Mohammed Azman (centre) together with representatives of PERKESO’s programmes that won eight awards at the ISSA Good Practice Awards, including two Certificates of Merit with Special Mention.
RIYADH: The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF), the flagship event of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in the region, brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss groundbreaking innovations and advancements in social security.
This year’s forum, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), also hosted the prestigious ISSA Good Practice Awards, celebrating the most innovative practices in social security administration.
With 187 Good Practice submissions from across the region, the awards recognised exceptional initiatives, highlighting the best in innovation, operational efficiency, and administrative excellence.
Among the recipients, Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) emerged as a standout, securing eight accolades, including two Certificates of Merit with Special Mention.
The awards celebrated PERKESO’s commitment to driving impactful social security initiatives, including its renowned national employment portal with a special mention.
As of Nov 22, MYFutureJobs recorded 157,575 employers registered and 1.38 million job vacancies, bringing the total to 11.4 million vacancies since 2020. The platform also reported 2.85 million job seekers.
Moreover, PERKESO has organised 17,483 career fairs and established 294 MYFutureJobs satellite centres across the country.
The Return-To-Work (RTW) programme also received a special mention alongside six other initiatives, which leverages artificial intelligence to streamline case management and job reintegration. This innovation has led to a remarkable 75.26% success rate, with over 20,000 individuals returning to work as of October 2024.
PERKESO’s recognition at the RSSF underscores Malaysia’s ability to set benchmarks in the region.
The Good Practice Awards, presented every three years, celebrate the role of ISSA member organisations in advancing social security systems globally. These awards not only reflect operational excellence but also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among ISSA’s global membership.
Other notable recipients from Malaysia included the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP), further solidifying the nation’s position as a leader in social security innovation.
The RSSF 2024 provided a unique platform for Malaysia’s achievements to shine on the international stage, alongside discussions on pressing challenges and opportunities in social security. The forum’s agenda was shaped by key findings from the ISSA Developments and Trends Report, which noted significant progress in the region, including Asia-Pacific’s leading role in expanding social security coverage globally.
Speaking about the achievement, PERKESO’s group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change. “These recognitions affirm our dedication to creating an inclusive and resilient social security system.
“Our initiatives, such as RTW and MYFutureJobs, reflect our vision to protect and empower contributors. Moving forward, we aim to build on this momentum with initiatives like the No-Fault Accident (NFA) scheme, ensuring no gaps in our social security net,” he said.
The RSSF, attended by over 400 participants from across Asia-Pacific, highlighted the critical role of social security in addressing today’s most pressing challenges, from ageing populations to labour market transformations. With its proven track record and a clear vision for the future, PERKESO’s recognition is a testament to Malaysia’s leadership in building sustainable, innovative, and inclusive social protection systems.
