Malaysia ASEAN Green Jobs Agenda 2025
- Malaysia,as the 2025 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),will introduce the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition Towards Green Jobs...
- A key component of the plan is the establishment of the ASEAN Green Jobs center of excellence (AGJCOE).
- Sim emphasized that while ASEAN has the potential to be a global leader in sustainable progress, challenges remain in areas like investment, infrastructure, and government policy.
Malaysia to Champion Green Jobs Initiative During 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship
Table of Contents
Updated August 27,2025,at 05:22:15 AM
ASEAN Framework for a Just Transition
Malaysia,as the 2025 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),will introduce the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition Towards Green Jobs (2025-2030),according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim. This initiative aims to foster regional cooperation in developing a sustainable and equitable green economy.
A key component of the plan is the establishment of the ASEAN Green Jobs center of excellence (AGJCOE). The AGJCOE will work to increase investment,create employment opportunities,and expand training programs within the green economy sector across member states.
Addressing Regional Gaps and Building on Successes
Sim emphasized that while ASEAN has the potential to be a global leader in sustainable progress, challenges remain in areas like investment, infrastructure, and government policy. He noted that ASEAN’s collaborative approach-characterized by inclusivity and consensus-has proven effective in tackling regional issues.
Examples of prosperous ASEAN collaborations include the ASEAN Power Grid, cross-border digital payments, and the ASEAN taxonomy for sustainable finance. These projects demonstrate the region’s ability to address global issues, develop local expertise, and promote green growth while protecting national interests.
National Energy Transition Roadmap and Green Job Creation
On the national level, Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The first phase of the NETR has already attracted RM25 billion (approximately $5.5 billion USD) in investment. This plan is projected to generate up to 300,000 green jobs by 2050, wiht many positions offering wages exceeding the national minimum wage.
The ASEAN Framework and Action Plan will complement national strategies like the NETR, ensuring a fair and inclusive transition to a green economy that benefits all segments of society.
Leveraging ASEAN’s Unique Advantages
Sim highlighted ASEAN’s unique strengths in leading sustainable development,citing it’s abundant solar and wind resources,rich biodiversity,and the deep connection of its communities to nature through long-standing agrarian and maritime traditions.