Kuala lumpur: Malaysia intends to elevate regional collaboration under its ASEAN chairmanship this year through the introduction of the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs (2025-2030), said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. He said the initiative, which also includes the establishment of an ASEAN Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence (AGJCOE), is aimed at further galvanising efforts among member states towards investment, creation, and training in the green economy sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASEAN recognises the huge opportunity to be a model of sustainable development in the world, while also being aware of the gaps in investments, infrastructure, and government policies. Minister Sim highlighted these points when opening the ASEAN Green Jobs Forum (AGJF). He stressed the importance of ASEAN maintaining its centrality, long-standing friendship, and flexible approach to secure a greener future, especially as some parts of the world find collaboration increasingly challenging.
Sim noted that ASEAN's cooperation model, based on inclusivity and consensus, has been successful in addressing regional challenges such as the ASEAN Power Grid, cross-border digital payments, and the ASEAN taxonomy for sustainable finance. He cited these as examples of how a region can tackle global problems, build local competency, and drive green growth while safeguarding national interests.
The minister also outlined Malaysia's national initiatives, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims for net zero emissions by 2050 and has already attracted RM25 billion in investments under Phase 1. The plan is projected to create up to 300,000 green jobs by 2050, many offering salaries above the national minimum wage.
At the ASEAN level, the Framework and Action Plan will build upon such national strategies to ensure that the transition to green economies is just, inclusive, and beneficial to all segments of society. Sim emphasized ASEAN's unique advantages like its climate, terrain, and cultural connection to the earth, which can drive sustainable development.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Human Resources Ministry said AGJCOE will act as a hub for policy advice, research, benchmarking, and implementation tools. It will coordinate forums such as the AGJF to encourage continuous dialogue and promote partnerships among ASEAN member states, private sector actors, academia, and civil society. The Centre will also encourage technical cooperation and capacity building with external entities and will develop regional guidelines or taxonomy for green job classifications.
The two-day AGJF aims to address the region's growing demand for green skills and promote an inclusive and just transition towards a sustainable future. The forum is supported by the Australian government through the Aus4ASEAN Futures, Access Partnership, and the ASEAN Secretariat.