Latest news with #ASEANYearofSkills2025
Malaysian Reserve
13-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN commends Malaysia for initiating ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 programme
By FARAH SOLHI ASEAN member states commend Malaysia for initiating the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 (AYOS2025), a programme deemed as strategic effort to equip the ASEAN workforce with future-ready skills. In a joint communiqué, the bloc acknowledged AYOS2025 for its objective to assist and prepare the people of ASEAN with skills to adapt to changing labour markets and drive sustainable growth in workforce within the region. The programme is also a platform to exchange best practices and lessons learnt on ASEAN and regional skill standards, training curriculum, skills, assessment and certification. 'This aligned with ASEAN Guiding Principles for Quality Assurance and Recognition of Competency Certification Systems,' ASEAN ministers said in the joint statement. They also welcomed the ongoing efforts to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven training and upskilling programmes for green jobs. This includes through the ASEAN Green Jobs Forum that will be held on Aug 27 and 28 this year in Malaysia. 'We have looked through the adoption of the ASEAN Ministerial Statement and Action Plan for Green Jobs Promotion in the Labour Sector. 'We supported the provision of technical assistance on AI training for ASEAN member states,' they said. The AYOS2025 is organised by the Human Resources Ministry together with its agencies and departments in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to spearhead training and skills initiatives. The bloc also commended the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) efforts in strengthening data-driven platforms and evidence-based decision making through their Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System. The system, they said, supports strategic planning and the effective implementation of ASCC initiatives. The ministers acknowledged the ASCC Research and Development (R&D) Platforms Programmes contribution in promoting evidence-based policies and strengthening cross-sectoral decision-making. 'We welcome the launch of the ASCC R&D Platform on the Care Economy which will examine the valuation of care work and the development of sustainable care policies. 'We also welcome the substantive progress made in advancing the ASEAN Creative Economy, including the establishment of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework,' they said. This Framework, the communiqué said, provides guidance for the development of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cultural and creative industries across the region. Meanwhile, the bloc emphasised the potential of cultural heritage to promote economic growth, social cohesion, cultural preservation and sustainability, and looked forward to the adoption of the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation. Moreover, the member states acknowledge the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) efforts in their ongoing development of Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN. 'We acknowledge AMRI's efforts in developing a successor Work Plan for Information and Media (2026-2035), and the ASEAN Communication Master Plan III (ACMP III) (2026-2030) to align with the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future adopted in May 2025. 'We acknowledge their commitment to transform the media's role to strengthen ASEAN's cohesion and mutual understanding, and enhance cooperation in combating fake news and disinformation. 'In this regard, we welcome the adoption of the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration to Reaffirm AMRI's Commitment to Strategic Progress in Media and Information.' On the issues related to migrants, the member states reaffirmed their commitment to protect and promote migrant workers' rights throughout the entire migration cycle. 'We recognise the significant impact of the migration and development nexus, on the livelihood and welfare of the present and future generations of the ASEAN Community. 'We acknowledged the need to address migration issues in order to achieve ASEAN goals,' they said.
Malaysian Reserve
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN boosts social resilience with focus on skills, climate, and care economy
by AUFA MARDHIAH ASEAN is stepping up efforts to build a more inclusive and people-centred region by investing in human development, health, culture and climate resilience under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar. In a joint communiqué following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the bloc reaffirmed its focus on data-driven policymaking and collaboration across sectors. This includes the rollout of a new platform on the care economy. 'It will explore the valuation of care work, the implications of demographic shifts, and the development of sustainable care policies,' it said. Ministers also expressed strong support for growing ASEAN's cultural and creative economy. They welcomed the new sustainability framework for creative industries and looked forward to adopting the Melaka Declaration. 'Cultural heritage has the potential to promote economic growth, social cohesion, cultural preservation and sustainability,' it said. Addressing the growing concerns over disinformation, ASEAN reiterated its commitment to building a safer digital environment. The communiqué noted regional efforts to 'strengthen ASEAN's cohesion and mutual understanding, enhance cooperation in combating fake news and disinformation, and promote the safe and responsible use of social media platforms.' On future skills, Malaysia is leading the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025. The region is also expanding green jobs training and preparing a ministerial action plan to help workers adapt to rapid changes in labour markets, especially through AI and sustainability-focused upskilling. The bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migrant workers, pledging to promote fair recruitment and better reintegration systems, while acknowledging 'the principle of shared and balanced responsibilities of the receiving and sending ASEAN Member States.' Health security remained a priority, with ASEAN aiming to improve regional drug and vaccine self-reliance under the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on Drug Security and Self-Reliance. It also supported wider access to diagnostics and efforts to tackle malnutrition and ageing through nutrition plans and active ageing strategies. On disaster preparedness, ASEAN committed to strengthening the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) framework and continuing humanitarian support through the AHA Centre. Ministers commended the centre's rapid response following the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar. 'It played a vital role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, supporting and facilitating relief operations, and ensuring timely and effective humanitarian response,' they said. The communiqué also emphasised stronger regional climate action, including the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and preparing a joint statement ahead of COP30. 'We reaffirmed our collective commitment to jointly addressing the global challenge of climate change,' it said. Other focus areas include gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection and rural development. The ASEAN Villages Network and the One Village One Product initiative were highlighted as efforts to reduce urban-rural disparities and boost community-based growth. The bloc is also preparing a declaration on future-ready public service, aiming to make ASEAN governance more digital, ethical and people-centric. These efforts reflect ASEAN's long-term vision for a united, resilient and sustainable community by 2045.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ILO, ASEAN sec-gen praise Sim's leadership in skills development
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has received high praise from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn for his visionary leadership in advancing skills development and human capital investment across the region. Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) in a statement said the recognition comes as Malaysia, under its ASEAN Chairmanship hosted the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), here today. According to the statement, Kao praised Malaysia's commitment, expressing his appreciation to the ministry and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) for their visionary leadership in launching the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 (AYOS 2025) as a flagship initiative under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. 'This symposium provides a timely and meaningful platform to reaffirm our collective commitment to investing in our people, the true architects of ASEAN's growth and the foundation of ASEAN's resilience and progress,' Kao said. The symposium brought together around 300 key stakeholders from across ASEAN to discuss strategic investments in skills and human capital development. Themed 'Investment in Human Capital, Sustainable Financing, Public-Private Partnerships and Social Inclusion', the event is a flagship platform under the AYOS 2025, which aims to bridge skills gaps, foster talent mobility and promote inclusive growth throughout the region. AYOS 2025, led by KESUMA, features seven flagship events, including the AHCDIS and the National Training Week (NTW), both designed to drive collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation across the region. These efforts align with Malaysia's broader vision to position ASEAN as a global leader in skilled talent and sustainable development. Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the country and the region. As Chair, Malaysia is leading a year-long series of initiatives and high-level meetings focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ILO, ASEAN Sec-gen Praise Sim's Leadership In Skills Development
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong delivers his keynote address during the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has received high praise from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn for his visionary leadership in advancing skills development and human capital investment across the region. Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) in a statement said the recognition comes as Malaysia, under its ASEAN Chairmanship hosted the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), here today. According to the statement, Kao praised Malaysia's commitment, expressing his appreciation to the ministry and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) for their visionary leadership in launching the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 (AYOS 2025) as a flagship initiative under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. 'This symposium provides a timely and meaningful platform to reaffirm our collective commitment to investing in our people, the true architects of ASEAN's growth and the foundation of ASEAN's resilience and progress,' Kao said. The symposium brought together around 300 key stakeholders from across ASEAN to discuss strategic investments in skills and human capital development. Themed 'Investment in Human Capital, Sustainable Financing, Public-Private Partnerships and Social Inclusion', the event is a flagship platform under the AYOS 2025, which aims to bridge skills gaps, foster talent mobility and promote inclusive growth throughout the region. AYOS 2025, led by KESUMA, features seven flagship events, including the AHCDIS and the National Training Week (NTW), both designed to drive collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation across the region. These efforts align with Malaysia's broader vision to position ASEAN as a global leader in skilled talent and sustainable development. Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the country and the region. As Chair, Malaysia is leading a year-long series of initiatives and high-level meetings focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
