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

Malaysia Takes the Spotlight as Host of Global Skills Forum 2025

Malaysia has recently gained international recognition for its upcoming role as host of the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025, the first occurrence of this prestigious event outside Geneva. This notable announcement was made on June 9, 2025, by Malaysia's Minister of Human Resources, The Honourable Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a high-profile event co-hosted with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. The GSF is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on October 22 and 23, 2025.

This selection to host the GSF highlights Malaysia's significant contributions as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, along with its growing leadership in advancing labor market reforms and nurturing human capital development. The upcoming forum will also serve as a flagship initiative under the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS), which is organized by the Human Resource Development Corporation, a body under the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.

The GSF commenced in Geneva back in 2024, and the decision to hold its second edition in Malaysia is a testament to the global confidence in the nation's ability to lead in skills development and adapt for the future of work. Minister Steven Sim noted, “GSF 2025 is not just about future skills – it is about fairness. Whether you are a coder in Hanoi, a delivery rider in Jakarta, or a factory worker in Kuala Lumpur, your work deserves respect, your safety deserves protection, and your skills deserve investment.”

To commemorate this significant milestone, the minister proudly announced the global expansion of e-LATiH, Malaysia's national online learning platform, which will provide free and accessible reskilling and upskilling resources to learners worldwide. In addition, the inaugural National Training Week (NTW) will be held from June 14 to 21, 2025, opening opportunities for all ASEAN citizens to partake in over 65,000 complimentary skill development courses. These courses will cover a range of areas, including artificial intelligence, digitalization, green technology, and leadership.

The GSF 2025 is expected to gather more than 200 delegates from 16 countries, including government ministers, industry experts, union leaders, and representatives of global organizations. The event aims to achieve strategic objectives such as:

• - Strengthening regional cooperation on skills mobility and labor certification.
• - Promoting investment in green and digital skills.
• - Enhancing public-private partnerships for workforce development through Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) and innovation-driven ecosystems.
• - Launching Malaysia's National Human Resources Policy for collaboration across ASEAN from 2024 to 2030.

The platform provided by GSF 2025 will also address significant workforce challenges, including:

• - Gig economy integration and protections: Malaysia aims to formalize gig work protections through its upcoming Gig Workers Bill, scheduled for presentation to Parliament in the second half of 2025.
• - Expanding social protections for all workers: The forum will explore inclusive models for income security and universal protections, especially for informal, migrant, and self-employed workers in ASEAN.
• - Rethinking occupational safety: Following Malaysia's ratification of ILO Convention C155, the GSF will delve into the impact of digitalization, remote work, and labor fragmentation on workplace safety regulations.
• - Private sector innovation in skills: For the first time, GSF 2025 will spotlight the role of the private sector, with industry leaders, employers, and training providers driving agile and future-focused skills systems.

Malaysia’s leadership in hosting the Global Skills Forum illustrates its vibrant commitment to responding to the evolving demands of the global workforce. With the collaboration of various stakeholders, the GSF aims to make significant strides in shaping the future of work and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their roles, receive the respect and investment they deserve in their skills.

For additional details, visit ASEAN Year of Skills or contact for media and partnerships at [email protected].