Korea and ILO Empower ASEAN Youth for the Future of Construction
The construction industry across Southeast Asia is undergoing a transformation like no other. As digital technology and sustainability reshape the way buildings are designed and built, the demand for skilled labour is shifting dramatically. In a strategic move to future-proof the workforce, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Korea have joined forces to launch a new regional skills development programme aimed at empowering young people in ASEAN nations.
This initiative comes at a pivotal moment. From smart construction tools to low-carbon building materials, the sector is becoming increasingly complex and tech-driven. Yet, too many young workers across the region are missing out on meaningful employment opportunities simply because they lack the right skills.
According to the ILO: “The goal is to make young workers more employable while helping transform how buildings get built.”
The programme aims to address these challenges head-on by delivering practical training in both digital tools and green construction practices – the twin engines powering the future of the built environment.
Official Launch in Manila
The programme will officially be launched in Manila, the Philippines, in collaboration with Korea’s Embassy and the country’s Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). During the event, key stakeholders from across the ASEAN construction ecosystem will gather to discuss the changing landscape of work and the skills needed to thrive in it.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Philippine government’s main agency for vocational training, will play a crucial role. Officials from ILO, Korean development agencies, local unions, construction firms, and ASEAN-wide industry representatives are also expected to attend.
The event is not just ceremonial. It will outline concrete details on how the programme will roll out, including:
- The specific digital and green construction skills to be taught
- The profile of eligible trainees
- Regional partners involved in delivery
- Support mechanisms for employers
This type of cross-sectoral collaboration is vital, especially in an industry often challenged by fragmentation and lack of coordinated training pathways.
Korea Brings Green Building Expertise
Korea’s role in the initiative is far from symbolic. The country brings a wealth of expertise in both cutting-edge construction technologies and sustainable building methods. Korean firms have long embraced digital platforms for project planning, modular construction, and smart building management systems.
On the sustainability front, Korea’s emphasis on energy efficiency, low-emissions materials, and net-zero targets aligns perfectly with the global shift towards greener infrastructure. Through this programme, Korea is transferring this know-how to benefit young workers and companies across Southeast Asia.
As one ILO spokesperson noted: “This partnership builds on Korea’s experience with both digital technology and green building practices.”
ASEAN countries stand to gain not just knowledge but a broader cultural shift that redefines construction work as high-tech, environmentally responsible, and socially valuable.
Why Skills Matter More Than Ever
Across ASEAN, construction remains a major source of employment – yet many entry-level jobs are still seen as low-skilled and physically demanding. However, that perception is beginning to change.
Modern construction jobs increasingly require:
- Digital literacy for using BIM (Building Information Modelling) tools and drones
- Knowledge of sustainable materials and green certifications
- Familiarity with energy modelling and prefabrication processes
- Soft skills like project coordination, safety management, and stakeholder communication
Young people equipped with these capabilities are far more likely to secure well-paying, future-ready roles.
A joint report by the ILO and ASEAN noted: “Countries that invest in green and digital skills for youth will be better positioned to meet their infrastructure needs while supporting decent work.”
And that’s no small feat, considering Southeast Asia is projected to invest trillions in infrastructure over the next decade.
Decent Work and Sustainable Growth
This initiative doesn’t just benefit trainees. It supports broader goals tied to sustainable development and inclusive growth. As construction methods improve, so do outcomes for safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.
By integrating climate goals with labour market policies, ASEAN governments can:
- Reduce carbon emissions from buildings and infrastructure
- Promote fair wages and safe working conditions
- Address youth unemployment
- Strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector
This also contributes directly to achieving multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
ILO and Korea are effectively demonstrating that upskilling workers is not only good for business, but good for the planet too.
What Success Might Look Like
The outcomes of this partnership could be far-reaching. If executed well, we could see thousands of youth across Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and other ASEAN nations gaining access to:
- Industry-recognised digital credentials
- Apprenticeships or placements with regional contractors
- Entrepreneurial training for green construction start-ups
- Long-term career pathways that go beyond short-term gigs
Moreover, local employers benefit from a talent pool that’s already trained in the latest methods, reducing onboarding time and increasing productivity.
This is not a handout, it’s a strategic investment.
As an ASEAN labour market analyst noted in a recent policy brief: “Skills development in construction is a powerful lever for inclusive economic recovery, particularly in post-pandemic contexts.”
Scaling Up for Lasting Impact
The pilot in the Philippines will set the tone for the wider regional rollout. Over time, the ILO and Korea plan to adapt the curriculum based on employer feedback and labour market trends. There is potential to create an ASEAN-wide certification system, making skills portable across borders.
There are also discussions around digital learning platforms, mobile training units, and hybrid models that can reach remote or marginalised communities. These innovations could dramatically increase access for young women, rural youth, and people with limited formal education.
With governments, employers, unions, and educators all pulling in the same direction, this could be a game-changer for how the industry evolves.
Building Futures, One Brick at a Time
Southeast Asia’s booming cities and growing infrastructure demands require a workforce that can match ambition with ability. Through this ground-breaking collaboration, the ILO and Korea are helping ASEAN youth lay the foundation for careers that are not only sustainable, but deeply rewarding.
It’s a timely reminder that the future of construction is as much about human capital as it is about concrete and steel.
