OECD: Lack of Upskilling A Concern in SEA

A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), Southeast Asia must prioritize upskilling and reskilling initiatives to maintain growth and innovation in the face of an impending global recession. The report highlights that the lack of resources to provide training opportunities may lead to difficulties for marginalized or challenged sectors in adjusting to the rapidly changing workspace.

The report also points out that there is still unequal access to resources for learners, especially for those from low-income, disabled, and ethnic minority groups situated in remote areas. The OECD emphasizes that governments must work towards achieving stable and consistent resource access across different groups of learners to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to develop their skills.

It cites a significant concern around 244 million workers do not have access to any benefits or employer-sponsored training. This lack of access to training is considered a principal policy concern that needs to be addressed urgently.

The Southeast Asian region has become a booming hub for various industries, including services, trade, manufacturing, and communication. With more investments pouring in, more employment opportunities arise. However, the workforce needs to match this growth, and this is where upskilling and reskilling become crucial. The report emphasizes these skills will enable citizens to participate in developed industries.

Migrants can also contribute to the region’s growth by supplying the necessary skills and development, further boosting economic growth. The OECD highlights different sectors, including government, private entities, labor sectors, and organizations, must work together to create policies and training programs that address the skills gap.

The study stresses the importance of reskilling and upskilling initiatives to prevent skills obsolescence and ensure that workers remain relevant in the ever-changing workplace. In addition, the OECD recommends companies provide training opportunities to their employees to ensure their competitiveness in the market.

To sum up, the OECD report stresses the scarcity of training opportunities is a major challenge in Southeast Asia, and therefore, the region focus on upskilling to match the growing demand for a highly skilled workforce.