JAKARTA, 10 – 11 December 2024 – The ASEAN Online Forum on the Future of Work gathered policymakers and practitioners from across the region to discuss key challenges affecting the future of work in ASEAN. The virtual forum focused on breaking barriers for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in accessing the workforce and advancing inclusive human resource development (HRD) strategies particularly for women and informal outsourced workers.
In his opening remarks, San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), highlighted that the forum reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in human resource development. “We are confident that through collaborative engagement and rigorous analysis, we can forge a future of work in ASEAN that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous for all its member states,” he stated. Additionally, Park Yoon-joo, Minister of the Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, emphasised forum’s role in facilitating knowledge sharing and informing policies and strategies for a more inclusive future of work.
The two-day forum featured dynamic discussions and thought-provoking case studies. Day one focused on removing barriers and gaps for PwDs in the workforce, emphasising the role of digital transformation and assistive technologies in creating equitable opportunities. UN ESCAP provided examples of companies utilising remote work solutions, accessible meetings, and assistive technologies to employ and empower PwDs. Meanwhile Accenture shared that digital transformation should put people at the heart and embed accessibility from the start as a culture change driven by bold leadership. Case studies from Virtualahan from the Philippines and Vulcan Coalition from Thailand demonstrated practical examples of empowering PwDs through technology and community-driven initiatives. Moreover, ASEAN Disability Forum emphasised the need for a more intentional approach to collaboration, with a focus on putting persons with disabilities at the center of the conversation and transformation.
The second day of the forum shifted its focus to inclusive HRD strategies aimed at sustaining productivity. Discussions highlighted ways to redefine productivity and improve work-life balance, particularly for women, and outlined governance measures to support outsourced workers. The panels featured representatives from the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network, and other civil service organisations in ASEAN such as Gender Development Association (GDA) of the Lao PDR and Center for Development and Integration (CDI) Vietnam. Panelists explored flexible work arrangements and strategies to empower women in the workforce. Another session, involving experts from the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and The Employers’ Association of Indonesia (APINDO), examined challenges faced by informal workers and emphasised the need for fair wages, social protections, and access to skills development.
This Forum, an activity under the ASCC Research and Development Platform on the Future of Work, is supported by the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund. Verian, facilitated the forum in its capacity as the project consultant. The ASCC R&D Platform on the Future of Work is part of the broader ASCC R&D Platforms Programme of the ASEAN Secretariat, which aims to support policymaking through research and analysis of megatrends and challenges impacting the region. The 1st Online Forum on the Future of Work was conducted last 11 October 2023 which delved into strategies aimed to enhance private sector involvement and communities on human resources development.
Photo Credits: © Envato Elements/tampatra
