Malaysia will take centre stage on the global labour scene this week when International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo makes his first official working visit to the country from Oct 20-22, 2025.
The visit, the first by an ILO Director-General since Malaysia joined the organisation in 1957, underscores international recognition of Malaysia’s active role and ongoing commitment to social justice, workers’ rights and decent work both regionally and globally.
During his visit, Houngbo is scheduled to meet Human Resources Minister and Malaysia’s key tripartite partners — the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) and the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC). Representatives from Cuepacs, which represents public sector unions, will also attend the discussions.
The meeting aims to strengthen tripartite cooperation and to discuss labour policy directions, regional labour market challenges and renewed ILO-Malaysia collaboration.
As the only United Nations agency operating on a tripartite model, ILO will ensure that the voices of governments, employers and workers are equally represented in shaping employment and social protection policies.
Houngbo will also attend the Global Skills Forum 2025 on Oct 22-23 in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by HRD Corp under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA). The event will gather ASEAN delegates to advance regional cooperation on skills development and the future of work.
KESUMA described the visit as a historic milestone and a mark of international confidence in Malaysia’s leadership in promoting fair, safe and dignified employment.
Beyond strengthening bilateral ties, Houngbo’s visit is expected to expand Malaysia’s cooperation with ILO at the ASEAN level, particularly in areas such as future workforce development, universal social protection, job security and migrant worker empowerment.
“This visit reflects global recognition of Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to upholding labour rights and advancing the decent work agenda,” KESUMA said in a statement.
