Speaking at the Asean Green Jobs Forum (AGJF) 2025, Sim described the current situation as a “paradox of survival”.
“On one hand, ecological and economic crises have pushed everyone to be more insular towards extreme nationalism. On the other, ecological and economic crises can only be resolved when everyone works together,” he said.
The forum, which began on Aug 27, brings together labour officials, policymakers, industry leaders, education providers and social partners to explore the theme “AI, Digitalisation and Green Jobs: Future-Proofing Skills and Talents for Asean”.
Sim said Asean’s consensus-driven approach was a model of cooperation that allowed the region to deliver practical solutions.
“Asean must firmly maintain our long and deep-seated friendship. When countries are made to choose sides, we must be committed to our centrality,” he said.
He cited projects such as the Asean Power Grid and cross-border QR payments as examples of how regional cooperation could balance national interests with collective progress.
He also highlighted regional efforts under Malaysia’s chairmanship, including the Asean Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs (2025–2030) and the establishment of an Asean Green Jobs Regional Centre of Excellence.
The minister likewise pointed to Malaysia’s efforts at home, saying the country’s transition plans are designed to create jobs while preparing the workforce for future industries.
“By 2050, the National Energy Transition Roadmap targets the creation of up to 300,000 jobs in the area of green economy.
“ACWA Power has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority to develop up to 12.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in Malaysia by 2040, backed by an initial funding commitment of up to US$10 billion,” he said.
He added that under the 13th Malaysia Plan, RM611 billion in investment could create 1.2 million high-skill jobs in five years, many of them green.
Since 2020, he said, the government’s MyFutureJobs portal had advertised 120,000 green jobs, with 30% of professional-level positions offering monthly salaries of above RM4,000.
Australia pledges support
Meanwhile, Australian high commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke reiterated her country’s support for the bloc’s green jobs agenda.
“We’ve supported Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in political, security, economic and social areas, as well as through events like this.
“The greatest challenge for all of us isn’t coming up with ideas, it’s how we implement them. We’re keen to work with you on strategies around change management, among other issues,” she said.
She added that Asean’s green transition could add US$3 trillion to US$5.3 trillion to gross domestic product (GDP) and create up to 63 million jobs by 2050, but warned that inaction could cost the region up to 30% of GDP by the end of the century.
Heinecke also highlighted Australia’s A$204 million Aus4ASEAN Futures initiative, a flagship programme under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Asean which supports carbon neutrality, green financing, and clean energy infrastructure.
She said Australia had also funded scholarships and training, with over 400 Asean TVET professionals trained in green skills and AI.
The high commissioner said education remained central to Australia’s ties with Asean, noting that around 300,000 Southeast Asian students are expected to study down under next year, an increase of 9%.
“Malaysia has more Australian universities than anywhere else in the world. Even Sarawak has two, and we’re very pleased that it continues to be a home for education,” she said, referring to the Swinburne University of Technology campus in Kuching and Curtin University Malaysia in Miri.