THE 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting and the 14th ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers’ Meeting were held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 26 and 27 August, focusing on human capital development, skills certification and regional labour cooperation.

Held under the theme Advancing ASEAN Human Capital: Skills Certification towards Global Recognition, the meetings discussed ways to strengthen the region’s workforce amid rapid digital transformation, the shift towards a green economy and demographic changes.

Participants highlighted the need to strengthen skills recognition and develop common frameworks to improve workers’ mobility and employability. They discussed the development of an ASEAN Reference Curriculum Framework for priority sectors, including digital technology, healthcare, green energy and construction, as well as the ASEAN Skills Competency Framework, occupational standards and Recognition of Prior Learning systems.

The meetings also discussed strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries, implementing decisions from ASEAN summit meetings and finalizing a joint statement of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting. — MNA/ KZL

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