The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Malaysian government are exploring strategies to expand bilateral cooperation on workforce development, technology-driven upskilling, and green jobs.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino and Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino discussed the initiatives Monday during a courtesy call aimed at aligning labor skills with changing regional market demands.

The talks centered on expanding technical-vocational education and training, implementing workforce upskilling, and developing certifications for the halal food industry.

Tolentino highlighted existing educational exchanges between the Philippines and Malaysia, including partnerships with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah and Don Bosco-One TVET, which provide globally recognized certifications for Filipino workers.

He also commended Malaysia’s leadership in drafting the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs.

To recall, Malaysia hosted the inaugural green jobs forum in Kuala Lumpur last year, providing a blueprint for the Philippines as it prepares to host the 2026 ASEAN Green Jobs Forum on 19 and 20 October.

To improve bilateral business operations, Tolentino proposed a streamlined process for issuing Alien Employment Permits to Malaysian nationals through direct coordination between the embassy and the labor department.