ASEAN TVET Conference Kicks Off with Call for Workforce Preparation for Digital and Green Futures
- nabalunews
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
14 August 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN TVET Conference (ASEAN TVET), a flagship initiative under the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, commenced yesterday with a united call for the region to prepare its workforce for advanced digitalisation and the green transition, laying the foundation for a future-ready Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.
Organised jointly by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) and the Skills Development Fund Corporation Malaysia (PTPK), both under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), the conference gathered approximately 1,500 policymakers, industry leaders, TVET providers, and educators at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
Over the course of two days, the event aims to foster collaboration on advancing TVET as a catalyst for inclusive digital and green transitions. A total of 57 exhibitors showcased innovations, training solutions, and technologies that support these skills.
Officially opening the event, The Right Honourable Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Minister of Rural and Regional Development, and Chairman of the National TVET Council, called on ASEAN to address the growing demand for digital and green talent.
“This conference must inspire policies that meet market needs, establish true partnerships with employers, and accelerate cutting-edge learning. This is how ASEAN will develop a workforce that is inclusive, future-proof, and ready to lead the global TVET industry,” he stated.
He also proposed the formation of an ASEAN Green and Digital Skills Taskforce to unite the region in concrete actions and measurable targets.
The Honourable Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, highlighted ASEAN’s opportunity to lead in the digital and green economy through collaboration and inclusive skills development.
“In an era where AI can perform much of the thinking, the world still needs individuals who can build, repair, operate, supervise, and organise. These skills will outlast the latest technological trends. Skills training remains the currency of the day,” he emphasised, advocating for greater synergy through a common certification framework and mutual recognition to strengthen the ASEAN skills market.
Participating virtually, His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between training institutions and industry to accelerate green skills development.
“Our efforts must ensure that we lead, not follow, in the global green economy,” he stated, warning that without decisive action, skills gaps could hinder economic progress.
Themed ‘Advancing Digital and Green Transformations through an Inclusive and Future-Ready TVET System,’ the conference examined ways to integrate sustainability into skills development and training for a just transition.
Representing the International Labour Organization (ILO), Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, remarked, “TVET holds unique potential to drive the digital and green transformation. Skills training must be aligned with these transitions, embedding emerging technologies into learning. No one should be left behind.”
Upcoming AYOS events include the National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE), the Global Skills Forum (GSF), and the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD), continuing Malaysia’s push for bold collaborations, increased industry engagement, and the integration of environmental sustainability into skills systems.
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