Malaysia Hosts Global Skills Forum 2025: A Milestone for Human Capital Development

Malaysia Takes the Stage at Global Skills Forum 2025

On October 22, 2025, Malaysia made a significant mark in the global human capital landscape by hosting the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. This momentous event, organized under the auspices of Malaysia's ASEAN presidency and in recognition of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, brought together stakeholders from governments, industries, and communities worldwide to forge advancements in skills transformation.

The Global Skills Forum serves as a premiere global platform aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action regarding the future of workforce skills. The event was officially inaugurated by Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Rural and Regional Development. During his opening remarks, he highlighted ASEAN's unique potential and the crucial role that skills play in shaping the future of the region, stating, "With the right skills, this youth dividend can be transformed into a source of innovation and prosperity, not only for Southeast Asia but for the global economy as a whole."

Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), praised Steven Sim, Malaysia's Minister of Human Resources, for his leadership in advancing the skills agenda. He noted Sim's dynamic and visionary approach to labor and skills within the region, which is pivotal in preparing the workforce for future challenges. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Human Resources, under the leadership of Minister Steven Sim, whom I consider one of the most dynamic and visionary ministers of labor in the region. The leading role he has played in promoting the ASEAN Year of Skills truly reflects Malaysia's commitment to equipping our region's workforce for the future," Houngbo said.

In his address, Steven Sim Chee Keong emphasized that workers should remain at the core of economic progression, asserting that they are the creators of value within our economy. "The advancements of workers over the past century need not only to be preserved but also built upon, especially in light of new dynamics," he asserted. He underlined the significance of GSF as part of a broader regional movement, stating, "The Global Skills Forum is not an isolated event; it is a crucial pillar of ASEAN Year of Skills 2025, which unites governments, employers, workers, and learning communities throughout the region."

This year's theme, "The Transformative Role of the Private Sector in Skills Development: Driving Innovation and Impact," enabled attendees to explore key challenges in workforce development and share best practices to address these issues. Approximately 600 delegates participated in sessions that examined how governments, employers, and training institutions can co-create agile, human-centered strategies that respond to rapid technological shifts, evolving labor markets, and global disruptions.

The forum reinforced the idea that skills represent opportunity, competitiveness, and sustainability for businesses and society alike. The event underscored Malaysia's commitment to developing future workforce skills for both ASEAN nations and the global community, aiming to strengthen collaboration, cultivate future-ready competencies, and empower communities towards a resilient, sustainable, and competitive Malaysia within ASEAN.

As the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 concludes, a gala dinner titled "Colors of Success: A Celebration of Achievements" is set to take place, honoring the accomplishments of its seven flagship platforms. This event not only marks Malaysia's significant stride in the global dialogue on human capital but also highlights the invaluable contributions of diverse stakeholders in shaping a skilled workforce equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.