THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority thanked the Australian government for its continuous support to the skills development in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz said he is optimistic that the Australian government’s support to the Asean TVET Council’s efforts will bolster the promotion of technical vocational education and training in the region.

“I am positive that this meeting will fasttrack our aim for more robust regional convergence initiatives on human resource development in response to the rapid technological advances brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Cruz said during the 2nd ATC meeting.

Meanwhile, TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta noted that the ATC has made significant progress since its launch in 2020 and Australia’s continued collaboration will further advance TVET in the region, especially for the digital economy.

“We are grateful for Australia’s continued assistance. Ultimately, our collaborations particularly to enhance labor market information systems and skills forecasting should result in a regional workforce that is better prepared for tomorrow’s work environments,” she said.

TESDA convened the 2nd Meeting of the ATC which was participated by the ATC focal points from the different ministries of the Asean Member States and regional organizations, as well as the representatives of different development partners and Asean Dialogue Partners, including Australia.

During the meeting, the ATC and Australia welcomed concrete collaboration in the implementation of the ATC Work Plan 2021-2030, especially in areas that will improve the capacities of the Asean TVET systems and facilitate workers transitioning and adapting to digitalization and other emerging trends.

Australia offered to support the ATC through its Aus4Asean Digital Transformation and Future Skills Initiative which is under the broader Asean-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership project.