Kuala Lumpur, 24 October 2025 – The ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, Malaysia’s flagship initiative under its ASEAN Chairmanship, concluded with a Gala Dinner held on 22 October in Kuala Lumpur. Themed ‘Colours of Success: A Celebration of Achievements’, the event marked the culmination of a year-long journey, celebrating the collective accomplishments and milestones of AYOS 2025.

The Gala Dinner was graced by The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, in the presence of The Honourable Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, Malaysia and His Excellency Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

AYOS 2025 was officially launched on 14 April 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (KESUMA) through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), with strong support from the ILO and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC).

Guided by the theme ‘Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN’, AYOS 2025 showcases the region’s concerted efforts to strengthen skills ecosystems that are inclusive, sustainable and future-ready. It highlights ASEAN’s shared commitment to transforming its workforce and positions the region as a global leader in human capital development and skills transformation.

The Honourable Datuk Amar Fadillah said, “AYOS 2025 truly embodies the conviction that when we invest in skills, we are not only investing in our people, but in the future and prosperity of ASEAN itself.”

He further stated, “AYOS 2025 has stood as one of the defining initiatives – one that places human capital at the very heart of our regional agenda. Together, we have advanced innovative models, forged industry-driven partnerships and developed frameworks that enable talent mobility and mutual recognition across borders.”

In his speech, His Excellency Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of ILO, said, “As we look ahead, the momentum generated by AYOS 2025 provides a strong foundation for the future. I am extremely pleased to note the new initiative between the Government of Malaysia, HRD Corp, and ILO, which will make a real contribution to building workforces aligned with emerging green and digital economies.”

The Honourable Steven Sim remarked, “AYOS 2025 has been a landmark initiative for ASEAN, demonstrating our collective commitment to nurturing a skilled, inclusive and future-ready workforce. As we celebrate its successful conclusion, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering talent across the region and ensuring opportunities for all to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Syed Alwi bin Mohamed Sultan, Chief Executive of HRD Corp, concluded, “The journey of AYOS 2025 has shown the power of collaboration and shared vision among ASEAN nations. HRD Corp is proud to have played a role in shaping skills development that is not only innovative and inclusive but also geared towards building a sustainable and competitive workforce for the future.”

AYOS 2025 mobilised governments, industries and communities through seven flagship platforms that bridged skills gaps, promoted talent mobility and strengthened inclusivity across ASEAN. The initiative also fostered robust public-private partnerships and enhanced ASEAN’s collective resilience in navigating global transitions through:

1. 27 & 28 May 2025 – ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS): Convened policymakers, investors and experts to explore innovative financing models and showcase best practices to expand access to skills.
2. 14 to 21 June 2025 – National Training Week (NTW) 2025: Benefitted millions across ASEAN in a celebration of learning, reaching almost 4 million participants and delivering more than 70,000 free and accessible training programmes across diverse industries, inspiring similar initiatives regionally.
3. 15 July 2025 – ASEAN Training Market Conference (ATMC): Connected industries, training providers, and governments to strengthen regional collaboration and cross-border partnerships.
4. 13 & 14 August 2025 – ASEAN TVET Conference (ASEAN TVET): Advanced dialogue on technical and vocational education reforms and work-based learning across the region.
5. 6 to 8 October 2025 – National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE) 2025: Attended by close to 3,000 delegates, it positioned Malaysia as a hub for human capital innovation. Through its BizMatch segment, over RM3 million in new course enrolment value was generated within three days, a clear indication that Malaysians are eager to upskill and reskill.
6. 22 & 23 October 2025 – Global Skills Forum (GSF): Elevated ASEAN’s voice on the global stage, discussing the future of skills development, focusing on the role of the private sector and public-private partnerships. It highlighted emerging technologies and the importance of green technology and digital skills for future workforces.
7. 22 October 2025 – ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD): A platform where ASEAN Member States reaffirmed their collective commitment to advance skills development and workforce transformation with the adoption of the Joint Statement on Skills Development for the Future Workforce in ASEAN.

The Gala Dinner was also attended by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of KESUMA; Datuk Abu Huraira bin Abu Yazid, Chairman of the Board, HRD Corp; ASEAN Manpower Ministers; ambassadors, as well as representatives from various government agencies and civil society organisations.

While AYOS 2025 has concluded, the work of building a skilled, adaptable and inclusive ASEAN workforce continues. The foundations laid through this initiative will guide ongoing cooperation, ensuring the region remains future-ready and resilient in the years to come.