KUALA LUMPUR: In line with Malaysia’s role as the Asean chair for 2025, the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) and its agencies are spearheading a series of high-impact programmes.
These initiatives are designed to empower human capital, promote the rights and welfare of workers, and develop a sustainable and inclusive employment ecosystem across the Asean region.
The primary focus is on three strategic pillars: Green Economy and Green-Skilled Workforce, Human Capital Empowerment and Skills Training, and Worker Protection and Welfare.
Driving Green Economy and Green-Skilled Workforce
The ministry is prioritising a green agenda through several key programmes that were designed to build and support the workforce in a rapidly growing green economy.
> ASEAN Green Jobs Forum (AGJF) 2025: This forum will be organised by the ministry on Aug 27-28 at Le Méridien, Putrajaya. It aims to share the latest policies and best practices and to raise awareness of the ASEAN Green Jobs agenda. The forum targets senior ASEAN officials, small and middle enterprises (SMEs) from various industries, think tanks and higher education institutions. Key expected outcomes include a ministerial statement, as well as a framework and action plan for promoting green jobs.
> ASEAN Green Jobs Fair: Held concurrently on Aug 28-30 at the IOI Grand Exhibition Centre, Putrajaya, PERKESO manages this career fair. Its goal is to unlock green job opportunities for Malaysians and citizens across the Asean region. A total of 50 employers is expected to offer over 5,000 job opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and electric mobility. Job seekers and employers can participate for free by registering at https://www.myfuturejobs.gov.my/careerfair.
> ASEAN Green Skills Fair 2025: Organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) from Aug 28-30 at the IOI Grand Exhibition Centre, Putrajaya, this exhibition focuses on the development of green skills. It targets students, green industry workers, educational institutions and the general public. The programme aims to support the National Green Skills Development Action Plan and raise awareness of the importance of green skills in the job market.
Investing in human capital, HRD Corp is leading initiatives under the umbrella of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, which includes a year-long series of programs to enhance the skills of the regional workforce.
ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (May 27-28): This symposium serves as a platform to discuss strategic investments in training and skills development to address the rapidly changing economic landscape. It will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and workforce development experts.
ASEAN Training Market Conference (July 15): This conference aims to address the skills gap and strengthen regional collaboration to create a more harmonious and adaptable training ecosystem.
The 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (18th ACMW) will be held from Aug 12-13 at Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur.
This meeting brings together focal points from all Asean member states to report on the progress of programmes under the ACMW Work Plan 2021–2025, aimed at strengthening the protection and safeguarding the rights of migrant workers across the region.
Strengthening worker protection, safety and welfare
The ministry is committed to ensuring the rights and welfare of all workers, including migrant workers, are protected through dialogue and enforcement.
> The 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (18th AFML): Scheduled for Sept 9-10 at the Intercontinental, Kuala Lumpur, this forum is organised by the ministry and represents a regional tripartite platform for reviewing, discussing and exchanging best practices on migrant worker issues in the region.
The main theme is “Accelerating Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in ASEAN”.
Participation is by nomination from the government, employees, employers and civil society representatives from Asean countries and Timor-Leste.
> 5th ASEAN Labour Inspection Committee (5th ALICOM) Meeting and 14th ASEAN Labour Inspection Conference (14th ALIC): The Department of Labour, Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) will host this conference from Oct 28-30 in Penang.
It serves as a platform to share information, experiences and best practices related to workplace compliance through labour inspection.
This year’s conference theme is “The Sustainability of Employees’ Accommodation and Amenities is a Tribute to Human Dignity and Equality”.
> ASEAN Safety and Health Workers Summit 2025: Organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this summit will be held on Aug 4-5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. It aims to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) among Asean countries and promote Malaysia as a leader in the field.
Participants will gain the latest information on standards, policies and new technologies in workplace risk management. Registration can be done through https://aseanoshsummit.com.my/.
By organising these strategic programmes, the Ministry strengthens Malaysia’s position as a leader in human capital development in the region while actively contributing to the creation of a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable Asean community.
The Star. (2025, July 24). HR ministry to empower region’s workforce. StarPicks, The Star. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2025/07/24/hr-ministry-to-empower-regions-workforce.
- STEVEN SIM: MALAYSIA OPENS NATIONAL TRAINING WEEK TO ALL ASEAN CITIZENS FOR THE FIRST TIME
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark move under its ASEAN Chairmanship, Malaysia will open its flagship National Training Week (NTW) to all ASEAN citizens for the first time, offering over 65,000 free training opportunities across the country and online from 14-21 June 2025. The Honourable Mr Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of […] - Steven Sim: One-stop labour centre to be expanded nationwide by year end
KEPALA BATAS (Sept 6): The Ministry of Human Resources’ (Kesuma) one-stop labour centre, which consolidates all the ministry’s key services under one roof, is set to be expanded nationwide by the end of this year. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said that the one-stop centre aims to streamline service delivery for employees, employers, and unions, […] - SMEs sound alarm on rising costs and red tape despite cautious optimism
MALAYSIA’S small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the economy, are entering the second half of 2025 (2H25) under mounting pressure from rising costs, regulatory burdens and labour shortages, even as many remain cautiously optimistic about growth prospects. In separate statements last week, the Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (MICSEA) and the Small […] - From worry to strategy
FROM drafting documents to analysing performance, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to shape how bosses and employees interact. For many companies, this means rethinking old rules and practices to keep things fair, transparent and legally sound. To get ahead of this shift, the Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Services Employers Associa-tion (MICSEA) has begun initiatives […] - Malaysia rises eight sport to 25th in IMD Talent Ranking
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has jumped eight spots to 25th position in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025, reflecting the country’s growing ability to become one of the key destinations for global professionals. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said that in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia is ranked fifth, after Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. He said […] - Human Resources Ministry opens two probes into Johor bus company following driver strike over salary cuts and excessive overtime
PUTRAJAYA, July 22 — The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has opened two investigation papers against a transport company following a bus driver strike at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor Bahru on Sunday. In a statement today, the ministry said that initial findings by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) have found […] - Malaysia enacts flexible working arrangements for employees
Employees in Malaysia can now formally request flexible work arrangements from their employers, according to an announcement by Steven Sim, Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources. Sim, utilising social media platform X, clarified that employees have the right to apply for variations in work hours, days, and location under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Employment […] - Gig workers to get financial literacy boost under HR Ministry initiative
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 22 — The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) is planning to introduce a financial management course for gig workers as part of efforts to help them plan their finances more effectively and empower the group. “During the programme, some expressed anxiety about paying taxes, which points to a lack of understanding of taxation […] - Loke says uniting Penang DAP to be Steven Sim’s biggest political test
KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said Steven Sim’s new role in the party’s central leadership is not a demotion but a political challenge tied to Penang’s future. Sim now holds the post of deputy secretary-general while also serving as Penang DAP chief and human resources minister. In a Malaysiakini podcast, Loke painted the […] - DPM Fadillah: SMEs must invest in talent to drive growth, stay competitive
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today reminded small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that while the government is committed to providing policies and incentives that support growth and human capital development, real transformation must begin within each organisation. Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said leaders […]