ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD)

The ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD) was convened on 22 October 2025 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This pivotal high-level policy dialogue serving as the official Ministerial Endorsement platform for the regional skills agenda.

The Forum brought together ASEAN Manpower Ministers and the Minister of Timor-Leste to advance regional cooperation on human capital development. Organised by the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia (KESUMA) through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the session was guided by the ASEAN Joint Statement on Skills Development for the Future Workforce.

Key highlights:

Ministerial and High-Level Remarks: The session was opened by The Honourable Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources Malaysia, reaffirming Malaysia’s vision as the ASEAN Chair 2025 for the ASEAN Year of Skills.

Global Keynote: His Excellency Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) providing a global perspective on skills development and workforce transformation.

ASEAN Perspective: Address H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General ASEAN underscore the regional significance of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 and highlight ASEAN’s collective initiatives to future-proof the region’s workforce.

Interventions and Policy Focus: Ministers from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste delivered opinion speech collectively providing a comprehensive regional perspective on skills development and workforce transformation. The core discussions emphasised advancing a future-ready ASEAN workforce through:

Regional Collaboration: Strengthening joint efforts on skills development and fostering regional solidarity, demonstrated by the ceremonial ASEAN Handshake. Promoting continuous upskilling, reskilling and adaptability across all demographics.

Future Skills: Emphasizing the urgent integration of digital and green skills into national curricula and training systems.

Workforce Mobility and Resilience: Advancing mutual recognition frameworks to support labour mobility and building a resilient regional workforce.

Forum Outcomes: The Manpower Ministers successfully affirmed the ASEAN Joint Statement on Skills Development for the Future Workforce, signifying a strong, unified, high-level regional commitment to skills policy alignment.

ASEAN Policy Declaration (AFMM-HCD): The Declaration of Joint Statement by ASEAN Manpower Ministers signifying a high-level regional commitment to skills policy alignment. This declaration was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Conclusion:
The ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development concluded with a resounding commitment to unity and a clear policy mandate to fortify ASEAN’s human capital base. The Forum successfully reinforced regional resolve to accelerate skills development, bridge critical skills gaps and leverage collaboration to ensure the ASEAN workforce is equipped for the digital and green transformations underway. Delegates left with a shared vision to ensure skills policy drives inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity throughout the region.