Malaysia

In Malaysia, we focus on strengthening the inclusivity and sustainability of Malaysia’s economic growth as an Advanced Middle-Income Country and on building its high-skilled workforce. We provide opportunities for women and girls and future skills training to enable young Malaysians to succeed in the new economy. Our Malaysia office is a regional hub for both the Future Skills Alliance (FSA) and Go Digital ASEAN initiatives (supported by Google.org). Under the FSA, we have completed the Accelerate My Business program (funded by AT&T and Visa) and designed two new digital skilling programs, Skills2Work and STEMConnectHer.

Robin Bush,
Country Representative

Staff in Malaysia »

 

Contact

The Asia Foundation – Malaysia

The Gardens South Tower
Suite 13.05 Level 13
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 59200

Tel: +60 (3) 2282-0385
Email: [email protected]

Climate Action in Malaysia

Malaysia has ambitious climate aspirations and the potential to be a strong role model for climate action in the region. The Climate Action Initiative drives our research and engagement with key policymakers and stakeholders in support of the country’s environment and climate agenda. Since 2021, we have convened discussions on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Malaysia’s role in the Conference of Parties meetings. We recently conducted in-depth research into the feasibility of implementing carbon pricing in Malaysia and studied the climate policy and stakeholder landscape and impacts of carbon pricing on reducing emissions and contributing to forest conservation. Using these assessments, we have developed policy recommendations for Malaysia’s low carbon transition.

Accessing the Digital Economy

As an Advanced Middle-Income Country (AMIC), Malaysia requires a highly skilled and resilient workforce. Covid-19 badly impacted Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises, many of which are led by women. The Foundation provides training, mentoring, and skill-building for women and marginalized communities to enable them to move their small businesses online, attend entrepreneurship ‘bootcamps’, access careers in tech, and upgrade their digital literacy.

Improving TVET to support Malaysia’s sustainable growth

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays an important role in bolstering Malaysia’s human capital towards a more inclusive and innovation-driven economy. Recognition of its transformational potential has spurred increased support by the government for TVET. With eleven ministries, hundreds of training providers and thousands of industry partners involved, the Malaysian TVET system is particularly complex. Coordination between stakeholders is pivotal in achieving the synergies required for an efficient TVET system that produces graduates who are qualified to take on roles within industries that will drive Malaysia’s sustainable growth.

The Foundation conducted an in-depth study on the Malaysian TVET landscape to gain deeper insights on the challenges and opportunities within the context of governance, industry, quality assurance, funding, and branding. Our research includes key recommendations for improving the TVET ecosystem in Malaysia.

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