Reskilling and upskilling in ASEAN through a gender lens: policies, lessons learnt and recommendations for future actions

Countries in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region face fundamental changes impacting the workforce: growing investment, increased inequality, technological change (automation and digitalisation), ageing population, migration flux, climate change and the recent [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic. This study, 'Mapping reskilling approaches with special relevance for women in the ASEAN region' was commissioned within the scope of the Regional Cooperation Programme for TVET in ASEAN (RECOTVET) phase III programme, Regional Cooperation Programme for the...  [+] Show more

Countries in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region face fundamental changes impacting the workforce: growing investment, increased inequality, technological change (automation and digitalisation), ageing population, migration flux, climate change and the recent [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 pandemic. This study, 'Mapping reskilling approaches with special relevance for women in the ASEAN region' was commissioned within the scope of the Regional Cooperation Programme for TVET in ASEAN (RECOTVET) phase III programme, Regional Cooperation Programme for the Development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the ASEAN Region. This resulting report presents relevant and up-to-date information that can enrich ASEAN policy dialogue and strategy development regarding the issues of reskilling and upskilling and build capacity in ASEAN member states.

Implemented by ICON-INSTITUTE in Cologne, Germany, the report reviews corresponding policies and strategies at the regional and country level, and analyses case studies of upskilling and reskilling initiatives, against a conceptual framework regarding skills development and skills anticipation approaches. Key findings are that: (1) many reports at ASEAN and worldwide level confirm the urgency to either 'upskill' (improve existing skills) or 'reskill' (learn new skills for new employment or responsibilities) a significant portion of the workforce impacted by social, environmental, technological and economical disruptions; (2) upskilling and reskilling interventions are not yet based on a shared set of criteria and joint understanding of most suitable modalities; and (3) the selected five ASEAN countries either have specific upskilling/reskilling policies, programmes and processes in place (Indonesia, Philippines, Viet Nam), or integrate upskilling/reskilling policies in a National TVET Strategy/Development Plan (Cambodia), or without a specific upskilling/reskilling policy, include interventions in human resources development programmes and socio-economic plans (Thailand).

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website.