(From left) Dr Syed Alwi, Abu Huraira, Houngbo, Fadillah, Sim, Azman and KESUMA deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Dr Shaharin Umar posing for a group photo during the AYOS 2025 gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur.
THE Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, Malaysia’s flagship initiative under its Asean Chairmanship, concluded with a gala dinner held on Oct 22 in Kuala Lumpur.
Themed ‘Colours of Success: A Celebration of Achievements’, the event marked the culmination of a year-long journey, celebrating the collective accomplishments and milestones of AYOS 2025.
The gala dinner was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in the presence of Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and International Labour Organization (ILO) director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo.
AYOS 2025 was officially launched on April 14 in Kuala Lumpur. Spearheaded by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), with strong support from the ILO and the Asean Secretariat (ASEC).
“As we look ahead, the momentum generated by AYOS 2025 provides a strong foundation for the future,” said Houngbo while delivering his speech at the Asean Year of Skills 2025 gala dinner.
Guided by the theme ‘Bridging Talent, Building Asean’, AYOS 2025 showcases the region’s concerted efforts to strengthen skills ecosystems that are inclusive, sustainable and future-ready. It highlights Asean’s shared commitment to transforming its workforce and positions the region as a global leader in human capital development and skills transformation.
Fadillah said, “AYOS 2025 truly embodies the conviction that when we invest in skills, we are not only investing in our people, but in the future and prosperity of Asean itself.”
He added:“AYOS 2025 has stood as one of the defining initiatives – one that places human capital at the very heart of our regional agenda.
“AYOS 2025 has been a landmark initiative for Asean, demonstrating our collective commitment to nurturing a skilled, inclusive and future-ready workforce,” said Sim.
“Together, we have advanced innovative models, forged industry-driven partnerships and developed frameworks that enable talent mobility and mutual recognition across borders.”
In his speech, Houngbo said, “As we look ahead, the momentum generated by AYOS 2025 provides a strong foundation for the future.
“I am extremely pleased to note the new initiative between the Malaysian government, HRD Corp, and ILO, which will make a real contribution to building workforces aligned with emerging green and digital economies.”
Sim said, “AYOS 2025 has been a landmark initiative for Asean, demonstrating our collective commitment to nurturing a skilled, inclusive and future-ready workforce.
Fadillah delivering his special address at the Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur.“As we celebrate its successful conclusion, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering talent across the region and ensuring opportunities for all to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.”
Meanwhile, HRD Corp chief executive Dr Syed Alwi Mohamed Sultan said, “The journey of AYOS 2025 has shown the power of collaboration and shared vision among Asean nations.
“The journey of AYOS 2025 has shown the power of collaboration and shared vision among Asean nations,” said Dr Syed Alwi.
“HRD Corp is proud to have played a role in shaping skills development that is not only innovative and inclusive but also geared towards building a sustainable and competitive workforce for the future.”
AYOS 2025 mobilised governments, industries and communities through seven flagship platforms that bridged skills gaps, promoted talent mobility and strengthened inclusivity across Asean.
The initiative also fostered robust public-private partnerships and enhanced Asean’s collective resilience in navigating global transitions through:
> Asean Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS) (May 27-28): Convened policymakers, investors and experts to explore innovative financing models and showcase best practices to expand access to skills.
> National Training Week (NTW) 2025 (June 14-21): Benefitted millions across Asean in a celebration of learning, reaching almost four million participants and delivering over 70,000 free and accessible training programmes across diverse industries, inspiring similar initiatives regionally.
> Asean Training Market Conference (ATMC) (July 15): Connected industries, training providers and governments to strengthen regional collaboration and cross-border partnerships.
> Asean TVET Conference (Asean TVET) (Aug 13-14): Advanced dialogue on technical and vocational education reforms and work-based learning across the region.
> National Human Capital Conference and Exhibition (NHCCE) 2025 (Oct 6-8): Attended by close to 3,000 delegates, it positioned Malaysia as a hub for human capital innovation. Through its BizMatch segment, over RM3mil in new course enrolment value was generated within three days, a clear indication that Malaysians are eager to upskill and reskill.
> Global Skills Forum (GSF) (Oct 22-23): Elevated Asean’s voice on the global stage, discussing the future of skills development, focusing on the role of the private sector and public-private partnerships. It highlighted emerging technologies and the importance of green technology and digital skills for future workforces.
> Asean Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD) (Oct 22): A platform where Asean Member States reaffirmed their collective commitment to advance skills development and workforce transformation with the adoption of the joint statement on skills development for the future workforce in Asean.
The gala dinner was also attended by KESUMA secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, HRD Corp board chairman Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid, Asean Manpower Ministers, ambassadors, as well as representatives from various government agencies and civil society organisations.
While AYOS 2025 has concluded, the work of building a skilled, adaptable and inclusive Asean workforce continues. The foundations laid through this initiative will guide ongoing cooperation, ensuring the region remains future-ready and resilient in the years to come.
