Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong delivering his speech at the Asean Skills Forum 2024, a discussion platform in preparation for the AYOS 2025.
THE commencement of the Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 marks a significant milestone in regional human capital development under Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship for 2025.
This year-long initiative, led by the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), aims to unlock the full potential of the Asean workforce and propel regional talent development to new heights.
Themed “Bridging Talent, Building Asean”, AYOS 2025 seeks to address the skills gap and foster regional talent development through collaboration among Asean member states.
Launched on April 14 at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre (Nexus), Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, AYOS 2025 harnesses Asean’s greatest strength—its diverse and dynamic workforce.
The initiative underscores the importance of collective action among member states to tackle regional inequalities, unlock youth potential and enhance workforce resilience.
It is driven by five key objectives: bridging skills gaps across member states; promoting talent mobility to enhance workforce agility; ensuring inclusive growth that uplifts all communities; strengthening regional collaboration for shared prosperity; and enhancing public-private partnerships to future-proof the workforce.
AYOS 2025 is organised in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and supported by the Asean Secretariat (ASEC), both of which have been instrumental from the inception of the initiative.
Their contributions of expertise, resources and strategic guidance have been vital in shaping the objectives and implementation of AYOS 2025.
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.
Seven flagship events to drive skills growth
AYOS 2025 features seven flagship events aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation across the region:
> the Asean Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS)
> the National Training Week (NTW) – a nationwide celebration of skills and learning.
> the Asean Training Market Conference (ATMC) – focuses on regional skills exchange and industry collaboration.
> the Asean TVET Conference – highlights technical and vocational education and training initiatives.
> the National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE) 2025 – Malaysia’s premier gathering for talent development and human capital innovation.
> the Global Skills Forum (GSF) – an international platform for skills exchange and collaboration.
> the Asean Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD) – a high-level dialogue on workforce policy and strategy.
The first flagship event, AHCDIS, will take place from May 27 to 28 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
The event provides a platform for policymakers, industry associations and experts to explore innovative skills financing solutions, while showcasing development funds, effective models and best practices that can be adapted to promote inclusive access to skills opportunities across the region.
Find out more about AYOS 2025, AHCDIS and all its flagship events through its official portal here.
