Cambodia Positions Itself as Regional Driver of Inclusive Workforce Reform at ASEAN Labour Talks

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Oct.21, 2025) — Cambodia reaffirmed its leadership in shaping regional labour policy as Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour opened the 21st ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) on Tuesday in Siem Reap province.

Hosting the forum for the second time since 2012, Cambodia spotlighted ASEAN’s shared ambition to build a future-ready workforce amid rising digitalization, green job creation and cross-border labour mobility.

The meeting brought together senior officials from across Southeast Asia to advance cooperation on labour market development, skills training, and social protection.

Sour praised regional collaboration under Singapore’s outgoing chairmanship and congratulated Joan Moh, deputy secretary-general of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, on her appointment as incoming chair of the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials for 2024–2026.

He commended her leadership of the 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting and the 20th and 21st SLOM.

“These meetings are not just ceremonial,” Sour said. “They are strategic platforms for shaping policies that directly impact the livelihoods of millions of workers across ASEAN.”

He cited recent thematic priorities — “Enhancing Resilience and Promoting Innovation” under Singapore and “Inclusivity and Sustainability” under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN leadership — as pivotal to guiding future labour strategies.

Sour emphasized the need for ASEAN to close skills gaps, strengthen social protection systems and capitalize on emerging labour market opportunities.

In a region undergoing rapid transformation, he said, labour mobility and workforce adaptability are key to maintaining competitiveness and ensuring equitable growth. He also highlighted Cambodia’s own efforts in vocational training, digital literacy and inclusive employment as part of its contribution to regional progress.

The SLOM continues through the week with technical sessions focused on occupational safety and health, migrant worker protection, and youth employment. Outcomes will feed into ASEAN’s broader labour agenda and inform upcoming ministerial-level discussions.