Technological advances, demographic transition, and the rise of green economy offer both opportunities and challenges for workers and businesses in the ASEAN Community. Having a vibrant demography, ASEAN continues to show commitment in preparing its human resources and businesses for these transformative changes on the future of work.

ASEAN places green jobs as high priority in the future of work agenda. ASEAN is undertaking a range of knowledge development activities to promote the policy ecosystem and workforce to be ready for these jobs.

As ASEAN is moving towards ASEAN community in 2025, ASEAN envisions a work environment with enhanced competitiveness, productive employment, safe, harmonious and progressive workplace with adequate social protection. One of the critical areas to pursue in the development of ASEAN workforce is improving the inclusiveness, responsiveness, and cohesiveness of its labour, educational, economic policies and institutional frameworks. This will develop qualified, competent, and well-prepared workers that would benefit from, as well as cope with the challenges of the regional integration.

Development of human resource is at the heart of ASEAN strategic objectives and investing in HRD is made more urgent with the accelerated pace of the rapidly changing business models and shifting employment landscape. ASEAN is resolved to manage and build a preventative Occupational and Safety Health (OSH) with the capabilities to anticipate and respond to new and emerging work-related safety and health risks.  

Social protection is one of the most important political agendas in the region and a pivotal element in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth,. ASEAN has embarked on regional studies on social protection initiatives and provided feedback for a comprehensive approach towards effective social security policies, particularly for informal workers and those in new forms of employment.

As transition to the future of work is expected to impact the availability of jobs, organisation of work, and skills requirements, ASEAN Member States have jointly established mutual cooperation to ensure that their migration policies and programmes are ready to respond to these shifts and ensure that the rights of migrant workers are and will continue to be protected and promoted. 

The continued cooperation on labour through workforce enhancement and decent work promotion will ultimately contribute towards a shared vision of a better quality of life, productive employment, and adequate social protection for ASEAN peoples.