#Malaysia #Kuala Lumpur #Global Skills Forum #ASEAN Year of Skills #Steven Sim

Malaysia to Host the Global Skills Forum 2025

In a significant milestone for workforce development, Malaysia has been awarded the esteemed honor of hosting the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025, marking the first instance that this pivotal international event will be held outside of Geneva. The announcement was made on June 9, 2025, by Malaysia's Minister of Human Resources, Honorable Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a high-profile event held in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The GSF is set to take place in Kuala Lumpur on October 22-23, 2025, drawing attention to Malaysia's dedication to transforming its workforce and developing essential skills critical for the future. As the chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia's leadership in labor market reform and human capital development is becoming increasingly recognized on the global stage.

Significance of the Global Skills Forum

Originally initiated by the ILO in Geneva, the GSF has quickly become a platform for international dialogue and collaboration on the pressing issues concerning skills development and labor markets. Malaysia's hosting of the GSF 2025 underscores a growing global confidence in its capabilities to lead in workforce transformation, particularly in the context of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS). This forum will represent a crucial step to enhance cooperation and share best practices among countries involved in shaping the future of work.

Minister Steven Sim articulated the essence of the forum, stating that GSF 2025 focuses on creating equitable work opportunities for everyone, regardless of their location or profession. “Whether a coder in Hanoi, a delivery worker in Jakarta, or a factory employee in Kuala Lumpur, every individual's labor deserves respect, safety, and investment in skills,” he emphasized. To further support this initiative, Malaysia is expanding e-LATiH, its national online learning platform, providing free access to skill development resources to learners worldwide.

Focus Areas of the Forum

The GSF 2025 aims to bring together over 200 delegates from 16 different countries, including various ministers, industry experts, union leaders, and representatives from global organizations. Some strategic objectives will include:

• - Strengthening cooperation on skills mobility and labor certification: This involves enhancing frameworks that allow skilled labor to move freely across borders, benefiting workers and employers alike.
• - Promoting green and digital skills: With the ongoing transition to more sustainable practices and digital technologies, the forum will address the need for investment in these critical sectors.
• - Fostering public-private partnerships: Emphasizing the role of collaboration between governments and the private sector through Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) to drive innovation in workforce development.

Additionally, GSF 2025 will serve as a vital platform to tackle several key workforce challenges, including:

1. Integration and protections for gig workers: Malaysia is set to lead discussions on formalizing gig work and establishing protections for those in non-traditional employment.
2. Expanding social protection for all workers: The forum aims to explore inclusive models for income security and universal protective measures that cater to the needs of informal, migrant, and self-employed workers.
3. Rethinking occupational safety: After Malaysia's ratification of ILO Convention C155, discussions will surround the impact of digitalization and remote work on workplace safety and labor regulations.
4. Engaging the private sector's role in skills innovation: For the first time, the GSF will prominently feature the leading role of private sector entities in developing agile and future-ready skills frameworks.

Conclusion

GSF 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Malaysia as it steps into the spotlight of global skills development. With ambitious goals set to enhance collaboration, promote sustainable economic opportunities, and foster innovation, the forum is poised to engage stakeholders at every level, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the skills required for the future workforce. To learn more, please visit ASEAN Year of Skills website or reach out for media and partnership inquiries at [email protected].