Date: 29 – 31 January 2024

A meeting was held between the Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (KEMNAKER), Prof. Anwar Sanusi, PhD, and delegates from KESUMA and HRD Corp. The primary objective of the visit, as highlighted by Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee, was to strengthen collaboration between entities within the same strategic pillar, with a particular focus on advancing skills development, policy alignment, and workforce upskilling in the ASEAN region.

During the meeting, the plans to organise the ASEAN Year of Skills were presented. This initiative aims to foster regional collaboration in skills development, enhance workforce competitiveness, and promote social inclusivity across ASEAN member states. The upcoming ASEAN Skills Forum, scheduled for 3 October 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, was highlighted as a key event under this initiative, offering a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

The HRD Corp model and services were also introduced, showcasing Malaysia’s innovative approach to human capital development. Key features highlighted included funding mechanisms for training, industry-driven skills development programmes, and stakeholder engagement strategies that align with national and regional goals. These examples provided insights into how HRD Corp contributes to upskilling Malaysia’s workforce and fostering economic growth.

KEMNAKER expressed a strong commitment to participating in the ASEAN Skills Forum and showed keen interest in understanding the HRD Corp model. Specific areas of interest included funding frameworks, public-private partnerships, and the alignment of training programmes with industry needs. KEMNAKER noted the potential to adapt aspects of the HRD Corp model to Indonesia’s workforce development initiatives, particularly with guidance and support from KESUMA and HRD Corp.

As a way forward, both parties agreed to continue discussions on collaborative opportunities. This includes exploring potential pilot programmes and exchange initiatives to facilitate the sharing of best practices. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration in human capital development, ensuring both countries contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s vision for a skilled and resilient workforce.