Cambodia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address regional and global challenges, with a core focus on developing a resilient and future-ready workforce.
The pledge was delivered by H.E. Heng Sour, Cambodia’s Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, during his opening address at the 21st ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) in Siem Reap city this morning.
H.E. Minister highlighted that hosting the SLOM for the second time underscores the bloc’s collective dedication to fostering a “resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN workforce” prepared for evolving demands.
The Minister also offered congratulations to H.E. Ms. Joan Moh, Deputy Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, as the incoming Chair of the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials for the 2024-2026 term. She is concurrently presiding over the 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting.
These high-level meetings are scheduled to review the substantial progress of regional labour initiatives across critical areas, including labour markets, workforce development, labour mobility, and occupational safety.
Minister Heng Sour emphasised that ASEAN’s current efforts are guided by the vision of “Strengthening Resilience and Promoting Innovation,” with inclusivity and sustainability serving as the core priorities driving policy.
He commended the significant achievements of ASEAN labour officials, specifically pointing to the recent adoption of three landmark documents designed to shape the future of work in the region:
• A Joint Statement on Skills Development for the Future Workforce, aligning with the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025.
• The ASEAN Green Jobs Action Plan, aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive employment opportunities.
• The ASEAN Roadmap for the Elimination of Child Labour by 2035.
“These initiatives reflect our collective determination to promote decent work, enhance digital and green skills, support micro, small, and medium enterprises, and facilitate labour mobility while eradicating child labour,” the Minister stated.
He added that ASEAN is demonstrating proactive leadership by concurrently developing key indicators for the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Plan 2026-2030.
While acknowledging the immense opportunities presented by digital transformation and the rise of green jobs, Minister Heng Sour also cautioned member states about the accompanying challenges.
He stressed the imperative for initiatives that effectively adapt to rapidly evolving labour markets, expand social protection coverage, and actively narrow the widening skills gaps.
In closing, he called for continued close collaboration and perseverance among member states to ensure collective resilience, innovation, and sustainable progress, reiterating Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to deepening ASEAN cooperation for shared prosperity.
