Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, launched under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, aims to bridge talent gaps across member states to create a more agile and competitive regional workforce. Led by the Ministry of Human Resources through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), AYOS 2025 carries the theme ‘Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN’, underscoring the urgent need to connect skills and opportunities among ASEAN nations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this year-long initiative aims to unlock the full potential of the ASEAN workforce and propel regional talent development to new heights, as stated by HRD Corp. It seeks to address five key objectives, such as bridging skills gaps across member states, promoting talent mobility to enhance workforce agility, and ensuring inclusive growth that uplifts all communities. It also aims to strengthen regional collaboration for shared prosperity and enhance public-private partnerships to future-proof the workforce.
Launched on April 14 at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre (Nexus), Bangsar South, AYOS 2025 is supported by key regional partners, including the International Labour Organisation and the ASEAN Secretariat. The initiative underscores the importance of collective action among member states to tackle regional inequalities, unlock youth potential, and enhance workforce resilience.
Throughout the year, AYOS 2025 will feature seven flagship events to drive collaboration and innovation, including the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS), National Training Week, ASEAN Training Market Conference, ASEAN TVET Conference, National Human Capital Conference and Exhibition 2025, Global Skills Forum, and the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development.
Meanwhile, at the national level, each ASEAN member state is supported by dedicated National Coordinators and Ambassadors who act as the primary liaisons within their countries. These Coordinators and Ambassadors play a pivotal role in promoting and coordinating both regional programmes and national activities aligned with AYOS 2025’s goals. They engage key stakeholders, champion human capital development initiatives, and represent their countries in regional discussions, ensuring cohesive and impactful implementation across ASEAN.
The first flagship event, AHCDIS, scheduled for May 27 and 28 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), will highlight innovative financing solutions to support inclusive access to skills development and talent mobility.