The ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025 marks an exciting chapter in the regional human capital development under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and championed by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), this dynamic year-long campaign is all about unlocking the true potential of ASEAN’s workforce and taking regional talent development to unprecedented levels.

A Bold Leap Toward Regional Talent Unity in 2025
Carrying the inspiring theme “Bridging Talent, Building ASEAN,” AYOS 2025 sets out to sharpen skills, spark innovation, and foster a vibrant ecosystem where talent flows seamlessly across borders. Its mission revolves around five goals: bridging skills gaps across member states; promoting talent mobility to enhance workforce agility; ensuring inclusive growth that uplifts all communities; strengthening regional collaboration for shared prosperity; and enhancing public-private partnerships to future-proof the workforce.

Unveiled on 14 April 2025 at the vibrant Connexion Conference & Event Centre (Nexus) in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, AYOS 2025 celebrates ASEAN’s greatest asset — its rich, diverse, and dynamic workforce. This bold initiative champions the spirit of unity among member nations, driving collective efforts to bridge regional divides, ignite the potential of youth, and build a workforce that’s ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

AYOS 2025 is organised in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) who have been key partners since the very beginning. Their knowledge, resources, and guidance have been essential in shaping the program’s goals and making it happen.

Within each ASEAN country, dedicated National Coordinators and Ambassadors take the lead. They act as the main links on the ground, driving local and regional efforts that support AYOS 2025’s mission. By connecting with important stakeholders and promoting skills development, they ensure their countries are represented in regional discussions, ensuring cohesive and impactful implementation across ASEAN.

AYOS 2025 features seven flagship events aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the region:

1. ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS)

2. National Training Week (NTW) – A nationwide celebration of skills and learning.

3. ASEAN Training Market Conference (ATMC) – Focusing on regional skills exchange and industry collaboration.

4. ASEAN TVET Conference – Highlighting technical and vocational education and training initiatives.

5. National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE) 2025 – Malaysia’s premier gathering for talent development and human capital innovation.

6. Global Skills Forum (GSF) – An international platform for skills exchange and collaboration.

7. ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development (AFMM-HCD) – A high-level dialogue on workforce policy and strategy.

The ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS) will be happening on 27 and 28 May 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. AHCDIS is where policymakers, industry leaders, and experts converge to spark fresh ideas on skills financing, spotlight groundbreaking development funds, and share proven models and best practices that can drive inclusive skill-building opportunities throughout ASEAN.

Curious to learn more about AYOS 2025, AHCDIS, and its exciting lineup of flagship events? Dive into all the details at the official portal: www.aseanyearofskills.org.