PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 — Malaysia intends to elevate regional collaboration under its Asean chairmanship this year through the introduction of the Asean Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs (2025–2030), said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said the initiative, which also includes the establishment of an Asean Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence (AGJCOE), is aimed at further galvanising efforts among member states towards investment, creation and training in the green economy sector.
“Asean recognises the huge opportunity to be a model of sustainable development in the world. But we are also aware of the gaps in investments, in infrastructure and perhaps most importantly in government policies,” he said when opening the Asean Green Jobs Forum here yesterday.
He said while some parts of the world are finding it increasingly difficult to collaborate, Asean must continue to maintain its centrality, long-standing friendship and flexible approach to secure a greener future.
Sim noted that Asean’s cooperation model, based on inclusivity and consensus, has proven successful in addressing regional challenges such as the Asean Power Grid, cross-border digital payments and the Asean taxonomy for sustainable finance.
“These are examples of how a region can tackle global problems together, build local competency, and drive green growth while ensuring national interests are safeguarded,” he emphasised.
On Malaysia’s national initiatives, Sim highlighted the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets net zero emissions by 2050 and has already attracted RM25 billion in investments under Phase 1.
He said the plan is projected to create up to 300,000 green jobs by 2050, with many offering salaries above the national minimum wage.
At the Asean level, the minister said, the Framework and Action Plan would build upon such national strategies to ensure that the transition to green economies is just, inclusive and beneficial to all segments of society.
“Climate, terrain and human factor; Asean has the sun and wind all year long, rich biodiversity, and a society deeply connected to the earth because of our historical agrarian and seafaring culture. This is our unique advantage in driving sustainable development,” he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail. (2025, August 27). Malaysia to elevate regional collaboration through ASEAN green jobs framework, says HR minister. Malay Mail. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/27/malaysia-to-elevate-regional-collaboration-through-asean-green-jobs-framework-says-hr-minister/189119
- PERKESO reforms ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong. The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more […] - KESUMA’s drive for fair work and shared progress
The LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), celebrates its 10th edition, solidifying its influence as a platform that drives transformation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Malaysian workspaces. With concerns regarding human capital rising amid the ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial now more than ever […] - ‘Many employers not making mandatory Perkeso, EPF contributions’
KLANG: The Human Resources Ministry has detected a worrying number of employers still refusing to register or make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for their workers. The ministry stressed that such actions violated employees’ rights and denied them basic protection. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul […] - Nearly 500 labour law breach cases detected
KLANG: Almost 500 investigation papers have been opened against employers for breaches of labour laws as of Nov 1, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. Among the most common labour law offences are employers’ failure to make the mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) or the Employees Provident Fund […] - MOHR Won’t Tolerate Companies Preventing Workers From Forming Union
The Industrial Relations Department of the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights after a gathering and memorandum submission by several labour unions concerning alleged union-busting practices. The department emphasised that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, while reiterating that workers’ rights to form […] - Court Orders Employer To Pay 93 Migrant Workers Outstanding Wages
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold an earlier ruling by the Labour Court, ordering an employer to pay outstanding wages to 93 migrant workers who were left without work upon arrival in Malaysia. The High Court on 31 October 2025 affirmed the Labour Court’s […] - No tolerance for employers who withhold wages, says HR Minister
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged all employers to take heed of the recent Shah Alam High Court ruling which upheld a decision in favour of 93 migrant workers in an unpaid wage case. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Oct 31 decision sends a strong message that failure to […] - THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […]