Asean Green Skills Fair 2025, empowering the future of a sustainable Asean
The Asean Green Skills Fair 2025 has emerged as a regional platform aimed at accelerating collaboration in green talent development.
PUTRAJAYA – As Malaysia takes the helm of Asean for 2025 under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," the nation is placing a strong emphasis on fostering skills, jobs, and innovation to drive the region’s green and digital transformation.
Central to this ambition is the National Energy Transition Roadmap, which outlines Malaysia’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The roadmap, which involves investments of RM1.2 to 1.3 trillion, is projected to generate a RM220 billion boost to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create over 310,000 new jobs.
However, these promises of a greener economy can only be realised if the workforce is equipped with the necessary green skills. To support this goal, the Asean Green Skills Fair 2025 has emerged as a regional platform aimed at accelerating collaboration in green talent development.
Asean Green Skills Fair 2025, a platform for change
In his welcoming remarks, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) group chief executive officer (GCEO), Thomas Mathew highlighted the agency’s strong commitment to embedding green skills into education and training programs.
This is achieved through close partnerships with ministries and international stakeholders.
He pointed out TalentCorp's work with industry leaders through the MyMahir initiative, which maps future workforce needs and focuses on building the relevant capabilities to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“Through this Asean Green Skills Fair, we are turning strategies into opportunities. Policymakers, employers, academics, and youth are here to learn, to share, and to build partnerships.
“As Asean Chair, Malaysia shows that leadership means preparing not only for ourselves, but for the region as a whole,” he said during the launch of the Asean Green Skills Fair 2025, here on Friday.
Thomas further emphasised the importance of collective regional action, reminding attendees that green jobs offer a triple benefit: driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and protecting the environment.
However, success in these areas depends on a skilled and adaptable workforce across Asean.
Building a green-ready workforce
Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to prepare youth through green apprenticeships and internships, giving early exposure to future-focused skills.
He said green skills are being integrated into academic curricula by institutions such as the Education Ministry (MOE), TVET, TalentCorp, and HRD Corp. Meanwhile, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) is playing a crucial role by supporting displaced workers with retraining and income support.
“Through TalentCorp, Kesuma has brought this Fair to life. It is where governments, industries, and workers converge to shape Asean’s green future,” Azman said in his welcoming speech.
The Fair also supports the development of the Asean Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence (AGJCOE), a hub to drive green investment, job creation, and upskilling across the region.
Also in attendance at the event is Socso Employment Insurance System Office head, Datuk Asri Ab Rahman.
Engaging the public and the workforce
Running from Aug 28 to 30 at the IOI Grand Convention & Exhibition Centre in Putrajaya, the Asean Green Skills Fair 2025 has attracted over 5,000 participants among students, jobseekers, SMEs, Asean delegates, government representatives and gathered 23 exhibitors from academia, ILP industries and training providers.
Visitors can explore cutting-edge green technologies, career opportunities, and sustainability solutions through exhibitions and interactive sessions.
The event features panel discussions with industry leaders from Siemens Energy, Petronas, and PwC, alongside hands-on workshops on composting, edible gardening, and upcycling, led by partners such as Biji-Biji Initiative and Kaki DIY.
As a free public event, the Fair connects Malaysians with emerging roles such as carbon accountants, energy analysts, green engineers, and mobility specialists, jobs that are increasingly vital to the economy and environment. Participants can also access training pathways through recognised certification bodies, with guidance from platforms like MyMahir.
University and industry join forces
Representing Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Dr Amar Hisham Jaaffar highlighted the role of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in preparing students for the green economy.
“There must be collaboration between universities, industry, and TalentCorp to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs,” he said.
He also emphasised that green skills are relevant across all disciplines, not just in engineering and are essential for Malaysia’s low-carbon transition and global competitiveness.
Thomas echoed this, noting the younger generation’s growing interest in environmental issues and their desire to contribute meaningfully, provided they receive the right guidance and education.
"Platforms like this provide the necessary guidance and education for the next generation," he added.
Industry-led training for the future
In 2024, Malaysia recorded a 45 per cent surge in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, creating demand for specialists in electrification systems, battery recycling, and smart mobility infrastructure.
At the exhibition, Non-Tech manager (section head NT Mazda, Xpeng) cum ,member of National Development Skills Council, Kesuma MD Parizal Jamian, showcased two fully electric vehicles (EVs) from brands under the company.
“These are cars of the future, with auto-parking and autopilot features, though limited by current regulations,” he said.
He emphasised that Bermaz has operated its own training centre for nearly 15 years, offering programmes in Automotive Mechatronics, Body & Paint, and Mechanical studies. Graduates receive dual certification and are guaranteed career placements.
The fully sponsored programme, open to SPM school leavers, includes free tuition, meals, and accommodation.
Bermaz Training School, a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto Berhad, has positioned itself as a key player in building Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) workforce.
The centre is the first Battery Electric Vehicle training facility in the country to be accredited by the Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran, JPK).
It also holds international recognition from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in the United Kingdom and Lucas Nuelle in Germany.
Among the programmes offered are EV First Responder Training, High Voltage Battery Fault Diagnosis, Testing and Repair, as well as Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) training.
With the EV ecosystem rapidly expanding, the school highlighted career opportunities such as EV cybersecurity engineer, EV maintenance technician and specialist, EV software engineer, EV trainer, EV analyst, charging point operator (CPO) engineer, tyre shop EV specialist and mobile EV service provider.
A more immersive experience in 2025
This year’s Fair builds on the success of 2024, offering a more immersive, career-focused experience. A key highlight is the MyMahir platform, which connects jobseekers with employers in real time for skills matching and upskilling opportunities.
Held in conjunction with the Asean Green Jobs Forum 2025, the Fair reinforces the region’s readiness to embrace both the green transition and advancements in artificial intelligence, aligning closely with Malaysia’s long-term sustainable development goals.
The official launch on Aug 29 marked a significant step forward in Malaysia’s leadership on green workforce development, affirming the country’s role in shaping the future of work across Asean.
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