PETALING JAYA: The International Labour Organisation has commended Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in spearheading the Asean Malaysia Chairmanship 2025.
ILO director general Gilbert F Houngbo, during a courtesy call on Anwar at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, praised the success of inviting world leaders to the 47th Asean Summit.
This is the first visit by an ILO director general since Malaysia joined the world labour body in 1957.
Houngbo was accompanied by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He also discussed the future of regional employment and Malaysia’s leadership on regional labour issues.
Houngbo expressed the ILO’s commitment to continue supporting Asean’s efforts and to strengthen cooperation with member countries to improve regional labour standards.
During the meeting, Sim proposed Malaysia as the location for the ILO’s new regional office for Asia and the Pacific.
He said this aligns with Malaysia’s active role and commitment to leading the labour agenda at regional and international levels.
The ILO also views Malaysia as an example of progressive labour leadership.
Malaysia’s initiatives include ratifying ILO Convention 155 to improve occupational safety and health, drafting the Gig Workers Bill and reforming the foreign worker management system.
Malaysia is also strengthening the skills training sector.
