GENEVA: The Asean Year of Skills 2025, which will be held in Malaysia in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 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.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a high-tea session with nine Asean leaders here, 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."
Srinivas shared his experience in organising the European Year of Skills last year and this year, as well as the positive impact it has had on governments, businesses and talent in the region.
The Asean Leaders High-Tea was attended by Brunei Home Affairs Minister Dato' Awang Haji Ahmaddin Haji Abd Rahman; Singapore Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Lng; Indonesia Manpower Vice-Minister Afriansyah Noor; Laos Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Inthalath Phongsaysack; Philippines deputy minister Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr; Thailand Labour Vice Minister Siraphop Duangsodsri; Myanmar Ambassador and Head of Delegation Ei Ei Tin; Myanmar Ambassador, Head of Delegation and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and the World Trade Organisation for Vietnam Mai Phan Dung; Cambodia Ministry of Labour & Vocational Training Secretary of State Som Chamnan and Timor-Leste Employment and Training Director-General Carlito Cabral.
The Asean Year of Skills 2025 would see programmes and initiatives being organised, including the National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE) — HRD Corp's annual flagship event that brings together industry captains from around the world to discuss challenges and opportunities in human capital development.