The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (ASEAN TVET Council) is a regional coordinating body established in 2020 to strengthen regional cooperation among Southeast Asian on emerging occupational skills, lifelong learning, workforce mobility, and the alignment of training with changing labor-market requirements. The Council brings together government representatives and works with education and training institutions, employers, and development partners to address shared workforce challenges.

The Council was established in response to changes affecting Southeast Asian economies, including technological transformation, emerging occupations, skills shortages, and the growing importance of continuing education and workforce reskilling.

Its June 2020 Terms of Reference identified digital transformation, evolving employment relationships, and changing workforce requirements as important reasons for strengthening regional cooperation. The Council provides a mechanism for addressing these challenges collectively while allowing countries to maintain their own education and training systems.

In October 2026, the Council adopted a joint statement emphasizing green and digital skills, inclusive vocational education, and evidence-informed skills governance.

Key activities:

• Regional policy coordination
  • Facilitates cooperation among member countries on vocational education and workforce development priorities.
• Digital and green skills
  • Supports the modernization of training systems to respond to technological change and environmental transitions.
• Employer engagement
  • Encourages cooperation among training institutions, industry, and public agencies to improve workforce preparation.
• Skills recognition and mobility
  • Supports regional discussions about qualifications, competencies, and the movement of skilled workers.
• Policy dialogue and knowledge exchange
  • Organizes regional meetings and discussions to share approaches and strengthen national skills systems.
• Strategic planning
  • Coordinates activities under the Council's regional work plans.

In October 2026, the Council convened policy discussions in Manila, Philippines, and adopted commitments addressing six areas of vocational education transformation. Its sixth meeting also considered priority projects for implementation during 2026–2030.

The Council operates within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' regional cooperation framework. Its principal participants are member-country governments and their agencies responsible for vocational education, skills development, and employment. It collaborates with employers, vocational education institutions, and international development partners.

Resources

Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (2020, June 26). Terms of reference of the ASEAN TVET Council. https://asean.org/terms-of-reference-of-the-asean-tvet-council/

Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (2026, October 22). Joint statement of the ASEAN TVET Council. https://asean.org/joint-statement-of-the-asean-tvet-council/

Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (2026, October). ASEAN TVET Council advances regional cooperation on digital transformation, green skills and workforce readiness. https://asean.org/asean-tvet-council-advances-regional-cooperation-on-digital-transformation-green-skills-and-workforce-readiness/