effectively nurturing a robust quality culture that aligns with national growth initiatives.