Held in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and as a steadfast pillar of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025 was convened on 22–23 October 2025 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The international platform brought together governments, employers, workers’ organisations and global development partners to address urgent challenges in workforce development.
The Forum carried out the theme: “The Role of Private Sector in Skills Development: Driving Innovation and Impact”.
Organised by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) Malaysia through the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the GSF was held in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). The event hosted approximately 500 delegates.
Key Highlights:
(Day 1)
Ministerial and High-Level Officiation:
- The forum was officially launched by
- The Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia
- Key addresses were also delivered by
- The Right Honourable Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources Malaysia.
- H.E. Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO.
- Mr. Matthias Thorns, Vice President of the IOE.
Strategic Panel Discussions:
The forum opened with high-level discussions institutionalising private sector leadership in national and global skills ecosystems. Core sessions included a Panel Discussion on “Strategies and Good Practices for Effective Engagement of the Private Sector in Skills Development” and “The Business Case for Private Sector Involvement in Skills Development.” These sessions showcased global models and highlighting how private sector participation drives innovation, productivity and inclusive workforce transformation.
Focus on Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs):
A key thematic focus revolved around Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) as catalysts for demand-driven workforce development. The session on “Unlocking the Potential of Sector Skills Bodies – Performance, Challenges, Lessons and the Way Forward” examined the governance, sustainability and performance of SSBs, drawing insights on strengthening public–private collaboration for effective sectoral skills systems.
(Day 2)
Parallel Thematic Sessions:
Day 2 began with sector-specific SSB experience-sharing sessions, highlighting best practices and lessons across industries:
- Manufacturing
- Construction and Mining
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Emerging Sectors
These sessions explored how industry-led mechanisms foster inclusive growth, strengthen skills intelligence and future-proof workforce strategies.
Transforming Training Provision – The Role of the Private Sector:
A second set of parallel sessions delved into innovative mechanisms and governance models transforming training ecosystems. Topics included
- The Role of SSBs in skills needs anticipation
- Quality apprenticeships and Work Based Learning
- Industry-led centres of excellence
- Levy-based financing.
Global examples from Ghana, Australia, Germany, Kenya and Nigeria illustrated how strategic public–private collaboration enhances relevance, financing, and sustainability in skills development.
Spotlight Discussion and Closing:
The concluding Spotlight Discussion on “Towards Transformative Skills Development Through Private Sector and Sector Skills Bodies” synthesised insights from across sessions, reaffirming the centrality of private sector collaboration in shaping future workforce systems. The event concluded with closing addresses by representatives from IOE, ILO, and HRD Corp, marking a collective commitment to advancing global and regional skills transformation.
Exhibition: The GSF included a dynamic exhibition area, allowing delegates to network and explore innovative training tools and technologies.
Crew Lounge Sdn Bhd – Aviation Training and Recruitment
A training provider that offers programmes tailored to aviation industry professionals to help them with hands-on learning and job placement assistance.
Future Creative School
A premier institution of higher education that empowers Malaysian professional scholars, artists and art practitioners in the field of arts, culture and heritage.
Halal Development Corporation Berhad
An agency that spearheads the development of Malaysia’s integrated and comprehensive halal ecosystem and infrastructure.
UPM Education & Training Sdn Bhd (UPMET)
An organisation that offers short and long-term academic programmes for working adults tailored to current market needs.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)
An organisation that provides support for employers through research, HR and industrial relations, training, consultation and more.
YTL Construction
A learning academy that focuses on employee upskilling, assessing training needs and comprehensive Train-the-Trainer programmes.
SIRIM
A leading organisation for research and technology development in industrial quality and standards under SIRIM Berhad.
Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC)
A non-profit organisation that aims to create a robust and vibrant ecosystem for quality vocational education and skills development for media and entertainment in India.
ASEA ACE
A leading technology integrator that drives digital transformation across industries to empower organisations and individuals in an era of Industry 4.0.
Global Apprenticeship Network Australia
A network of organisations and industry associations that raises awareness of apprenticeship programmes and encourage companies to offer opportunities to youth.
Mining Qualifications Authority
A statutory body that is responsible for skills development initiatives to ensure the South African mining and minerals sector is well equipped and efficient.
REDHA Institute
A knowledge and training hub for Malaysia’s housing and property development sector that aims to strengthen industry competency and national housing policy development.
HC Consultants Group | ROI Institute
A human capital development training provider that specialises in organisation design, change management, leadership development and other HR solution.
LEO Batik
A batik fashion house that specialises in Malaysian batik using a day-based technique featuring dothing, textile and other batik-based offerings.
Conclusion:
The Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025 concluded as a milestone event that solidified and global human capital transformation. Gathering Business leaders and international experts, the Forum positioned the private sector as a co-creator in shaping agile and inclusive future ready workforce. Through high-impact discussions on Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs), innovation showcases and public–private partnerships, experts shared practical models to align education with industry demand, harness emerging technologies and strengthen sustainable skills financing. The outcomes of GSF 2025 chart a bold path toward a demand-driven, future-ready workforce that empowers industries and nations through skills.
