Duterte seeks Asean help in honing workers’ skills

President Rodrigo Duterte thanks the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Thailand’s top business groups in a courtesy call during his visit to Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, June 22, 2019. (Photo from an RTVM video posted on Facebook)

BANGKOK, Thailand — President Rodrigo Duterte sought on Saturday the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Advisory Council (BAC) in improving the skills of the region’s workers to allow them to cope with new technologies.

The President also thanked the regional bloc’s private sector partners for helping micro, small, and medium enterprises become more competitive.

He joined Asean leaders’ at their meeting with representatives of the BAC on Saturday.

“With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we need your support in upskilling the Asean workforce,” he said.

He underscored the importance of the human empowerment and development project of the Asean-BAC.

At the same time, he commended the council for the private sector’s dynamic participation in regional economic cooperation and development initiatives, which benefited smaller businesses.

“Your efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Asean MSMEs to become more inclusive human capital development and public-private partnerships are most welcome,” he said.

He also lauded the progress of the Asean Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, which helps build the capacities of MSMEs

“Sustained mentorship can help MSMEs transform into more globally competitive entities, generating more quality jobs for their communities,” he said.

The President is in Bangkok for the 34th Asean Summit, which will formally open on Sunday.

He is expected to discuss regional and international concerns, including issues concerning the South China Sea.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)