Project Description

Human resource development is one of the strategic objectives of the ASEAN towards achieving a productive and competitive workforce. Investments in human resource development enhance the capacity of the ASEAN workforce through strategic programs that will develop qualified, competent, and well-prepared workers that would benefit from, as well as cope with the challenges of the regional integration. One of the accompanying critical areas in the development of the people is equipping them with the required competencies, which include technical and social skills that will make them job-ready locally and overseas.

The importance of investing in human resource development is made more urgent with the accelerated pace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The rapidly changing business models it brings about are expected to significantly impact the global economic growth and employment landscape. According to the report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the impact may range from significant creation of new jobs to dislocation of jobs, and from intensified labor productivity to broadening skills gap.

To effectively implement human resource development initiatives that address rapidly changing business models, there is a need for an effective and efficient national and regional Labor Market Information (LMI) based on updated information from industries and other stakeholders. LMIs are essential tools in ensuring that the TVET curricula and standards being developed are responsive to the latest labor trends and thus, encouraging/facilitating skills recognition, productivity, competitiveness, and mobility of the workforce across the region.