The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Employment Information Service (KEIS) to enhance cooperation on labour market development, with a focus on empowering women and older workers.

The collaboration reflects Malaysia’s commitment to learn from South Korea’s success in revitalising its labour market through the active participation of vulnerable groups, a key strategy amid demographic shifts driven by an ageing population.

PERKESO Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the partnership would strengthen ongoing efforts under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) and related programmes overseen by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA).

“PERKESO and KEIS will collaborate on knowledge and policy exchange, digitalisation of public employment services (PES), and joint research on emerging employment patterns,” Azman said.

“This partnership will also help Malaysia to adapt to the evolving labour market and re-employment of workers in transition.”

The MoU was signed by Azman and KEIS President Chang Soo Lee in Seoul, witnessed by delegates from both nations, including PERKESO’s Head of the Employment Insurance System Office Dato’ Asri Ab Rahman.

The agreement builds on an established relationship between PERKESO and KEIS, following their joint organisation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES-APRC) in July last year.

Expanding social protection

Azman said Malaysia, through PERKESO, is currently amending Act 800 to provide more comprehensive social protection coverage, including the introduction of a mobility allowance to help jobseekers adapt to new workplaces.

He added that the framework has proven resilient during crises, citing the Wage Subsidy Programme, which safeguarded more than 2.96 million workers and 358,000 employers during Malaysia’s post-pandemic recovery.

“We aim to build on this success through our collaboration with KEIS, particularly in enhancing the national job portal MYFutureJobs and strengthening active labour market policies,” he said.

This Social Security series is in collaboration with PERKESO.