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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a proactive move to ensure the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) remains competitive in the evolving global landscape, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has championed the creation of an Asean Green and Digital Skills Taskforce. This initiative aims to unify the region’s efforts in developing a skilled workforce equipped to thrive in the future economy.

The Taskforce is strategically designed to address the burgeoning demand for expertise in green technologies and digital innovation – two key drivers of economic growth and sustainability in the 21st century. Recognizing that Asean’s collective strength lies in its diverse member states, the Taskforce will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the harmonization of skills development programs.

Why Green and Digital Skills?

The global shift towards a greener economy presents immense opportunities for Asean. The region possesses abundant natural resources and a growing commitment to sustainable development. However, realizing this potential requires a workforce proficient in renewable energy technologies, environmental management, and sustainable practices. Similarly, the digital revolution is reshaping industries across the board, demanding skills in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.

“The establishment of this Taskforce is crucial for Asean to stay ahead of the curve,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we can accelerate the development of a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable and resilient to future challenges.”

Key Objectives of the Taskforce:

• Identify Skills Gaps: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current and future skills needs in the green and digital sectors across Asean member states.
• Develop Harmonized Training Programs: Create standardized training curricula and certification programs to ensure a consistent level of quality and recognition across the region.
• Promote Industry-Academia Collaboration: Foster partnerships between educational institutions and industry players to ensure that training programs align with real-world demands.
• Facilitate Skills Recognition: Establish mechanisms for the mutual recognition of skills and qualifications across Asean member states, enabling greater labor mobility.
• Encourage Lifelong Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and upskilling to ensure that the workforce remains relevant in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Impact on Asean’s Economic Future:

The Asean Green and Digital Skills Taskforce is expected to have a profound impact on the region’s economic future. By equipping the workforce with the necessary skills, Asean can attract foreign investment, boost productivity, and create high-value jobs. Furthermore, it will contribute to the region’s sustainable development goals and enhance its global competitiveness.

The initiative marks a significant step towards realizing Asean’s vision of a digitally integrated, economically vibrant, and sustainable community. With strong leadership and collaborative efforts, the Taskforce has the potential to transform Asean into a global hub for green and digital innovation.

Moving Forward: The Taskforce is expected to begin its work immediately, with a focus on developing a detailed roadmap and implementation plan. Stakeholder engagement will be a key priority, ensuring that all relevant parties are involved in the process. The success of this initiative will depend on the collective commitment of Asean member states, the private sector, and civil society.