Malaysia’s Skills And Labour Initiatives Recognised In Geneva

PUTRAJAYA, June 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s initiatives on human capital development and regional labour cooperation received positive acknowledgement during today’s ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Breakfast Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

The meeting, hosted by Human Resource Minister Steven Sim, brought together ASEAN labour ministers and International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo, for an informal dialogue on strengthening collaboration in the region.

In a statement, the Human Resource Ministry said Sim, in his remarks, emphasised ASEAN’s long-term commitment to regional cooperation through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, and highlighted the ongoing ASEAN Year of Skills 2025, led by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair.

He stressed that human capital development remains central to ASEAN’s vision of shared progress and resilience.

“At a time when some would have us believe that international relations are purely transactional or zero-sum, ASEAN has instead chosen a path of long-term collaboration and shared progress for the next 20 years. We see this through concrete initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, ASEAN Green Financial Taxonomy, and ASEAN Digital Payment Gateway, which are already facilitating deeper regional integration.

“This year, with the strong support of the ILO, Malaysia has the privilege of leading the ASEAN Year of Skills — a new level of cooperation focused on human capital development. In these consequential times, the ASEAN model can offer an example of how regions can pursue shared peace and prosperity,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Singapore’s Minister of Manpower and Chair of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM), Dr Tan See Leng, acknowledged Malaysia’s role in advancing regional initiatives, particularly in developing an action plan to promote green jobs and in leading the ASEAN Year of Skills.

In his speech, Houngbo, also welcomed Malaysia’s leadership in skills development, noting its relevance amid global challenges such as technological transformation.

He expressed support for the 2025 ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS 2025) and looked forward to visiting Malaysia later this year in this context.

-- BERNAMA