SIEM REAP – Senior officials from across Southeast Asia have concluded a major regional meeting with a reinforced pledge to foster a workforce that is inclusive, resilient, and prepared for future economic challenges.
The 21st ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM), which wrapped up recently, brought together delegates from all ten ASEAN member states, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer.
The gathering was officially inaugurated by Cambodia’s Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, His Excellency Heng Sour. In his address, the minister emphasised the collective regional ambitions for solidarity, sustainability, and prosperity.
He specifically pointed to the critical need for a just transition, improved digital competencies, and stronger social safety nets for workers.
Chaired by Ms. Joan Moh, Singapore’s Deputy Secretary for Workplaces, the meeting served as a platform to assess the advancement of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme 2021-2025.
A significant portion of the discussions centred on finalising the successor framework, the Work Programme for 2026–2030.
This includes detailed work plans for subsidiary bodies and a proposed system for monitoring and evaluating progress.
Key areas under review included initiatives to boost workforce competitiveness, the promotion of green jobs, and enhanced protections for migrant workers.
Officials also deliberated on advancing digital skills, ensuring occupational safety and health (OSH), and intensifying efforts to eradicate child labour throughout the region.
Looking ahead to its upcoming chairmanship, the Philippines outlined its labour priorities for 2026. These focal points encompass strengthening skills development programmes, providing better reintegration support for returning migrant workers, and fortifying tripartite partnerships between governments, employers, and workers.
The meeting welcomed Manila’s leadership in developing the terms of reference for a regional fund dedicated to human resource development.
Collaboration with international partners formed another critical agenda item. The meeting explored future cooperation with organisations including the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
These external entities reiterated their strong support for ongoing labour cooperation initiatives with the ASEAN bloc.
In a subsequent session, the 23rd ASEAN Plus Three Senior Labour Officials Meeting convened with participants from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
This meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepen collaboration on employment, skills development, social protection, and bolstering labour market resilience among the partner nations.
The series of meetings concluded with expressions of gratitude to Thailand, the incoming SLOM Chair, for its readiness to host the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting and related senior officials’ gatherings in 2026.
Appreciation was also extended to the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for its excellent arrangements and hospitality in hosting the events in Siem Reap.
