Putrajaya, 29 August 2025 — As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia is spearheading a bold regional agenda to cultivate a sustainable, future-ready workforce. This commitment was on full display at the inaugural ASEAN Green Skills Fair 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) through its strategic think tank, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).
The Fair, held under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” underscores the nation’s resolve to place skills, jobs, and innovation at the heart of the ASEAN green and digital transition. Designed as a collaboration platform, the event brought together governments, industries, training institutions, and workers, all focused on embedding sustainability into workforce development and education.
Citing the warning from the International Labour Organization (ILO) that approximately 60% of youth globally may lack green economy competencies by 2030, Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of KESUMA, emphasised Malaysia’s effort to bridge this gap by integrating apprenticeship and internship programs with green industries, thus positioning the upcoming generation as ASEAN’s first truly green workforce.
From TalentCorp’s perspective, the event was a catalyst translating strategy into actionable outcomes. As outlined by its CEO, Thomas Mathew, the Fair convened policymakers, employers, scholars, and youth to learn, share, and build partnerships, showcasing how Malaysian leadership extends beyond national borders—seeking to empower all of ASEAN.
The ASEAN Green Skills Fair also marked a milestone in TalentCorp’s push towards establishing the ASEAN Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence (AGJCOE)—an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating green investment, job creation, and skills development across the region. It aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while embedding sustainability principles into workforce planning.
Over the three-day event, more than 5,000 participants attended—including university students, jobseekers, SMEs, delegates, government figures, and training providers. Attendees engaged with cutting-edge green innovations—ranging from electric vehicles by BERMAZ to solar-powered hydroponics and community-led eco-initiatives. Panel discussions featured industry leaders from Siemens Energy, PETRONAS, PwC, MGTC, and PERKESO, supplemented by hands-on workshops on composting, edible gardening, and creative upcycling hosted by sustainability advocates like Biji-Biji Initiative and Kaki DIY.
Why This Matters for The Ledger Asia Audience
Malaysia’s leadership at the ASEAN Green Skills Fair represents more than a national showcase—it signals a pivotal moment in regional workforce strategy. By cultivating green skills through robust public-private cooperation, the initiative is not only enhancing employability but also accelerating the region’s economic transition toward sustainability-driven value creation. For investors and industry players, this model demonstrates how coordinated, forward-thinking talent development can underpin future sector opportunities—from renewable energy to eco-innovative manufacturing and green infrastructure.
