Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed in principle to review the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation to modernise the framework governing worker recruitment and deployment. The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Thailand's Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat on the sidelines of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers' Meeting here on Thursday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, both ministers agreed to establish a modernised agreement tailored to current economic demands, enhanced worker welfare standards, and streamlined recruitment mechanisms for Thai workers in Malaysia. The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) stated that officials from both countries have been authorised to convene a joint technical meeting to negotiate specific provisions and finalise the new MoU.

Both ministers also discussed strengthening cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), recognising its importance in developing a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce in both countries. Malaysia and Thailand identified potential areas for expanded TVET cooperation, including student and instructor exchange programmes, industrial training, and skills enhancement programmes, particularly in emerging and high-demand areas such as digital TVET, green skills, smart manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

The ministry noted that the cooperation would help strengthen industry-relevant skills, improve employability, and support greater skills and workforce mobility between Malaysia and Thailand. KESUMA highlighted that Ramanan stressed the importance of aligning bilateral labour frameworks with contemporary industry needs and international worker protection standards to ensure mutual economic benefits.

Julapun, meanwhile, reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to working closely with Malaysia to establish safe, transparent, efficient, and fair labour migration pathways.