Asean must deepen collaboration in skills training

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: 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 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.
He also urged stronger partnerships between training institutions and industry, integration of green skills into curricula, and scalable innovations to equip Asean's workforce for a low-carbon economy, stressing that "the Asean Year of Skills 2025 is a call to action… Let us ensure our skills ecosystems are not only fit for the future, but actively shaped."
Meanwhile, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) assistant director-general and regional director for Asia and the Pacific, Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, in a pre-recorded welcoming speech, urged Asean to align TVET systems with digital and green transition demands to ensure inclusive and accessible training opportunities for all.
"It is a great honour to address you at the opening of this ATVET.
"The ILO is proud to work alongside Asean and its member states in promoting the skills policies that are inclusive, future-oriented and firmly grounded in decent work," she said.
She said that outdated competencies, limited training capacity and weak industry linkages limit the potential of learners and enterprises, stressing that "no one can be left behind when it comes to accessing new training opportunities" as Asean economies evolve.
The ATVET 2025, themed Advancing Digital and Green Transformations through an Inclusive and Future-Ready TVET System, brings together over 1,500 delegates for two days of discussions to advance TVET as a driver of inclusive digital and green transitions across Asean.
Jointly organised by the Human Resource Development Corporation and the Skills Development Fund Corporation Malaysia, the event is the fourth flagship platform under the Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, featuring 23 speakers and participants comprising policymakers, industry leaders, education providers, workers' organisations and international partners.