Latest news with #HRDMM
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia has made major strides in workers' welfare, Sim tells Apec
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has made significant progress in strengthening workers' welfare and labour rights over the past year, with the national unemployment rate dropping to a 10-year low of 3.1%, according to Steven Sim (pic). Speaking at the Apec Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM) in Jeju, South Korea, the Human Resources Minister highlighted several key reforms, including a 13% increase in the national minimum wage and a 20% boost in social security benefits for workers. 'We have extended full social security protection, previously only enjoyed by our citizens, to foreign workers, legislated ILOC 155 (International Labour Organisation Convention) on occupational safety and health after 43 years, reduced previous restrictions on the setting up of labour unions and allocated up to RM10bil for various schemes related to education and training.' He noted that more women are now entering the workforce and homemakers are covered under social security insurance for care work at home. He said for the first time, the median wage surpassed the RM3,000 threshold, marking a major milestone for wage growth. 'These are very important progresses for us, simply because workers' well-being is a critical non-negotiable component in our government,' he added. Reflecting on the post-pandemic context, Sim said that the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the dual importance of life and livelihood, with the guiding principle that 'no one is safe until everyone is safe'. 'Our global faith is much more intertwined than some people would want us to believe. May I therefore suggest that this lesson forms the framework of our discussion, that workers' well-being is non-negotiable, and we can only do well if we work together,' he said. Sim also shared his intention to table a historic Gig Workers Bill in the next parliamentary meeting, which aims to provide better protection and recognition for workers in the gig economy. Sim is leading the Malaysian delegation to the HRDMM, which is being held for the first time in 11 years. The last meeting took place in Vietnam in 2014. The ministerial meeting is part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Conference and carries the theme 'Labour Market Sustainability and Future Work'.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
APEC Human Resources Development Ministers Issue Joint Statement
Ministers responsible for human resources development from APEC's 21 member economies convened in Jeju for the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM). They issued a joint statement under the theme 'Sustainable Labour Markets and Jobs for the Future,' reaffirming their commitment to building inclusive, adaptable and resilient labour markets across the Asia-Pacific. Ministers acknowledged the need to modernize labour systems to keep pace with transformations driven by artificial intelligence, automation and new forms of work. They agreed to promote adaptable working conditions, strengthen social protections and address structural inequalities and labour market polarization. In preparing for future jobs, ministers committed to aligning skills development with industry needs, expanding access to lifelong learning and improving employment services. The joint statement also emphasized support for women, youth, older workers and persons with disabilities to enhance participation across the labour force. The ministers also highlighted the need for cooperation in addressing labour market polarization and ensuring that workers are equipped with the skills necessary for emerging industries. The statement aligns with APEC's broader goals under the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Records Significant Progress In Workes' Welfare, Unemployment Hits 10-year Low
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has made significant progress in strengthening workers' welfare and labour rights over the past year, with the national unemployment rate dropping to a 10-year low of 3.1 per cent, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said. Speaking at the APEC Human Resources Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM) in Jeju, Korea, Sim highlighted several key reforms, including a 13 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and a 20 per cent boost in social security benefits for workers. 'We have extended full social security protection, previously only enjoyed by our citizens, to foreign workers, legislated ILOC 155 (International Labour Organization Convention) on occupational safety and health after 43 years, reduced previous restrictions on the setting up of labour unions and allocated up to RM10 billion for various schemes related to education and training,' he said. He noted that more women are now entering the workforce and homemakers are covered under social security insurance for care work at home. For the first time, the median wage surpassed the RM3,000 threshold, marking a major milestone for wage growth in the country. 'These are very important progresses for us, simply because workers' well-being is a critical non-negotiable component in our government,' he said. Reflecting on the post-pandemic context, Sim added that the COVID-19 crisis underscored the dual importance of life and livelihood, with the guiding principle that 'no one is safe until everyone is safe'. 'Our global faith is much more intertwined than some people would want us to believe. May I therefore suggest that this lesson forms the framework of our discussion, that workers' well-being is non-negotiable, and we can only do well if we work together,' he said. Sim also shared his intention to table a historic Gig Workers Bill in the next parliamentary sitting, which aims to provide better protection and recognition for workers in the gig economy. Sim is leading the Malaysian delegation to the HRDMM in Jeju, which is being held for the first time in 11 years. The last meeting took place in Vietnam in 2014.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Jobless rate at 10-year low, median wage passes RM3,000 mark for first time, Sim tells Apec meet
KUALA LUMPUR: Workers' welfare and labour rights in Malaysia have taken significant strides over the past year, with the national unemployment rate dropping to a 10-year low of 3.1%, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (pic) . For the first time, the median wage surpassed the RM3,000 threshold, marking a major milestone for wage growth in the country, he added. Speaking at the Apec Human Resources Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM) in Jeju, South Korea on Tuesday (May 13) Sim highlighted several key reforms, including a 13% increase in the national minimum wage and a 20% boost in social security benefits for workers. "We have extended full social security protection, previously only enjoyed by our citizens, to foreign workers, legislated ILOC 155 (International Labour Organization Convention) on occupational safety and health after 43 years, reduced previous restrictions on the setting up of labour unions and allocated up to RM10 billion for various schemes related to education and training,' he said. He noted that more women are now entering the workforce and homemakers are covered under social security insurance for care work at home. "These are very important (advances) for us, simply because workers' well-being is a critical non-negotiable component in our government,' he said. Reflecting on the post-pandemic context, Sim added that the Covid-19 crisis underscored the dual importance of life and livelihood, with the guiding principle that "no one is safe until everyone is safe'. "Our global fate is much more intertwined than some people would want us to believe. "May I therefore suggest that this lesson forms the framework of our discussion, that workers' well-being is non-negotiable, and we can only do well if we work together,' he said. Sim also shared his intention to table a historic Gig Workers Bill in the next parliamentary sitting, which aims to provide better protection and recognition for workers in the gig economy. Sim is leading the Malaysian delegation to the HRDMM in Jeju, which is being held for the first time in 11 years. The last meeting took place in Vietnam in 2014. The ministerial meeting is part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Conference and carries the theme "Labour Market Sustainability and Future Work". – Bernama
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia records significant progress in workes' welfare, unemployment hits 10-year low
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has made significant progress in strengthening workers' welfare and labour rights over the past year, with the national unemployment rate dropping to a 10-year low of 3.1 per cent, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said. Speaking at the APEC Human Resources Ministerial Meeting (HRDMM) in Jeju, Korea, Sim highlighted several key reforms, including a 13 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and a 20 per cent boost in social security benefits for workers. 'We have extended full social security protection, previously only enjoyed by our citizens, to foreign workers, legislated ILOC 155 (International Labour Organization Convention) on occupational safety and health after 43 years, reduced previous restrictions on the setting up of labour unions and allocated up to RM10 billion for various schemes related to education and training,' he said. He noted that more women are now entering the workforce and homemakers are covered under social security insurance for care work at home. For the first time, the median wage surpassed the RM3,000 threshold, marking a major milestone for wage growth in the country. 'These are very important progresses for us, simply because workers' well-being is a critical non-negotiable component in our government,' he said. Reflecting on the post-pandemic context, Sim added that the COVID-19 crisis underscored the dual importance of life and livelihood, with the guiding principle that 'no one is safe until everyone is safe'. 'Our global faith is much more intertwined than some people would want us to believe. May I therefore suggest that this lesson forms the framework of our discussion, that workers' well-being is non-negotiable, and we can only do well if we work together,' he said. Sim also shared his intention to table a historic Gig Workers Bill in the next parliamentary sitting, which aims to provide better protection and recognition for workers in the gig economy. Sim is leading the Malaysian delegation to the HRDMM in Jeju, which is being held for the first time in 11 years. The last meeting took place in Vietnam in 2014. The ministerial meeting is part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference and carries the theme 'Labour Market Sustainability and Future Work'.
