In preparation for Malaysia’s hosting of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) undertook a strategic visit to the Philippines, aimed at deepening partnerships and fostering regional collaboration in human capital development.

The visit proved instrumental in aligning regional efforts, securing institutional support, and exploring financial and technical assistance to ensure the success of AYOS 2025. HRD Corp engaged with prominent organisations and government agencies, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

One of the key highlights was HRD Corp’s dialogue with ADB to explore potential avenues for funding, including expert consultancy and large-scale project support. Discussions also covered HRD Corp’s potential participation in ADB’s flagship Skills Conference in December 2025, positioning Malaysia to showcase its leadership in workforce transformation.

The meeting with DOLE underscored mutual interest in knowledge sharing, particularly HRD Corp’s levy system and National Training Week (NTW) model. This reflects a shared commitment to advancing workforce resilience and adaptability through collaborative efforts.

In addition to government-level engagements, HRD Corp also strengthened ties with key industry stakeholders, including Siklab Pilipinas, Inc., the Malaysian Embassy in Manila, and the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON). The Malaysian Embassy reaffirmed its support for HRD Corp’s initiatives, while PALSCON expressed keen interest in Malaysia’s employment strategies—paving the way for a possible future seminar with Malaysian HR leaders.

This strategic engagement has laid a strong foundation for continued partnerships in human capital development, reinforcing HRD Corp’s pivotal role in advancing skills across ASEAN. The Corporation remains committed to leveraging global expertise and resources to support sustainable workforce growth and drive the regional skills agenda forward.