AYOS 2025 boosts Asean collaboration on skills, workforce readiness, says HRD Corp

The Asean Year of Skills 2025 features regional platforms and events that focus on addressing common challenges faced in developing human capital.

Rony Ambrose Gobilee says a key focus of AYOS 2025 is to balance academic knowledge and technical skills.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 The Asean Year of Skills 2025 (AYOS) offers member states the opportunity to collaborate on shared labour and training issues, fostering cooperation instead of competition, says the Human Resource Development Corporation’s (HRD Corp) chief strategy officer.

AYOS 2025 organising chairman Rony Ambrose Gobilee said the initiative, which includes a series of regional platforms and events spread throughout the year, is aimed at tackling shared challenges in human capital development.

“One specific concern we have is in the area of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

“While we recognise the importance of academic learning, the hands-on aspect is just as crucial for economic development moving forward.

“We want the concept and method to work together—the concept being the knowledge, and the method being the technical skills.

“These two need to progress in parallel; otherwise, any imbalance could negatively impact a nation’s productivity and economic development,” he told FMT in an interview.

AYOS 2025 is an initiative led by the human resources ministry through its agency, HRD Corp, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Asean Secretariat.

It aims to tackle skills gaps and enhance workforce readiness across Southeast Asia, especially with nations looking to navigate the economic impact of digitalisation, automation and sustainability goals.

According to HRD Corp, issues raised during planning sessions last year were grouped into five focus areas, which will be addressed in a series of flagship events throughout 2025.

These events include the Asean Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (held on May 28), Asean Training Market Conference, Asean Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development, Asean TVET Conference, National Training Week, and Global Skills Forum.

Each platform will focus on specific aspects: inclusivity, funding, advanced training programmes, strengthening regional collaboration and regional labour mobility.

Rony said the initiative does not aim to impose a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it encourages countries to identify the skills most relevant to their economies, whether in manufacturing, tourism or the green economy.

He said the momentum built in 2025 should carry forward naturally, as Asean countries share a growing hunger for skilled, competent talent.

“This isn’t about Asean countries competing with one another. We can go further if we complement each other. Individually, our resources are limited, but together, we can achieve much more,” he said.

Adapting Asean’s workers to future-ready skills

Rony also pointed to the initiative’s long-term potential, especially as industries begin to adopt artificial intelligence and automation.

He said, instead of resisting change, Asean should adapt and focus on equipping workers with future-ready skills, such as AI and digital literacy.

“If we don’t move with technology, we will be left behind. AI won’t replace people, but it will replace the way we do our jobs. The key is whether we learn how to use it effectively.

“For example, we have long relied on writing to express our knowledge and opinions, but this process can be slow. Writer’s block, for example, is a real barrier to productivity. With AI, much of that time can be saved,” he said.

Looking ahead, HRD Corp hopes to expand its role beyond national borders, sharing its experience with regional partners.

After 32 years of focusing on domestic workforce development, the agency is now working with other Asean countries to shorten their learning curve.

“Knowledge has no value if kept to ourselves. We don’t want our neighbours to go through another 30 years of trial and error if we can help them get there faster,” he said.

Rony said by pooling resources and expertise, Asean nations can build a more resilient and adaptable workforce – one ready for both regional growth and global competition. - FMT