AKP Phnom Penh, October 23, 2025 -- H.E. Heng Sour, Cambodia’s Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, attended and delivered a key intervention at the Global Skills Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 22.

The forum, held under the theme “ASEAN Year of Skills 2025,” brought together regional leaders and experts to address critical human capital development challenges.

During the ASEAN Forum of Manpower Ministers for Human Capital Development, H.E. Heng Sour commended the Government of Malaysia for hosting the event and expressed gratitude to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its ongoing partnership in tackling skill-related issues globally and regionally.

The Global Skills Forum 2025 focused on charting a regional policy vision and action framework for the “ASEAN Year of Skills 2025.” Key discussions centered on: Bridging the ASEAN skills gap through enhanced regional cooperation, Promoting labour mobility and inclusive economic growth, and Strengthening public-private partnerships in skills development.

In his address, H.E. Heng Sour underscored that successful skill development necessitates the active participation of all stakeholders – governments, the private sector, workers, and training institutions. 

He highlighted Cambodia’s own efforts, noting the implementation of policies that encourage private sector involvement in training and upskilling through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) initiative.

H.E. Minister further called on ASEAN member states to take two specific actions to enhance regional integration and worker welfare:

1. Strengthen the Regional Skills Body to facilitate the mobility and mutual recognition of skilled workers across the region.
2. Advance social security portability mechanisms to guarantee the protection and welfare of migrant workers.

The Minister's participation aligns with Cambodia's commitment to developing its human capital and fostering greater economic integration within the ASEAN community.

By K. Rithy Reak