Malaysia leads regional push for agile, resilient workforce
The year-long programme, led by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) under the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), aims to bridge skills gaps, promote talent mobility, and future-proof the Asean labour market through regional collaboration.
Themed 'Bridging Talent, Building Asean', Ayos 2025 brings together all 10 Asean member states to drive human capital development through inclusive growth, regional knowledge-sharing, and stronger public-private partnerships.
According to HRD Corp, the initiative harnesses Asean's greatest strength, its diverse and dynamic workforce.
"The initiative underscores the importance of collective action among member states to address regional inequalities, unlock youth potential, and enhance workforce resilience," it said in a statement today.
Launched on April 14 in Kuala Lumpur, the initiative is supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Asean Secretariat (Asec), which have provided strategic guidance and resources since its inception.
HRD Corp said each Asean country is supported by national coordinators and ambassadors who will promote and coordinate both regional programmes and domestic activities aligned with the goals of Ayos 2025.
"This includes engaging key stakeholders, championing human capital development initiatives, and representing their countries in regional discussions - ensuring cohesive and impactful implementation across Asean."
Seven flagship events will be held throughout the year. These include the Asean Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), National Training Week (NTW), Asean Training Market Conference (ATMC), Asean TVET Conference, National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE), Global Skills Forum (GSF), and the Asean Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD).
The first event, AHCDIS, will take place on May 27 and 28 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). It will serve as a platform for policymakers, industry players, and experts to explore innovative skills financing models and showcase regional best practices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Bursa CEO: Malaysia's capital market resilient, poised for growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said. This is supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors. "The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth," he said on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025) in Singapore today. As at Aug 1 this year, Bursa Malaysia had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024, said Fad'l. It maintained lead position in the Asean region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised," Fad'l said. "This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value and offering opportunities for investment. "As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia's economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally," he added. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains. This suggests that open economies such as Malaysia and Asean need to be responsive and build resilience. He outlined Malaysia's priorities as Asean chair to strengthen regional resilience and position the region as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper regional economic integration to safeguard the region's growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy. Tengku Zafrul continued his insights in a fireside chat moderated by Fad'l where the conversation turned to how Asean and Malaysia can navigate external shocks from US-China tariff tensions. He elaborated that there is potential for the region to turn these disruptions into opportunities to position itself as a base for global manufacturers seeking stability and resilience. Malaysia, in particular, has strengthened its edge against regional peers This is supported by disciplined industrial and economic reforms, the development of high-tech hubs in Penang and Kedah, as well as special economic zones aimed at attracting strategic investments in electrical & electronics, EVs, and advanced manufacturing. Tengku Zafrul added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and "safe harbour" measures needed to secure investor confidence. IM 2025 in Singapore is Bursa Malaysia's flagship programme in collaboration with the Macquarie Asean Conference 2025. Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide. In 2025 alone, the series made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest Asean-Malaysia here in June, each reinforcing Malaysia's position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia concludes FTA talks with S. Korea, signing expected in October
SINGAPORE: Malaysia has concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea and is expected to sign the agreement in October, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. Speaking during a fireside chat session at Bursa Malaysia's Invest Malaysia event, he said the agreement reflects the country's continuous engagement with global partners to gain broader market access, particularly amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. "To date, we have concluded 18 FTAs, both bilateral and multilateral. We've signed two this year and resumed talks with the European Union," he said. The session was moderated by Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed and held as part of the Macquarie Asean Conference. When asked about Malaysia's engagement with BRICS, despite perceived pressure from US President Donald Trump, Tengku Zafrul said it is important for Malaysia to remain consistent in its foreign policy approach and engage all countries on equal terms. "We are partners today. There are many other countries who are already members, and what's important is that all these countries are also members of other economic blocs. So this will continue," he said. He also emphasised the importance of Malaysia maintaining a neutral stance. "Malaysia can't afford to (take sides). I think Asean is also playing that card well where we engage all parties," he added. Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Tengku Zafrul said that despite the current global uncertainty, Asean's opportunity has not disappeared, but rather evolved. He said the region's value proposition, rooted in trade openness, driven by structural reforms, and shaped by Asean's current leadership, reflects the very resilience the bloc has worked hard to build. Tengku Zafrul also highlighted the challenges facing both Malaysia and Asean, including the proposed imposition of 100 per cent tariff on imported semiconductor chips and the issue of transshipments. He said this is particularly concerning, as the United States remains a core market for Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. In 2024, Malaysia exported RM119.86 billion worth of E&E goods to the US, with semiconductors accounting for half of that value (RM60.6 billion). "All these risks and numbers reflect why we are actively engaging with Washington to ensure sectoral carve-outs are clear and fair," he added. On mitigating transshipment risks, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is working closely with industry players to verify origin, enhance local value-add, and minimise accidental exposure. "In parallel, we are also putting together a detailed supply chain mapping, diversifying markets, strengthening enforcement, and boosting local value-add in production," he added.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to push for substantial conclusion of DEFA negotiations at AEM meeting
SINGAPORE: Malaysia will push for a "substantial conclusion" of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) at the Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting from Sept 24 to 26 in Kuala Lumpur, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Before the meeting in Malaysia's capital, the ministers will also convene at a special meeting on DEFA on Aug 28 via video conference, also to be chaired by Tengku Zafrul. "We will push for DEFA because it's important for Asean, especially Malaysia, as it is one of our PEDs (Priority Economic Deliverables) to be delivered this year. "The good news is that we have completed the negotiations for two PEDs, which are the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), that are targeted to be signed in October," he told Bernama after participating in the Bursa Malaysia Invest Malaysia session as part of the Macquarie Asean Conference here. Tengku Zafrul stated that the DEFA, the first of its kind in any regional framework, will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become part of a more inclusive Asean intra-trade ecosystem. He noted that of the 18 PEDs, half fall under the AEM purview, and he is confident they will be able to deliver all of them before the end of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship. The minister also noted that his team was in New Delhi last week for negotiations on the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Review, and he was informed that there had been some positive progress towards its substantial conclusion. In his keynote address, the minister said that Malaysia, as Asean Chair, is also pushing to unlock greater investability through deliverables such as the adoption of the Asean Sustainable Investment Guidelines (ASIG) and by catalysing access to financing for a just transition and climate resilience in the region. He added that Asean is also striving to make its capital markets more sustainable, connected, and inclusive, and has made significant strides, from expanding green finance instruments to attracting green investments. "As the region continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, during our year as Chair, Malaysia also hopes to pave the way for sector-specific initiatives, including an Asean EV Roadmap, a Minerals Development Action Plan, and an Asean Framework for an Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain," he said.
