The Philippines and Malaysia are strengthening labour cooperation as both countries advance shared employment priorities under ASEAN.
Philippine DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres led discussions with Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary General Dr Haji Mohd Shaharin bin Umar.
The talks took place alongside the 22nd ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting in Bangkok. Both sides discussed cooperation covering green jobs, gig work, skills development and renewable energy initiatives.
The Philippines also sought Malaysia’s support for several Philippine-led ASEAN documents addressing labour and social resilience.
These included fair recruitment, occupational safety in informal employment and labour inspection within the fishing sector. The Philippines invited Malaysia to participate in the 2026 ASEAN Green Jobs Forum, which Manila plans to host.
Malaysia shared its experience with workforce transitions, including its energy-transition roadmap and legislation governing gig workers.
Both countries also explored cooperation involving digital platform work and other emerging labour-market challenges.
Malaysia separately expressed interest in partnership agreements concerning domestic-worker recruitment and deployment.
The discussions reflect wider ASEAN efforts to manage employment changes driven by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green transition.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation on labour, employment and workforce development.
