Malaysia Calls For Stronger Regional Collaboration To Future-proof ASEAN Workforce

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has called for stronger regional collaboration to invest in human capital and future-proof ASEAN’s workforce, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Speaking at the opening of Global Skills Forum: ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 today, Ahmad Zahid said the initiative reflects Malaysia’s firm belief that the region's future cannot be shaped in isolation.

“As we navigate this new era, Malaysia’s conviction is clear - we cannot shape the future alone. Skills transcend borders, knowledge knows no nationality and talent, when nurtured together, can lift an entire region.

“With nearly 700 million citizens, most under the age of 35, ASEAN is one of the world’s youngest and most dynamic regions and if we invest wisely, this youth dividend can drive innovation and prosperity for decades. But if we neglect it, we risk losing a generation to inequality and irrelevance,” he said.

Also present were Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim, director-general of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo and vice president of International Organisation of Employers (IOE) Matthias Thorns.

Ahmad Zahid said that under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, the country is also spearheading efforts to develop new frameworks for cross-border recognition of skills and shared investment in human capital through the Ministry of Human Resources and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

-- BERNAMA