ASEAN Must Deepen Collaboration In Skills Training
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must deepen collaboration in skills training to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), such as the newly launched ChatGPT 5.0, has confirmed fears that AI could replace conventionally trained personnel, diminishing the signalling value of academic degrees.
'In an age when AI can do the thinking, the world still needs those who can build, repair, operate, communicate, supervise, organise - these are human and social elements requiring skills, competence and trust.'
He said this in his opening remark at the ASEAN TVET Conference (ATVET) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the National TVET Council (MTVET) chairman.
Sim proposed three measures to strengthen ASEAN cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), namely sharing experiences in skills training, creating a common certification framework for mutual recognition and investing more in skills education.
He said Malaysia, which spends about RM10 billion annually on TVET, has already opened its National Training Week to ASEAN participants, offering over 72,000 free training courses valued at RM400 million to 3.5 million people.
'Malaysia aspires for ASEAN to be one of the most skilled regions in the world… when the geo-economics is unstable and unpredictable, we must be committed to building the future now,' he said.
Meanwhile, in a pre-recorded introductory speech, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn called for TVET systems to become catalysts for innovation, inclusivity and productivity in the face of rapid digital and green transitions.
'The convergence of digital innovation and the green transition is reshaping our economies, industries and labour markets. TVET must evolve beyond its traditional role to become a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity and enhanced productivity,' he said.
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