Latest news with #Asean
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: South Korea has praised Malaysia's active leadership as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), highlighting its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung Bae said that as Asean organises for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, Malaysia as the chair plays an important and active role, especially in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Bangkok a couple of months ago and met both the military leadership and the opposition leadership. "By doing this important role as Chair, Malaysia is making a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. "In that regard, Korea highly appreciates the role of Malaysia, and our government will continue to support Malaysia's active role as the Asean Chair," he told Bernama in an interview recently. In May 2025, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. Subsequently, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 2025) held in May also agreed that Asean would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent Asean Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term, a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. On June 22, Malaysia called for enhanced collaboration between Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, with a focus on ending violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, and supporting long-term peace in the country. Meanwhile, for the upcoming 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) this July, Yeo reaffirmed South Korea's role as a responsible member of the international community and a strong supporter of Asean centrality, particularly in Malaysia's efforts to improve the security situation in the region. Korea is an active member of the East Asia Summit and the Asean Regional Forum, as well as being a key dialogue partner of Asean. "So definitely our new government places big importance on this July's Foreign Ministers' Meeting," he said. The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) will be held from July 8 to 11, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and will bring together the foreign ministers of all Asean member countries to review Asean's progress and unity, as well as discuss key regional issues. – Bernama
South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Are migrant workers the real glue cementing Asean-GCC ties?
The second Asean -Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, held in Malaysia from May 26 to 27, marked a significant step towards deepening ties between Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Advertisement While interregional cooperation is often framed in terms of energy, trade and investment, the bedrock of this relationship is increasingly shaped by people-to-people connectivity, anchored in labour migration, religious devotion and growing financial linkages. As fast-growing regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the GCC are forming bonds as much through daily human interaction as through strategic interests. In 2022, the combined workforce of the six GCC countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – was estimated at 32 million. Of these, Gulf nationals accounted for just 5.8 million, or 18 per cent, while more than 26 million were foreign workers. Although comprehensive and up-to-date data on the total number of Asean citizens working in the GCC is limited, available figures highlight the Gulf's significance as a destination for Asean labour migrants and a key source of remittances. 01:47 Chinese Premier Li Qiang hails first-ever three-way talks with SE Asia, Gulf nations Chinese Premier Li Qiang hails first-ever three-way talks with SE Asia, Gulf nations Saudi Arabia , the largest country in the GCC, employed about 726,000 Filipinos, 175,000 Indonesians and 164,000 Myanmar nationals, according to its 2022 census. The UAE , the second largest country in the region, hosted about 780,000 Filipinos last year. Kuwait, though smaller in size, is still a popular destination for migrant workers, with more than 223,000 Filipinos living there as of 2024. Most of these migrant workers are employed in sectors such as domestic work, healthcare and construction. Recognising the structural importance of these labour flows, Asean and GCC member states have increasingly sought to institutionalise protection mechanisms through bilateral agreements. For example, the 2017 labour agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines set standards for recruitment and employment practices to ensure the rights and welfare of Filipino workers. Advertisement Indonesia , which imposed a moratorium in 2015 on sending workers to Saudi Arabia amid frequent cases of abuse, is now preparing to lift the ban by the end of this month. This development follows a renewed agreement to strengthen worker protection, including a minimum wage, health and life insurance, and digital integration of recruitment data to monitor irregular practices and improve oversight. These moves point to a clear trend: labour governance is becoming central to Asean-GCC cooperation. Both sides are shifting from ad hoc arrangements to a more structured approach focused on rights, protections and shared responsibility – a sign of a more mature and balanced partnership.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Move to strengthen TVET enrolment, future workforce
PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. 'This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. 'GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the Dual Training Model nationwide,' he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. 'To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.' He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia's most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing. He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. 'Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.' Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia's talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. 'TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it's operating hydrogen-powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. 'Malaysia's progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.' She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. 'TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.' She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. 'Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,' she said.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts TVET to meet future workforce demands
PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. 'This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. 'GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the Dual Training Model nationwide,' he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. 'To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.' He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia's most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing. He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. 'Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.' Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia's talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. 'TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it's operating hydrogen-powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. 'Malaysia's progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.' She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. 'TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.' She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. 'Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,' she said.
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Malaysia, Indonesia committed to Asean unity, border resolution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Malaysia and Indonesia agree that a united and stable Asean is crucial to addressing current global challenges, whether economic, political or security-related. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was agreed upon during his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta yesterday, in conjunction with his one-day official visit to the republic. 'As two founding members of Asean, Malaysia and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to preserving regional unity and maintaining Asean's stability. 'Hence, the close Malaysia-Indonesia ties will continue to serve as a model and catalyst for greater Asean unity, for the well-being of the people of both countries and the region as a whole,' Anwar said in a Facebook post. He added that in the spirit of mutual trust, Malaysia and Indonesia are also determined to resolve the outstanding border issues without delay. He said resolving the border issues, including longstanding maritime matters, is a shared priority to preserve the strong ties and close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia. 'This win-win solution is expected to further enhance the confidence and trust between the two neighbouring nations. 'The alignment reflects the close friendship and strong strategic relations between the two countries,' he said. — Bernama
