Malaysia To Elevate Regional Collaboration Via ASEAN Green Jobs Framework -- KESUMA

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 (Bernama) --  Malaysia intends to elevate regional collaboration under its ASEAN chairmanship this year through the introduction of the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs (2025–2030), said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He said the initiative, which also includes the establishment of an ASEAN Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence (AGJCOE), is aimed at further galvanising efforts among member states towards investment, creation and training in the green economy sector.

“ASEAN recognises the huge opportunity to be a model of sustainable development in the world. But we are also aware of the gaps in investments, in infrastructure and perhaps most importantly in government policies,” he said when opening the ASEAN Green Jobs Forum (AGJF) here today.

He said while some parts of the world are finding it increasingly difficult to collaborate, ASEAN must continue to maintain its centrality, long-standing friendship and flexible approach to secure a greener future.

Sim noted that ASEAN’s cooperation model, based on inclusivity and consensus, has proven successful in addressing regional challenges such as the ASEAN Power Grid, cross-border digital payments and the ASEAN taxonomy for sustainable finance.

“These are examples of how a region can tackle global problems together, build local competency, and drive green growth while ensuring national interests are safeguarded,” he emphasised.

On Malaysia’s national initiatives, Sim highlighted the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets net zero emissions by 2050 and has already attracted RM25 billion in investments under Phase 1.

He said the plan is projected to create up to 300,000 green jobs by 2050, with many offering salaries above the national minimum wage.

At the ASEAN level, the minister said, the Framework and Action Plan would build upon such national strategies to ensure that the transition to green economies is just, inclusive and beneficial to all segments of society.

“Climate, terrain and human factor; ASEAN has the sun and wind all year long, rich biodiversity, and a society deeply connected to the earth because of our historical agrarian and seafaring culture. This is our unique advantage in driving sustainable development,” he added.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Human Resources Ministry said AGJCOE will act as a hub for policy advice, research, benchmarking and implementation tools, as well as coordinate forums such as the AGJF to encourage continuous dialogue and promote partnerships among ASEAN member states, private sector actors, academia and civil society.

"It will also encourage technical cooperation, capacity building with external entities, and shepherd the development of regional guidelines or taxonomy for green job classifications to help inform policy alignment and workforce planning, establish and mobilise mechanisms to assess impacts, and ensure knowledge outputs are responsive to regional labour market needs,” the statement read.

The two-day AGJF is aimed at addressing the region's growing demand for green skills and promoting an inclusive and just transition towards a sustainable future.

The forum is supported by the Australian government through the Aus4ASEAN Futures, Access Partnership, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

-- BERNAMA