Langkawi, 18 June 2025: ERIA co-organised a high-level forum titled 'Talent Development and Future Technologies Toward 2045' as an official side event of the ASEAN Higher Education Ministers’ Roundtable in Langkawi, Malaysia. The event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and TalentCorp Malaysia.

The forum convened ministers, senior officials, academic leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss how ASEAN’s higher education systems can better prepare the region’s workforce for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discussions centred on the need for education systems to become more flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the dynamic demands of emerging industries – particularly in fields such as semiconductors, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

In his opening remarks, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe emphasised the strategic role of human capital in ASEAN’s long-term development vision.

‘Talent development must be at the heart of ASEAN’s long-term vision – and it is not just about teaching digital skills,’ he said. ‘It is about nurturing a generation that thrives in uncertainty, can work across disciplines, and is prepared for roles that may not yet exist.’

He also underscored the importance of redefining ASEAN’s role in global innovation:

‘As the region emerges as a centre of global growth, ASEAN should not be seen merely as a market for imported technologies or a source of data for global platforms. The region has the demographic strength, innovation ecosystems, and potential to develop technologies that serve its own needs and contribute to the world. Future technologies should not just be brought in – they should be built from within.’

The keynote address was delivered by Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education. He highlighted the need for coordinated regional strategies to strengthen talent pipelines and officially launched the Global ASEAN platform – a new digital portal serving as a hub for information, training, and talent development initiatives aligned with ASEAN Vision 2045.

The forum also featured in-depth discussions on addressing talent shortages in critical sectors. Speakers from government, academia, international organisations, and the private sector shared insights on curriculum reform, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative training models to equip ASEAN’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the future economy.

The event reinforced ERIA’s commitment to supporting regional co-operation in education, innovation, and workforce development. As ASEAN looks toward 2045, the ability to cultivate a future-ready, resilient workforce will be essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.