The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is pushing for enhanced labor market information systems (LMIS) to address skills gaps amid ASEAN’s digital and green economic transitions.
In her speech at the opening of a three-day LMIS workshop on Feb. 12, DOLE Undersecretary for Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster Carmela Torres said strengthening labor market data is essential to advancing workforce policies across the region.
Hosted by DOLE, the event brought together ASEAN member states, international organizations, and development partners to improve labor market intelligence and coordination region-wide.
"Addressing skills mismatches, particularly in emerging industries, is crucial for unlocking ASEAN’s economic potential and maintaining a competitive labor force," Torres said.
She added that improving data accuracy, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology will help ASEAN countries build adaptive labor markets that meet evolving economic demands.
A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of the Regional Mapping of Labour Market Information for Skills and Employment Policies in ASEAN Member States, a collaborative project led by DOLE, Viet Nam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), and Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The initiative aims to standardize labor market data across ASEAN, providing a foundation for evidence-based employment policies and comprehensive workforce development strategies.
Participants also discussed the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2025, which outlines labor market forecasts and stresses the need for reskilling and upskilling to meet the changing demands of the global workforce.
ASEAN representatives shared insights on national labor challenges, policy reforms, and strategies to strengthen workforce resilience across the region.
DOLE and its ASEAN counterparts remain committed to a smarter, data-driven approach to labor market information, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed to secure quality jobs and adapt to future labor trends.