The Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (KESUMA), together with its agency, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), successfully hosted the ASEAN Training Market Conference (ATMC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur this week. The conference reinforced ASEAN’s shared commitment to equipping its workforce with future-ready skills amid rapid economic transformation.
Held at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, the ATMC brought together over 600 participants, including leading national and regional training providers, employers, policymakers and representatives from business organisations across ASEAN. The conference is one of seven flagship initiatives under the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, for which is being organised in conjunction with ASEAN Chairmanship.
Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Human Resources, The Honourable Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, who officiated the event, highlighted that strengthening the training providers and trainers’ ecosystem is crucial to securing ASEAN’s future competitiveness.
“Across ASEAN, we are witnessing the disruptive power of automation, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and the green transition. These forces are transforming industries, displacing roles and redefining the skills that our people need in order to thrive.”
“To transform our economies, we must first change how we train our people. Malaysia is honoured to drive this agenda under our ASEAN Chairmanship, ensuring that our training systems are industry-relevant, inclusive and future-ready.” he said.
Under the theme “Empowering ASEAN’s Training Supply: Bridging Skills Gap, Innovation and Collaboration for a Future-Ready Economy,” the ATMC focused on strengthening the region’s training ecosystems to meet emerging demands. Key discussions centred on enhancing the quality and capacity of training providers, bridging persistent skills mismatches, expanding access to learning opportunities and highlighting innovation in training and education delivery.
The conference also demonstrated the importance of addressing equity in skills development and driving greater private sector investment to future-proof ASEAN’s workforce.
Among prominent regional leaders contributed their insights at the conference are Dr. Markus Bernhardt, Learning and Development Strategist for the AI-Powered Workforce; Yue Yean Feng, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and University Programs at IBM Asia Pacific and Mary Kent, Skills and Employability Specialist at International Labour Organization (ILO). Their participation reflected the strong regional commitment to collective human capital advancement.
HRD Corp’s Chairman, Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid in his speech mentioned that the ATMC aims not only to strengthen the training supply in Malaysia but to build a cohesive ecosystem that supports ASEAN’s growth.
“We are delighted and proud to feature a diverse set of countries showcases and regional innovations throughout the programme, today. The collaboration and partnerships formed here will ensure that our workforce remains competitive, adaptable and resilient in facing global shifts. Together, we can elevate the quality and reach of our training markets to better serve our people and economies” he concluded.
Under the leadership of Minister of Human Resources Malaysia, The Honourable Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia continues to steer the ASEAN agenda towards creating a more skilled, mobile and future-ready workforce.
Also present at ATMC were Secretary General of KESUMA, Datuk Azman Yusoff; HRD Corp’s Chief Strategy Officer and Organising Chairman of AYOS 2025, Dr. Rony Ambrose Gobilee and HRD Corp’s Chief Programmes Officer, Soffian Mohammed Amin.
Earlier this year, Malaysia’s National Training Week (NTW) under AYOS 2025 recorded an unprecedented 3.7 million participants across the region, reflecting widespread interest and engagement in skills development. For the first time, the initiative was opened to participants from the ASEAN countries for the purpose of upskilling and reskilling through the 73,000 courses available for free until year end.
Looking ahead, KESUMA and HRD Corp will continue to champion regional collaboration through upcoming key events such as the ASEAN TVET Conference, the National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition 2025, the Global Skills Forum and the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development. These initiatives are designed to align ASEAN’s skills ecosystem with global trends and economic needs.
KESUMA and HRD Corp extended their appreciation to all ASEAN partners, training institutions, employers and organisations that have contributed to the success of ATMC 2025.
Together, the region is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient ASEAN workforce that is ready to seize opportunities in an increasingly complex global landscape.
For more information on AYOS 2025 and upcoming regional programmes, please visit www.aseanyearofskills.org.
This content is provided by HRD Corp
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