Building Local Responsiveness in Employment and Skills Systems in Southeast Asia

Over the last thirty years, through market-led and export-driven policies, Southeast Asia has experienced extraordinary growth and development which have pulled millions out of poverty and radically improved living standards. The diversification of industries has led the demand for more complex and advanced skills. However, the changes in labour market, development in technology and challenges related to globalisation can be adapted by national economies with the help of strong vocational education programmes. This report takes into account local experiences from Thailand, Viet Nam, Malaysia and the Philippines to provide policy makers with empirical guidance for the implementation of vocational education programmes.