22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia leads regional push for agile, resilient workforce
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is spearheading a regional effort to build a more agile and resilient workforce across Southeast Asia through the newly launched Asean Year of Skills (Ayos) 2025.
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.
