The ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 concluded on October 22 with a Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur, marking a year of milestones across seven flagship platforms aimed at strengthening skills development and workforce transformation in the region.
The event was attended by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, and International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, alongside ASEAN manpower ministers and industry representatives.
Launched on April 14 2025 under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, AYOS 2025 focused on “Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN” and mobilised governments, industries and communities to address skills gaps, enhance talent mobility, and promote inclusive workforce development.
The initiative delivered a series of key programmes throughout the year, including the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium, National Training Week, ASEAN TVET Conference, National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition, Global Skills Forum, and the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development. These platforms engaged millions of participants, generated millions of ringgit in new course enrolments, and strengthened cross-border collaborations.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said AYOS 2025 “places human capital at the very heart of our regional agenda,” while ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo highlighted new initiatives supporting green and digital economy skills development. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim noted the initiative demonstrates ASEAN’s collective commitment to nurturing a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Dr Syed Alwi bin Mohamed Sultan, Chief Executive of HRD Corp, added that AYOS 2025 showcased the power of regional collaboration in building an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable workforce.
While the programme has officially concluded, organisers emphasised that efforts to develop adaptable and resilient ASEAN workforces will continue, building on the foundations established this year.
