Malaysia will host the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event will pave the way for the Human Resources Ministry and its departments and agencies, including the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), to spearhead training and skills initiatives to enhance the workforce in the region. It will be a timely effort given Malaysia’s role as the Asean Chair next year, where it will focus on boost regional integration by fostering trade, deeper economic cooperation and a more interconnected region. It will also encourage investment in the Asean workforce by prioritising capacity building, education and skills development for a future-ready workforce.
Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry is committed to fostering a competent, productive, responsive and resilient Malaysian workforce that can compete in the global marketplace. “We are honoured to work with the ILO and Asean leaders in achieving this aspiration through the Asean Year of Skills 2025. “I am confident we can facilitate effective knowledge and best practices exchange to enhance our workforce skills and productivity. We can also foster stronger collaboration and partnerships among member countries for long-term actionable strategies in human capital development.”
ILO Chief of Skills and Employability Srinivas Reddy expressed belief that the initiative would positively impact the region. “Malaysia is making excellent progress in promoting lifelong learning and skills training under the leadership and vision of its human resources minister,” he said. “I am confident it will succeed in driving the skills development agenda for Asean next year, in line with its chairmanship.”
