SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting Theme: Knowledge and Skills for Labor Market Development in the Grea
reater Mekong Subregion

Introduction:
1.
The 14th Meeting of the
t
GMS Working Group on Human
n Res
Resource Development
(WGHRD-14) was held on 19-20
19
November 2015 in Siem Reap, Camb
Cambodia with the theme
Knowledge and Skills for Labo
abor Market Development in the Greater Mekon
kong Subregion.
2.
The meeting was co-or
organized by the Royal Government of Cambodia
Cam
and the Asian
Development Bank. Delegates
gates from the six GMS countries (Cambodia,
dia, Peoples
P
Republic of
China, Lao PDR, Myanmar,
nmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam), resource
rce persons/discussants,
p
representatives of developmen
pment partners, and the Asian Developmentt Bank attended. A copy of
the list of participants is in Appendix
Appe
1, and a copy of the agenda is in Appendix
Appe
2.
3.

The objectives of the Meeting

Me
were to:
i.
ii.
iii.

iv.

discuss issues
ues on
o human capital and labor market developm
elopments in the GMS;
improve regiona
egional cooperation in higher education and technical vocational
education and training
tr
(TVET);
highlight achiev
chievements of R-PATA 8549 Implementing
ting the
th Greater Mekong
Subregion Human
Hum
Resource Development (HRD) Strategic
Strate
Framework and
Action Plan
n (SFAP),
(SFA
Phase 2; and
discuss strategic
rategic directions for the health, education,, and labor and migration
subgroups.

Opening Session:
In his opening remarks
marks, Mr. Jan Hansen, Officer in Charge/Senior
enior Country Economist,
4.
ADB Cambodia Resident
nt Mission,
Mis
stated that with ADBs assistance
tance the GMS Program
supports regional cooperation
ration projects that help unlock the subregion
regions vast human and
economic potential. One of the key activities of the GMS Program is HRD which
w
broadly covers
activities that provide vitall hum
human capital inputs to the subregions growing
rowing economies, directly
contributing to human welfare
elfare and poverty reduction. He recalled that the GMS HRD SFAP
2013-2017 endorsed at the 18th GMS Ministerial Conference sets the strategic
s
direction for
GMS HRD cooperation by facilitating GMS integration and addressing
addre
the negative
consequences of greaterr inte
integration. It supports cooperation in higher
her education, technical
vocational education and training
trainin (TVET), and the development of capacity
pacity to bridge knowledge
and skill gaps in the econom
conomic corridors. It also calls for effective
e communicable
com
disease
surveillance and facilitates
tes safe
sa cross-border labor migration. He
e looked
loo
forward to the
meetings discussion of issues
issue on human capital and labor market
rket d
developments in the
subregion, and updates on
n the GMS countries National HRD Plan. He
e welcomed
wel
the presence
of development partners who h
have helped sustain development effortss in the
th subregion.
5.
In his welcome remark
emarks, H.E. Yuok Ngoy, Secretary of State,
te, Ministry
M
of Education,
Youth and Sports of the Royal Government of Cambodia, said that WGH
WGHRD-14 highlights the

importance of cooperation in human resource development to meet the challenges of the post2015 agenda for inclusive and sustainable growth. He noted that the changing nature of labor
markets and the expanding innovation needs of the GMS economies necessitate a more
thorough assessment of the subregions human capital needs. He said that structural changes
and new production processes have made significant effects on the subregions labor markets
and the shifts from agricultural employment to higher value-added industrial and services sector
employment. These present both opportunities and challenges for HRD. He underscored that
returns to education investments are higher if skills and knowledge are aligned with labor
market needs. This requires more active collaboration with industries and development of
systems and frameworks that cut across boundaries, cooperation in higher education to improve
quality, promote research and development, and foster skilled workforce. He stressed that as
GMS economies move towards greater integration, they must collectively develop effective
strategies to respond to demographic shifts and rapid labor market changes. Greater integration
also calls for better designed social protection programs for workers and demands better labor
market information to guide decisions. He acknowledged the help of development partners in
supporting efforts in meeting the resource requirements for GMS regional integration.
6.

Copies of the opening and welcome remarks are in Appendix 3.

Session 1:

Briefing on Directives and Outcomes of Recent GMS High Level Meetings

and Progress Report on the Regional Investment Framework

7.
Mr. Cuong Minh Nguyen, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional
Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB,
underscored the increasing relevance and central role of the HRD sector in the pursuit of the
3 Cs (Connectivity, Competitiveness, and Community) of the GMS Program, particularly with
respect to building competitiveness in the subregion as consistently emphasized in GMS highlevel discussions. He gave a brief overview of the directives and outcomes of the following high
level GMS meetings and their implications for WGHRD:
(i)
5th GMS Summit, December 2014, Bangkok, Thailand, with the theme
Committed to Inclusive and Sustainable Development in the GMS. GMS Leaders
acknowledged notable achievements in the various sectors of cooperation that were
supporting increased regional integration in the subregion, including initiatives under the
HRD SFAP such as the pilot framework for mutual recognition of skills and qualifications
to strengthen the competitiveness of the GMS labor force, the Communicable Disease
Control (CDC) Project to contain the spread of diseases across borders, and the Phnom
Penh Plan for Development Management that helped strengthen institutional capacities
in the GMS. A key component event of the 5th Summit was the 2nd GMS Youth Forum
attended by 36 youth representatives from the 6 GMS countries who delivered a youth
message that was presented to the GMS Leaders.
(ii)
7th GMS Economic Corridors Forum (ECF-7), Kunming, PRC, June 2015.
ECF-7 emphasized efforts to establish Economic Zones at selected borders between
GMS countries to facilitate and attract the flow of people, goods, capital, technology and
information and other factors of production, as well as the development of clusters and
manufacturing centers to attract more enterprises and increase employment, among
others.
2 of 16

(iii)
20th GMS Ministerial Conference, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, September 2015,
with the theme Taking Action for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in the GMS.
GMS Ministers, in their Joint Ministerial Statement, acknowledged the HRD sectors
initiatives on mutual recognition of skills and qualifications in selected skill areas,
academic credit transfer system framework and university networking in the GMS,
preparation of a new GMS Health Security Project, continuing work under the Joint
Action to Reduce HIV Vulnerability among migrant populations, and the CDC Project.
8.
Mr. Cuong also briefed the meeting about the First Progress Report of the GMS
Regional Investment Framework Implementation Plan (RIF-IP), which was a key deliverable at
the 20th GMS Ministerial Conference and which was prepared with inputs from the country
focals, sector working groups and secretariats, and ADB sector divisions. He recalled that the
RIF-IP includes for the HRD sector 2 investment projects, namely: (i) GMS CDC Project Phase
III recently renamed GMS Health Security Project, and (ii) GMS TVET Development. There are
also 2 technical assistance projects under the RIF-IP, namely: (i) Project Preparation Technical
Assistance (PPTA) for GMS Health Security Project Phase III; and (ii) PPTA for GMS Technical
and Vocational Education and Training Development. He noted that the first RIF-IP Progress
Report shows that there is no reported progress for the 2 investment projects as of June 2015.
On the other hand, the PPTA for the GMS Health Security Project has secured funding and
commenced implementation. He highlighted the significant financing gap for the whole RIF-IP
and stressed that most of the projects under the various sectors of cooperation will not be
financed by ADB and would need additional resources from the GMS countries themselves,
other development partners and the private sector. Moving forward, he said that preparation of
the next RIF-IP progress report ending December 2015 commenced in November and would
require fresh inputs from the various sector working groups/secretariats and country focal points
including those for WGHRD by January 2016. He emphasized the key role that WGHRD would
continue to play in the context of the cross-cutting element of the GMS Program and in
implementing and monitoring HRD projects in the RIF-IP. A copy of Mr. Cuongs presentation is
in Appendix 4.
Open Forum:
9.
In response to the query of Ms. Sayan Kongkoey of Thailand regarding the contact
persons for the HRD projects in the RIF-IP, Ms. Flor Melendez of the GMS Secretariat replied
that the HRD focal persons are Mr. Wolfgang Kubitzki of ADB Thailand Resident (principal) and
Mr. Joel Mangahas of the Human and Social Development Division (SEHS), Southeast Asia
Department, ADB, (alternate).
Session 2:

Overview of the GMS HRD Agenda and integrative Paper on

Demographics, Human Capital, and Labor Market Developments in the
GMS

10.
Dr. Dante Canlas, Regional HRD Cooperation Specialist (Consultant), outlined a
framework for HRD in the GMS based on 3 interrelated aspects of household behavior, namely:
(i) investments in human capital; (ii) desired family size; and (iii) labor force participation. He
noted that human capital accumulation has contributed to declining population growth,
increasing life expectancy, and a resultant vigorous drive for full employment within each of the
GMS countries. Amid growing economic integration and cooperation in the GMS, a high degree
of labor mobility (both internal and across countries) is to be expected. Though much progress
3 of 16

has been made, additional public policies are called for to ease the interregional migration of
professionals and skilled workers. A major policy challenge relates to the migration across
borders of unskilled workers.
11.
He stated that as regional integration and cooperation proceed, job search and labor
flows within the GMS are expected to strengthen through time. The ultimate goal is to have
efficient job-worker matches that replace inferior ones. In this connection, knowledge and skill
acquisition are essential. He commented that cooperation in knowledge and skill acquisition is
well advised, especially in higher education, and technical and vocational education and
training. He stressed that constraints to financing higher education and postsecondary TVET
must be overcome. Joint actions on capacity building for policy design are indicated. Improving
the networking among institutions of higher learning and among TVET schools involving, for
instance, academic unit transfers and mutual recognition in selected skills are thus well advised.
A copy of his presentation is in Appendix 5.
Discussion:
12.
Discussant Mr. Guntur Sugiyarto, Senior Economist, Economics and Research
Department, ADB, raised 5 key questions concerning the purpose of the paper, how that
purpose can be reflected in the title, what should be the key message, how the story line can
deliver the message, and how the empirical evidence and their policy implications presented in
the paper support the case. He said that the big picture in the GMS that the paper must capture
includes the overarching goal of the GMS (inclusive and sustainable growth at the country and
subregional levels), the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural
Community, and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and for this HRD, including
education and training, is critical. In the case of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, HRD is
a major pillar, while one important pillar of the AEC is single market and production base in
ASEAN where HRD is vital, since a key component of AEC is skill mobility and the free flow of
skilled workers. He stated that Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in ASEAN have
already been signed and these require the development and application of the National
Qualification Frameworks (NQFs) and the ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF).
He emphasized that skill mobility under AEC should be based on existing supply and demand
gaps. He said that the GMS countries still enjoy demographic dividend which is not mentioned
in the paper, and the opportunity is there for the relatively young population to contribute to the
growth of the labor force.
13.
Discussant Mr. Cuong of ADB noted that the GMS countries are diverse, and unlike
ASEAN, they are all land-linked. He said that movement of goods and capital in the GMS is
increasing and that GMS cross-border trade is substantial. He noted that that there is no data
on informal trade in the GMS, that labor associated with trade is not easily captured, also there
is no data on labor market movement in the GMS. GMS is different from ASEAN in that all GMS
countries are agriculture based. Workers cross the border to join construction or fishing
industries and these movements are dynamic. FDI trends associated with technology is
increasing, but there is also south-south cooperation associated not only with technology but
also labor. He suggested that it is time to have a study to look into the GMS labor market, and
the actual movement of skilled and unskilled labor.
Open Forum:
14.

Mr. Vannalek Leuang of Lao PDR observed that employment rate in the GMS is
4 of 16

relatively stable but wanted to know what the main finding of Dr. Canlass study was with
respect to labor participation.
15.
Dr. Canlas responded that data in the paper were sourced from ILO, and agreed on the
need for a deeper look into these numbers to explain the apparent stable state of labor
participation and employment rate.
16.
Mr. Guntur commented that there is no policy implication that can be discerned now
based on available statistics. People need to work yet there are big numbers of unemployed.
The issue is improving the quality of skills and education so that people can have good paying
jobs, not just any job.
17.
Mr. Sophea Mar, ADB Cambodia Resident Mission, referred to demographic trends in
the GMS mentioned in the paper and inquired from Mr. Guntur what would be the implications
for countries and how the countries might prepare for these trends. His second question was on
MRAs, mobility of skilled workforce noting that some countries have their own measures in
place in order to develop and protect their own skilled workforce, thus countries seem reluctant
to adopt the free flow of workers. He also remarked to Dr. Canlas on the rate of return to
education, and that one of the issues was that because of the inclusive growth goal, access to
institutions of higher learning should also be inclusive.
18.
In response to the question on demographic dividend, Mr. Guntur noted that if a country
is still in the low income level and also does not have demographic dividend, workers have to
work really hard. Demographic dividend is really a window of opportunity that countries should
take advantage of. He noted that brain drain has now become brain circulation or brain gain,
and that in reality governments are wary of brain drain because they do not want to lose their
skilled workers. On the other hand, skilled workers in fact are afraid to move because of cultural
differences.
19.
Mr. Cuong noted that in countries where majority of the population enjoy high income
per capita like PRC and Thailand, labor seems to be abundant.
Session 3:

Development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Skills

and Qualifications Recognition Framework

20.
First presenter, Mr. Christian Stueer, Regional Project Director (Thailand), German
Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), gave a brief overview about GIZ and its activities in
the region and then outlined the questions to be answered in a Mutual Recognition Framework
(MRF). He discussed TVET-related activities for the period August 2015 to July 2016 under
Phase 2 of the Implementation of the HRD SFAP. Their task covers the development of mutual
recognition framework for the GMS (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand, and Viet
Nam) in 3 skill areas, as well as the development of a standard for TVET teachers and trainers
in these 3 skill areas. He mentioned that a tentative list of skill areas include electronics,
agriculture and fishery, civil engineering, hospitality and tourism, and commerce and banking.
Participatory selection of the skill areas and development of relevant documents are being done
with stakeholders from the public and private sectors of the 5 participating countries. He
reported that a draft outline of the mutual recognition framework has been prepared. The
document which contains general information, processes as well as skill area-specific
information will serve as basis for the first stakeholder workshop planned in January 2016.
Selection of skill areas is being done through desk research and analysis of regional
5 of 16

documents, national policies and priority sectors, and existing MRAs and MRFs. He stressed
that the selected skill areas have to be economically relevant for all the 5 countries and not
covered by an already existing regional recognition framework or by regulated professions. Next
steps would involve discussion of potential skill areas in the interview phase as well as during
the first workshop. With regard to development of TVET teacher and trainer standard, desk
research and analysis of national policies will be done. Some challenges identified include the
different systems in the 5 countries, the regulated hiring processes and education, and that
access in some countries is dependent on nationality (i.e., in Cambodia one needs to be Khmer
to be eligible for the 630 h TVET teacher training). A second workshop is planned in March
2016.
21.
Second presenter, Mr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, Director, Southeast Asia Ministers of
Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat, gave an overview about SEAMEO and then
described the Southeast Asia TVET Consortium, a platform for TVET institutions and
stakeholders in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries to work together in harmonizing and
internationalizing their programs, teachers, and students (SEA-TVET Consortium website at
http://seatvet.seameo.org). The objectives of the Consortium are: (i) to create a network among
TVET providers; (ii) to provide opportunities for working together in student and staff exchange
and industrial attachment; and (iii) to share best practices/resources and to generate new ideas
through collaboration. Priority areas covered are hospitality and tourism, electronics,
mechatronics, manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries, and construction. Members of the
Consortium include policy makers and government agencies, TVET institutions, related
development agencies, and industrial sector. Membership in the consortium provides benefits
for countries (in terms of upgrading of capacity and quality of TVET institutions), for TVET
institutions (by way of networking and learning/partnership opportunities), for students (learning
other cultures and experience working abroad), and for teachers (professional development and
regional networking with other teachers).
22.

Copies of the two presentations under Session 3 are in Appendix 6.

Discussion:
23.
Discussant Mr. Geoffrey Ducanes, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines
School of Economics, noted that most discussions about mutual recognition bog down. In the
GMS the quality of education varies. He said that the problem that MRFs and MRAs are trying
to address is trust, and that it is difficult for labor destination countries to take at face value
certifications and qualifications issued at labor source countries. This leads to inefficiencies,
average value of good/service goes down, and there is less mobility of skilled workers than is
efficient. He stressed the importance of determining early in the process how to operationalize
quality assurance, and prioritize skill areas where currently there is already large intra-GMS
labor migration. With regard to the SEA-TVET Consortium, he stressed that the mechanism for
student exchanges should be defined clearly and inquired about the role of industry in the
Consortium.
Open Forum:
24.
Mr. Ko Lay Win of Myanmar inquired as to how the skill areas were identified, which
countries are not participating in the MRF, and the mechanics for harmonizing the MRFs with
existing frameworks.
6 of 16

25.
Mr. Guntur noted that the role of the recruitment agency has not been mentioned in the
presentations. He said many recruiters, in fact, even become intermediate employers. Their
participation needs to be considered to address the issue of asymmetric information. He also
noted that information and communications technology can be used for curriculum
development. Moreover, he cited that the tourism profession, which is already standardized
internationally, can be used in benchmarking.
26.
Mr. Hansen of ADB inquired why TVET is so complicated, complex and difficult to
implement, even in developed countries. He heard TVET is often treated as a private good but
thought that education will always be within the public domain.
27.
Mr. Stueer noted that labor movement is not an issue. He said that the framework should
be based on the demand of the economy and civil society. It should not be seen only in the
context of technical expertise. He noted that quality assurance should be imbedded in the
regulatory framework. He also mentioned that there are questions on how to update and assure
the quality of the framework, and what the procedures should be. He emphasized participatory
approach that allows them to listen to the views of the public and private sectors, and
summarize these views, to help the workshop participants decide on the skill areas to be
selected. In countries where recruitment agencies play an important role, they will be invited as
stakeholders. He noted that information and communications technology is either a tool or a
medium but definitely plays a role. He said that TVET is complicated because of the lack of
participation of the private sector. They are not involved in the process of defining standards
when in fact they need to be engaged. There is now a change in mind set though. The private
sector is now interested in participating in the development of TVET, but this process would take
time.
Session 4:

Improving GMS Higher Education Cooperation

28.
Ms. Chantavit Sujatanond, Center Director, Southeast Asia Ministers of Education
Organizations (SEAMEO) Regional Center for Higher Education and Development (RIHED),
focused her presentation on one of the strategic thrusts of the HRD SFAP, i.e, cooperation in
higher education and research. She said that SEAMEO-RIHED is tasked to implement
cooperation in higher education and research under the Academic Credit Transfer Framework
for Asia (ACTFA) and the GMS University Consortium (UC) projects. She elaborated on the
concept of ACTFA which consists of 4 pillars (mutual recognition, credit transfer, grade transfer,
and supporting mechanism). SEAMEO-RIHEDs Implementation Plan consisted of (i) a kick-off
meeting held in July 2015 where 24 nominated universities from each country participated as
part of the Consortium; (ii) national workshops planned in February 2016; and (iii) analysis to
come up with a proposed framework which will be tabled for adoption/endorsement by the
university community and subsequent endorsement/adoption of the framework by member
countries. Areas of collaboration include: research and development, system infrastructure,
HRD, and social development. SEAMEO-RIHED is now preparing a request to ADB on capacity
building for the universities in the GMS-UC. She also briefed the meeting on SEAMEOs
mission, vision, and goal and 5-year implementation plan for 2012-2017.
29.
Mr. Korn Ratanagosoom, Senior Programme Officer, Quality Assurance, Qualifications
Framework and Technology Innovations, ASEAN University Network (AUN), gave a brief
introduction about AUN and described AUNs mandate, as well as 5-year work plan on
education for 2011-2015, which includes quality assurance (QA). Under this, AUN has
7 of 16

embarked on a 3-year project on Strengthening Capacity of University Quality Assurance

System Towards Uplifting Higher Education Quality in GMS Countries, specifically training on
strengthening capacity of university QA System and development of national QA Handbook in
selected GMS countries under R-PATA 8549 Phase 2. Between 2014-2016 several training
activities have been lined up that are expected to deliver such outcomes as the building of QA
culture among internal stakeholders, recognition by public and private sectors of promotion of
higher quality education, provision of more academic and student mobility opportunities at
national, regional and international levels, increased education quality that fosters employability
of graduates as a better skilled and qualified workforce, and ultimately supporting national
economic development as well as narrowing development gap among ASEAN countries. In
addition to the training activities, on-site consultancy will develop national QA Handbook in
Cambodia, Lao and Myanmar that will be translated to local languages and disseminated
nationwide. In short, the project is working to support intra-inter workforce mobility and regional
integration.
30.

Copies of presentations under Session 4 are in Appendix 7.

Discussion:
31.
Discussant Mr. Alex Brillantes, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education of the
Philippines, underscored the need to understand the context, i.e., sense of urgency due to the
establishment of the AEC and the implications of its pillar on realizing an ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community that is people-centered and socially responsible. He stressed the need to define the
role of governments and the need for agreements that facilitate cooperation and exchanges
among countries and their institutions through such instruments as ACTFA. At the level of
governments, member countries need to endorse/adopt the framework. At the level of
universities, there is a need for supporting mechanisms like the establishment of an
international office at each university for student mobility and also improving transparency of
educational activities. A key question he posed is who accredits the accreditors at the national,
regional, and international levels? He also raised the need for harmony among accrediting and
QA bodies, mechanisms, and policies. Other issues he mentioned are the lack of resources to
support QA initiatives, restrictions at a policy level from limited QA development strategies, and
lack of leadership for countries to strengthen their national quality systems. He commented that
further collaboration on developing the regional quality assurance framework will address these
issues.
32.
Discussant Mr. Sugiyarto of ADB noted that AUN and SEAMEO-RIHEDs work are the
future of labor mobility and the subregions economy. What has been agreed upon on the MRA
must be followed through in the AUN, and a disconnection in the harmonization is to be
avoided. Unfortunately, current efforts do not have that consistency yet. He noted that Japan,
China, and Korea are not yet involved and that ASEAN + 3 are to benefit the most from the
project. He suggested that perhaps these countries should be invited to next event/meeting and
included in the membership list. Another point he made was that QA is a process, and a good
curriculum is an important aspect. He would like to see AUN play a role in certification at the
ASEAN level, i.e., compliance with ASEAN certification system. Countries should help each
other through exchange programs among staff members of ASEAN universities.
Open Forum:
33.

Mr. Win of Myanmar sought clarification on the difference between AUN and GMS UC.
8 of 16

34.
Ms. Sujatanond responded that membership in AUN is for top level universities and
GMS UC is for second-tier universities. She emphasized the need for resources to select
universities under the GMS UC in order that they could catch up and develop together.
35.
Mr. Ratanagosoom added that they initiate pilot projects, and once the projects are
working they expand these projects to include non-associate members.
36.
Ms. Sujatanond stressed the need to ensure that student mobility is facilitated at equal
level, so that balanced mobility can be achieved and mutual trust is developed. SEAMEO is now
seeing a lot of academic staff exchange in their own terms; this will accelerate cooperation
among participating universities, and foster competition in a good way by helping each other.
Japan and Korea are participating, and universities in Yunnan and Guangxi also involved in
GMS UC, and so eventually ASEAN +3 will be engaged.
Session 5:

HRD Action Plan: Challenges and Strategic Directions

37.
This session consisted of simultaneous HRD subgroup breakout sessions to discuss
issues and challenges in implementing HRD projects in their respective sub-sectors. A copy of
the consolidated reports of the subgroup breakout sessions is in Appendix 8.
Session 6:

Presentation on the Urban Development Strategic Framework and Action

Plan and its HRD Dimension

38.
Mr. Cuong of ADB presented the GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework and
Action Plan 2015-2022 in behalf of Ms. Anupma Jain, Senior Social Sector Specialist, Urban
Development and Water Division, ADB. The framework, which was endorsed at the 20th GMS
Ministerial Conference, represents the collective aim of the GMS countries to secure
sustainable urban development in the Greater Mekong Subregion. He said that urban
development in itself is multi-sector, hence it requires close coordination with other GMS
working groups and sector initiatives such as WGHRD. Urban development supports HRD by
creating, clean, efficient, and healthy urban areas in which individuals can maintain their
wellbeing and health and develop their skills. The overall framework has 3 strategic pillars
(planning and development of key urban centers, planning and development of border areas,
and capacity development in urban planning and management), and 4 cross-cutting themes
(green development and climate change resilience, disaster risk management, inclusive
development, and competitiveness). A copy of the presentation is in Appendix 9.
Summary of Day 1
39.
Mr. Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, Human and Social Development
Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB, gave a recap of the important points discussed the
day before. A copy of the recap is in Appendix 10.
Session 7: Country Statements
40.
This session featured presentations by each GMS country on their respective updated
National GMS HRD Action Plan and priority projects. Summarized below are the highlights of
the country statements presented and the ensuing discussions.
9 of 16

Cambodia Mr. Tep Oeun

Outlined the Cambodia National HRD working members consisting of different line
ministries and agencies;

Presented an overview of Cambodias national HRD strategies, policies, and programs

revolving around the Rectangular Strategy (Phase III) involving the Ministry of Labor and
Vocational Training, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Health, Ministry
of Womens Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and
National AIDS Authority.

Presented the progress of projects/activities under GMS HRD national action plan as
well as their HRD priorities for 2016, including 2 proposed feasibility studies on Higher
Education (quality and governance) and Social Development, a new project on Creating
a Regional (GMS) Labor Market Information Sharing System, developing skills
recognition for priority sectors, strengthening GMS research capacity through GMS
Knowledge Platform, facilitating safe cross-border labor migration, HIV/AIDS response
among migrant workers/youth, and strengthening subregional cooperation in anti-human
trafficking.

Discussion:
41.
Ms. Kongkoey of Thailand noted that they also have activities similar to Cambodias
priorities for 2016, namely, facilitating safe cross-border labor migration, and strengthening
subregional cooperation in anti-human trafficking. She suggested that there should be good
coordination and sharing of information with Cambodia, and inquired if Cambodia has concept
notes on these activities to share. Mr. Oeun responded that they do not yet have the concept
notes and requested ADB assistance in developing the project concept papers in consultation
with different line ministries. He agreed on the need for the GMS countries to strengthen
coordination and cooperation on these multi-sector, multi-agency initiatives to address issues
concerning labor migration.
42.
Mr. Mom Virak of Cambodia remarked about their existing collaboration with Thailand to
enhance cooperation on cross-border labor migration and addressing human trafficking.
Another delegate proposed collaboration between GMS countries to prepare the concept note.
43.
In response to the query of Ms. Lakhana Dockiao of Thailand regarding the new project
on Feasibility Studies on Higher Education and its expected outcomes, Mr. You Virak said that
the projects focus will be on quality of higher education to accelerate economic growth, to
develop the curriculum and increase access to quality higher education with autonomy to
universities.
44.
Mr. Kubitzki, Principal Social Sector Specialist, ADB Thailand Resident Mission, noted
the need to develop concept papers for new priorities, and that development of a concept paper
10 of 16

for a regional project would require coordination with other GMS countries, and with support
from ADB and other development partners. Follow-up meetings are needed to discuss next
steps and determine what needs to be done in regional labor market information-sharing
system, strengthening research capacity, establishing a platform for regional knowledge and
experience-sharing, in particular. Otherwise, the National Action Pan will just remain a list of
activities without any movement forward.
45.

Countries welcomed ADBs offer to help in this regard.

PRC Ms. Jing Luo

PRC emphasized the importance of HRD as shown in PRCs 12th Five Year Plan (20112015), the proposal on the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020), guideline for neighborhood
diplomacy, and the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st
Century Maritime Silk Road. It reiterated its support for HRD cooperation in the region.

PRCs institutional arrangement for HRD includes 11 members from different

ministries/agencies.

Outlined progress of several GMS activities in health, TVET, education, and labor and
migration.

Identified HRD priorities: in health cross-border CDC; in TVET - strengthening

cooperation; in education - deepening China-ASEAN Education Cooperation 2016; in
labor and migration - capacity building programs for officials in GMS border-control and
immigration offices.

Discussion:
46.
Mr. Leuang of Lao requested clarification from PRC about cross-border facilitation for
migrant children and students. Ms. Luo responded that cross-border facilitation for migrant
children and students is facilitated by the Ministry of Public Security. The program refers to
students from neighbouring countries who are studying in PRC and Chinese students residing in
neighboring countries temporarily but still studying in PRC. In response to Mr. Khamphasong
Theppanya of Lao regarding systems of coordination between ministries involved in HRD, Ms.
Luo said that Ministry of Finance of PRC, as the focal point for the GMS HRD convenes
National HRD Working Group meetings with other members to discuss HRD issues.
47.
In response to Mr. Ren Kun of Cambodia regarding his question about the Double
100,000 Plan, Ms. Luo said that this is a Ministry of Education project, which aims to bring the
number of Chinese and ASEAN students in each other's universities to 100,000 respectively by
2020.

11 of 16

Lao PDR Mr. Khamphao Chanphengxay

Gave an overview of the HRD, strategy, institutions for implementing GMS HRD regional
cooperation headed by National Commission on HRD, and other line ministries.

Updated on progress of GMS HRD National Action Plan covering activities at the
national and regional level on higher education, TVET, HIV/AIDS prevention, and CDC.

Identified HRD priorities including skills development, credit transfer, develop curricula in
foreign language, development of medical specialists in pediatrics, surgery, and internal
medicine, and improvement of quality of health education.

Discussion:

48.
Ms. Kongkoey of Thailand noted common interest on improvement of disease outbreak
reporting and response capacity building under CDC and inquired what exactly Lao PDR
planned to do and if the two countries could work together. Mr. Thepannya took note of
Thailands comments and would pursue follow-up communication with Thailand in this regard.
Myanmar Mr. Tin Tun Aung

Stated that reforms in Myanmar have resulted in increased investments and improved
the countrys standing as an important player in the global arena.

Gave an overview of reforms related to HRD including drafting of a National Education

Sector Plan (NESP) for fiscal years 2016-2020 which includes priorities for TVET and
higher education as well as other subsectors, formulation of a new National Education
Law, reforms of labor-related legislation, planning for health reforms, and approval of a
National Social Protection Strategy.

Presented the National HRD action plan focusing on 4 development sectors: education,
health, labor and migration, social development and sets out 7 strategic thrusts
consistent with GMS SFAP. Institutional arrangement under the National HRD Working
Group consists of the Ministries of Health, Education, Labor, Employment and Social
Security, Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, and other concerned agencies.

49.
Mr. Bun Sreng of Cambodia shared information about cross-border cooperation under
the CDC project and mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding among Cambodia-LaoMyanmar-Viet Nam and PRC (Guangxi & Yunnan) which allowed sharing of information about
common diseases, potential outbreaks, and other public health events along borders. He also
mentioned the completed CDC Phase 1 and the ongoing CDC Phase 2, and recalled a recent
meeting (which did not include Thailand) that identified constraints in sharing of information
such as the need to seek clearance from higher authorities before sharing information on
disease outbreaks.

12 of 16

Thailand Ms. Sayan Kongkoey

Gave an overview of National HRD policies and strategies, with His Majesty the Kings
Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as basic guideline of the Thai Government. A 12th
National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021) and a 20-year National
Strategic Plan are now being drafted.

Described the institutional arrangement for implementing GMS HRD Regional

Cooperation led by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), and working
with other line ministries and offices. Reported on progress of GMS HRD National Action
Plan; achieved most of Millennium Development Goals; outlined challenges to achieve
post-2015 Development Goals or SDGs (transition into an aging society, health
problems, quality of education, environmental degradation, corruption in public sector,
and social disparity).

Identified priority issues for Sustainable Development Goals (inclusive growth, life cycle
development emphasizing quality of life for all ages, green growth, and good
governance).

Identified priorities for subregional cooperation in skills development (training of trainers

for skill standard assessors for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar); public health
(Smart Health, Smart Border; pre-departure preparation for labor migration and
development of referral system for all diseases); and social development (establishment
of center for transit and reception for trafficking victims in Lao PDR).

Discussion:
50.
Mr. Xiaodong Yao of PRC inquired why PRC is not included in skills development and
asked for details about Smart Health, Smart Border. Ms. Kongkoey responded that Thailand
welcomes PRC to join the skill development project, and that the objective of Smart Health,
Smart Border is to improve quality of life on cross-border operations between Thailand and
neighboring countries.
Viet Nam Mr. Duong Hung Cuong

Government initiated National HRD Strategy covering 2011-2020, involving several line
ministries. Viet Nam national WGHRD is headed by Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Identified several issues and challenges in HRD with the establishment of AEC in 2015,
including competence and competiveness of Vietnam work force, influx of workers from
GMS and ASEAN to Viet Nam, free flow of commodities and goods within GMS,
increased cross-border communicable disease outbreaks, and alignment of academic
credit transfer system and quality assurance with AUN.
Reported on progress of several initiatives under National Action Plan under TVET and
labor and migrant management, higher education, and health.
Identified priorities for regional cooperation in TVET (mutual recognition of TVET teacher
13 of 16

training standards, mutual recognition frameworks for 3 skills welding, automobile

technology, and nursing), labor and migration management (issuance of skill certificate
for migration work force), higher education (capacity enhancement of QA accreditors,
student exchange program between Vietnam universities and GMS universities, and
completion of National Qualification Framework), and health issues (communicable
diseases and outbreak control across GMS borders and enhancement of food safety
control).
51.

Copies of country statements are in Appendix 11.

Session 8: Feedback and Reflection

52.
Participants were requested to fill out feedback forms and submit these to the
Secretariat for consolidation.
Statements by Development Partners
53.
Mr. Ratanagosoom recounted that since its establishment in 1995 to serve as an
ASEAN implementing agency in higher education toward ASEAN Community building, AUN has
contributed to regional advancement and ASEAN integration through human capital
development and higher education collaboration. He said AUN is fully committed to develop
Quality Assurance System and mechanisms to uplift higher education standard among ASEAN
countries, as well as to strengthen ASEAN youth citizens and foster student connectivity
through various platforms in both academic and non-academic activities, such as provision of
exchange programs and scholarships with several partners from ASEAN + 3 member countries.
AUN has developed the ASEAN Credit Transfer System to promote and facilitate student
connectivity and reduce barriers for student academic mobility. Such youth activities,
scholarships and exchange programs directly enhance young peoples competencies and
prepare them for the free flow of professionals within the region and beyond. AUN looks forward
to continuing active collaboration with development partners towards sustainable development
in the GMS and ASEAN as a whole.
54.
Ms. Sujatanond of SEAMEO-RIHED lauded ADBs efforts in supporting subregional
programs and activities in HRD and looks forward to working with ADB on a number of activities
planned for next year. These include national workshops on the structure and implementation of
ACTFA or the credit transfer framework for Asia, capacity building workshops for the GMS
University Network on university leadership and good governance, workshop on curriculum
development and measuring learning outcomes, and final workshop for the GMS UC project on
international relation office management. SEAMEO-RIHED aims to bridge the GMS University
Consortium with the ASEAN International Mobility of Students or AIMS and looks forward to
continued ADB support for the GMS member countries to participate in the student and
academic mobility scheme and exchanges.
55.
Mr. Gatot mentioned SEAMEO Secretariat activities planned over the next months
including the setting up of a small group of TVET institutions across all the GMS countries,
preparation of an online workshop, and development of a concept note within the next 2-3
months. They plan to start with around 15-25 TVET institutions initially, work for a second batch
of around 40-50 institutions in 2017, and then around 60-75 institutions in 2018. Mr. Gatot
14 of 16

looked forward to developing the GMS TVET Network in the first semester of 2016 with the help
of ADB and other partners, as a path to SEA-TVET eventually.
56.
Mr. Watcharas Leelawath of the Mekong Institute (MI) noted that human capacity
limitation is one of the major obstacles for narrowing development gaps in the GMS and that
development of human resources will enable countries to take full advantage of subregional
integration as well as trade and investment openness in the region. As an inter-governmental
organization owned by the 6 GMS countries, MI works closely with the six GMS governments
and development partners to develop knowledge and build capacity of human resources in the
GMS. They are adopting a new strategic plan for 2016-2020 based on 3 new pillars, namely:
agricultural development and commercialization; trade and investment facilitation; and
innovation and technological connectivity. Labor mobility is one of their cross-cutting issues. MI
has been implementing various projects supported by different development partners such as
TICA, NZAID, Swiss Aid Agency, USAID and the Chinese government. They are open to
explore new ideas and initiatives and ensure their commitment to work with ADB, WGHRD and
other development partners for the development of human resources in the GMS.
57.
Mr. Stueer of GIZ thanked all the participating countries for their support to the ADBfunded project on mutual recognition framework development, and asked for the countries
continued support to the planned 3 workshops in January, March and May 2016 by joining and
sharing their expertise at these workshops.
58.
According to Mr. David Knight of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), one
of the biggest issues in the GMS is the movement of unskilled labor even as the ASEAN and the
establishment of the AEC focus on the movement of skilled migrants and professionals.
Therefore, IOM assistance in the region focuses on the unskilled, undocumented migrants and
how to empower and protect them. Mr. Knight mentioned some of their projects, one of which
has just received funding from the Swiss Development Cooperation on promoting safe migration
through skills development involving Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Myanmar, with
Thailand at the center. The project focuses on unskilled migrants, particularly the protection of
unskilled female migrants. Domestic service work and construction are thus areas IOM will look
into. Relating to the previous days discussion on special economic zones, Mr. Knight said IOM
has two projects with Viet Nam-Cambodia and Viet Nam-Lao PDR, which include research,
awareness-raising, and training on HIV awareness. IOM also received support from the Italian
Development Cooperation to establish migration resource centers. Mr. Knight disclosed that
IOM is also looking into the use of social media to inform unskilled migrants about legal and
safe migration. They are also working with multi-national companies in conducting pre-departure
orientation training for unskilled migrants to ensure that these companies supply chains are
clean and also to provide workers human rights protection. Mr. Knight stressed that countries
need to look hard at the recruitment processes and agencies and how to reduce transaction
costs for the most vulnerable unskilled migrants.

15 of 16

Wrap-up and Discussions on the Way Forward

59.
Ms. Ayako Inagaki, Director, SEHS, ADB, shared some observations on the discussions
and the way forward. She congratulated the country delegations for their much more focused
national plans, programs and priorities that could be jointly developed with support from ADB
and other development partners. She said that ADB has been providing assistance to GMS
countries and will continue to do so. She mentioned some of the HRD priority areas which ADB
has been supporting including credit transfer, mutual recognition in TVET, capacity
strengthening, CDC, safe labor migration, and anti-human trafficking. She noted that currently,
the only area where ADB is providing lending support is CDC, and that the CDC Phase 2 will be
extended, and there is a new project on GMS Health Security in the pipeline. She encouraged
WGHRD members to tap ADBs lending operations, and noted Cambodias request for support
in writing project concept papers. One option she suggested is for countries to use the existing
TVET project to improve work with GIZ, and include in the country program the new loan
coming up. Another option is to add an additional component to TVET or higher education
program on mutual recognition, and include it in the Country Partnership Strategy and Country
Operations Business Plan. Tapping divisional window like the Asian Development Fund is
another option that could be considered. Another approach is to use the national HRD plan.
Identify areas where the country would like to have a regional activity, and consult the WGHRD
country focals and ADB country resident missions towards developing a regional project. She
noted that besides ADB, there are other specialized organizations, like IOM, whose support and
expertise GMS countries could tap.
WGHRD-15th Meeting
60.
Representative of PRC confirmed readiness to host WGHRD-15 in 2016. Exact details
about the theme, date and venue will be confirmed and advised later.
Closing Remarks
61.
H.E. Yuok Ngoy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the
Royal Government of Cambodia, expressed his thanks to all the participants, speakers, ADB,
and other development partners for their active participation and contribution to the success of
the meeting. He looked forward to the successful implementation of the HRD SFAP and wished
the participants a safe journey home.

16 of 16

Appendix 1

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

CAMBODIA
1.

Mr. Yuok Ngoy

Secretary of State
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
#80, Norodom Blvd. Phnom Penh, Kingdom of
Cambodia Tel: +855 12 902 355
Email: yuok.ngoy@moeys.com.gov.kh

2.

Mr. Tep Oeun

Deputy Director General
Directorate General of Technical Vocational Education and
Training Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
Phnom Penh City, Cambodia
Tel: +855-12-606-572
Email: tepoeuntvet@gmail.com

3.

Mr. Seilavath Ros

Deputy Secretary General of National AIDS
Authority #16, St. 271, Sangkat Tek Laak 2, Khan
Tuol Kok Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Tel: + 855 12 518 393
Email: seilavathmd@yahoo.com

4.

Mr. Virak You

Deputy Director
Department of Higher Education
Ministry of Education Youth and Sport
#169, Preah Norodom Blvd., Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: (855) 23217937
Email: you.virak@moeys.gov.kh / virakyou@gmail.com

5.

Mr. Ren Kun

Deputy Director of Personnel Department
Ministry of Education Youth and Sport
# 80 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia Tel: +855-12-675-007
Email: renkun1972@gmail.com

6.

Mr. Sreng Bun

Deputy Director of the Department of Communicable
Diseases Ministry of Health
#80, Samdach Penn Nouth Blv. (289) Sangkat Boeungkak2
Khan Tuol, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-12-852-824
Email: bun_sreng72@yahoo.com

7.

Mr. Mom Virak

Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department
Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation
#788, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-89-779-119
Email: virakmom@yahoo.com

8.

Mr. Chantha Khin

Director
Department of Institution Management
Ministry of Labour and Vocation Training
Building #3, Russian Federation Boulevard
Sangkat Toek Laak I, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia Tel: +855-12-866-080
Email: chantha_khin65@yahoo.com

9.

Mr. Sereyrath Huot

Chief of Training Office
National AIDS Authority
Building 16, Street 271 L 150, Sangkat Teuklaak II Khan Toul
Kok Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: +855-11-958-889
Email: hsereyrath@yahoo.com

PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA

10.

Ms. Jing Luo

Assistant Director
Ministry of Finance PRC
No.3, Sanlihe Nansanxiang, Xicheng District, Beijing,
PRC Tel: +86-10-68552495
Email: luo_jing@mfa.gov.cn

11.

Ms. Meng Shao

Assistant Director
Department of International Cooperation, National Health and Family Planning
Commission I Xizhimenwai Nanlu, Xicheng District, Beijing, PRC
Tel: 68792297
Email: shaomeng@nhfpc.gov.cn

12.

Mr. Xiaodong Yao

Consultant
Department of International Cooperation
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security,
No.3, Heping Dongjie, Dongcheng District, Beijing,
China Tel: 01084233315
Email: yaoxiadong@mohrss.gov.cn
Page 2

LAO PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

13.

Mr. Khamphao Chanphengxay

Deputy Director General
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and
Sports Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 067, Ban Hatsady
Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Tel: +856-20-5568-5248 / +856-20-5560-8670 / +856-21212019 Email: khamphaock@gmail.com

14.

Mr. Vannalek Leuang

Deputy Director General
Department of Technical and Vocational Education and
Training Ministry of Education and Sports
Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 067, Vientiane Capital, Lao
PDR Email: vleuang@yahoo.com
Tel: +856 20 5569 7487 / +856-21-216473

15.

Mr. Chanthachone Phannavong

Deputy Director General
Lao-Korea Skills Development Institute, Ministry of Labor and Social
Welfare Khanhuan Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Tel: +856-20-5630-3331
Email: chone88@yahoo.com

16.

Mr. Khampasong Theppanya

Head of Division
Department of Health Personnel
Ministry of Health
Tel: +856-21-214-004
Email: pasong05@yahoo.com

17.

Ms. Dockeo Phonthachit

Head of Human Resource Development Office
Department of Planning, Ministry of Education and
Sports Lanexang Ave, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Tel: +856-21-255421
Email: dockeosalida@gmail.com

REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR

18.

Mr. Ko Lay Win

Director, Planning and Human Resource Development
Department of Human Resource and Educational Planning
Office no. 13, Department of Human Resources and Educational
Planning Ministry of Education
Tel: +95-67-407273 / +95-9420706186 Email: kolay65@gmail.com
Page 3

19.

Mr. Kyaw Shwe

Director (Administration and Finance)
Department of Health Professional Resource Development and
Management Ministry of Health
Room-12, Building 25, Sabei Housing, Zambuthiri
Township Tel: +95-9-420708831
Email: drukyawshwe@gmail.com

20.

Mr. Tin Tun Aung

Director (Monitoring & Evaluation)
Department of Health Professional Resource Development and
Management Ministry of Health
Room-21, Building 3104, Bu Kwe Housing, Zambuthiri
Township Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Tel: +95-67-411232
Email: drtintunaung@gmail.com

21.

Ms. Tin Tin Htay

Director
Department of Labour
Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security
Office Building No. 51, Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social
Security Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Tel: +95-9-420704557
Email: ms.tintinhtay@gmail.com

22.

Mr. Lwin Oo
Deputy Director
Department of Social Welfare
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
Office No. 23, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Tel: +95-9-251169146
Email: ulwinoodsw@gmail.com

THAILAND
23.

Ms. Sayan Kongkoey

Director of Thai Cooperation Branch
Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency
(TICA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government Complex Ratthaprasasanabhakti (B) Building
South Zone,8th Floor, 120 Moo 3 Chaengwattana Road
Thungsonghong, Laksi District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 203 5000 ext. 42701
Email: sayankongkoey@yahoo.com

Page 4

24.

Ms. Jatuporn Rojanaparnich

Director of International Cooperation Group
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security
1034 Krungkasem Road, Mahamak, Pomprab, Bangkok 10100,
Thailand Tel: +66-2-659-6496
Email: iamjat@hotmail.com

25.

Mr. Surasak Thanaisawanyangkoon

Chief, International Collaboration Development Section
Bureau of AIDS, TB and STIs, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public
Health Tiwanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Tel: +66-2-590-3218
Email: settha@gmail.com

26.

Ms. Lakhana Dockiao

Chief of Education Hub Promotion Group
Bureau of International Cooperation Strategy
Office of the Higher Education Commission
328 Sri Ayuthaya Road, Bangkok 10400,
Thailand Tel: +66-2-610-5465
Email: lakhanad@hotmail.com

27.

Ms. Pin Sridurongkatum

Development Cooperation Officer
Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency
(TICA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government Complex Ratthaprasasanabhakti (B) Building
South Zone,8th Floor, 120 Moo 3 Chaengwattana Road
Thungsonghong, Laksi District, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 203 5000 ext. 42403
Email: pinsridurang@gmail.com

28.

Mr. Chaturaphat Ngernmool

Skill Development Technical Officer
Chiang Saen International Institute for Skill
Development Department of Skill Development, Ministry
of Labour 222 Moo. 8 Vieng Sub-district, Chiang Saen
District Chiang Rai Province 57150, Thailand
Tel: +66-5377-7471
Email: khonthai1973@hotmail.com

29.

Ms. Supparaporn Thammachart

Plan and Policy Analysis Officer
Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public
Health 88/21 Tiwanon Road, Taladkwan, Muang
Nonthaburi Province 11000,
Thailand Tel: +66-2-590-1390
Email: thsukai@yahoo.com
Page 5

30.

Ms. Sasipim Arampibulkit

Foreign Relations Officer, Professional Level
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security
1034 Krungkasem Road Pomprab Bangkok
Thailand Tel: +66-2-659-6496
Email: sasipima@gmail.com

31.

Ms. Naraporn Suwanprasert

Skill Development Technical Officer
Office of Skill Standard and Testing Development
Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour
Mitrhaitri Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok, 10400,
Thailand Tel: 66-2-643-4987
Email: nar.suw@gmail.com

32.

Mr. Vudthidech Chamnikij

Policy and Plan Analyst
National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
962 Krungkasem Road, Pomprab, Bangkok, 10100,
Thailand Tel: +66-2-280-4085 ext. 6404
Email: vudthidech@nesdb.go.th

33.

Ms. Prembun Vorasapakarn

Policy and Plan Analyst
National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
962 Krungkasem Road, Pomprab, Bangkok, 10100,
Thailand Tel: +66-2-280-4085 ext. 6410
Email: prembun@nesdb.go.th

VIET NAM
34.

Mr. Duong Hung Cuong

Official of FERD, MPI (GMS Focal point) Foreign
Economic Relations Department Ministry of
Planning and Investment of Vietnam
No 6B, Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet
Nam Tel: +84-408043029
Email: cuongmpi@gmail.com

35.

Mr. Nguyen The Ha

Deputy Director
National Center on Employment Services
Department of Employment
Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs
D25 Block, 8B Alley, Ton That Thuyet Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward
Cau Giay District, Ha Noi Capital, Viet Nam
Tel: 0983605463
Email: nguyen_theha@yahoo.com
Page 6

36.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai An

Deputy Director of Aid Division
Department of Planning and Finance
Ministry of Health
138A Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi,
Vietnam Tel: +84-4903247248
Email: Maian_moh@yahoo.com

37.

Mr. Phm Duc Tien

Head of Technical Division, ODA-Funded Vocational Training Projects Management Unit
General Department of Vocational Training
Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs
No.1, Lane 17, Ta Quang Buu Str. Hanoi Viet
Nam Tel: +84-963685588
Email: tienhmc@gmail.com

38.

Mr. Nghe Nhu Pham

Senior Expert
Department of Technical and Vocational
Education Ministry of Education and Training
35 Dai Co Viet Street, Ha Ba Trung District, Hanoi City,
Vietnam Tel: 0912152333
Email: pnnghe@moet.edu.vn

DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS / INSTITUTIONS / ACADEME

39.

Mr. Alex B. Brillantes, Jr.

Commissioner
Commission on Higher Education
C.P. Garcia Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City,
Philippines Tel: 63-02-4411168
Email: abrillantesstaff@gmail.com

40.

Ms. Chantavit Sujutanond

Center Director, SEAMEO-RIHED
5th Floor, Office of the Higher Education
Commission 328 Sri Ayutthaya Road, Rajathevee
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +662 644 9856-62 ext. 108
Email: chantavit@rihed.seameo.org

41.

Mr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto

Director, Southeast Asian Ministries of Education Organization
Secretariat 4Flr. Mom Luang Pin, Malakul Centenary Bldg.
920 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, 10110
Thailand Tel: +66-0-2391-0144
Email: secretariat@seameo.org
Page 7

42.

Mr. Watcharas Leelawath

Director, Mekong Institute
123 Khon Kaen University Mittraphap Road
Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002,
Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 43-202-411
Fax: +66 (0) 43-343-131

43.

Mr. Christian Stueer

Regional Project Director (Thailand)
German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
Email: Christian.stueer@giz.de

44.

Mr. Geoffrey M. Ducanes

Assistant Professor

University of the Philippines School of Economics

School of Economics, University of the Philippines
Diliman Quezon City, 1101 Philippines
Tel: +63917 9949169
Email: jducanes@yahoo.com
45.

Mr. Leul Ayalew Mekonnen

Chief of Mission
International Organization for Migration (Cambodia)
No. 281, Norodom Blvd, Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia Tel. +023 216532
Email: lmekonnen@iom.int

46.

Mr. David Knight

Chief of Mission
International Organization for Migration (Viet Nam), and
Regional Coordinator for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Lao
PDR Duy Tan Street, Level 12A, CMC Tower, Dich Vong
Ward Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Tel: +84 4 3736 6258
Email: dknight@iom.int

47.

Mr. Korn Ratanagosoom

ASEAN University Network
17th floor, Chamchuree 10 Building,
Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road,
Bangkok, 0330 Thailand
Tel: +662 2153640, 2153642 ext.103
Email: aun.korn@gmail.com

Page 8

48.

Ms. Wilasinee Sittisomboon

ASEAN University Network
17th floor, Chamchuree 10 Building
Chulalongkorn University
Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Tel: +662 2153640, 2153642 ext.107 Email:
aun.wilasinees@gmail.com

49.

Ms. Patsri Tippayaprapai

Program Officer, SEAMEO RIHED
5th Floor, 328 Sri Ayuttaya Road
Rajathevee, Bangkok 10400,
Thailand Tel: +662 644 9856-62 ext.
109 Email: patsri@rihed.seameo.org

50.

Ms. Ruttiya Bhula-or

Skills Technical Officer
International Labour Organization
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
United Nations Building, 10th Floor
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2288 2244
Email: ruttiya@ilo.org

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

51.

52.

Ms. Ayako Inagaki

Director
Human and Social Development Division, Southeast Asia
Department 6 ADB Avenue Mandaluyong City 1550
Tel: +632-683-6612
Fax: +632-636-2228
Email: ainagaki@adb.org
Mr. Jan Hansen
Senior Country Economist
Cambodia Resident Mission

No. 29, Suramarit Boulevard (St. 268)

Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh
Tel: +855-23-215-805, 215 806, 216 417
Fax: +855- 23-215-807
Email: jhansen@adb.org

Page 9

53.

Mr. Joel V. Mangahas

Senior Social Sector Specialist
Human and Social Development Division, Southeast Asia
Department 6 ADB Avemue Mandaluyong City 1550
Tel: +632-683-1567
Fax: +632-636-2228
Email: jmangahas@adb.org

54.

Mr. Wolfgang Kubitzki

Principal Social Sector Specialist
Thailand Resident Mission
23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World, 999/9 Rama 1
Road Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +662-263-5300 ext. 5368
Email: wkubitzki@adb.org

55.

Ms. Mia Hyun

Social Development Specialist
Cambodia Resident Mission
No. 29, Suramarit Boulevard (St. 268)
Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia P.O. Box 2436
Tel: +855 23 215805, 215806, 216417
Email: mhyun@adb.org

56.

Mr. Sophea Mar

Senior Social Sector Officer
Cambodia Resident Mission
No. 29, Suramarit Boulevard (St. 268)
Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia P.O. Box 2436
Tel: +855 23 215805, 215806, 216417
Email: smar@adb.org

57.

Ms. Oranuch Jetwattana

Senior Project Officer
Thailand Resident Mission
23rd Floor, The Offices at Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok
10330, Thailand
Tel: +662-263-5300 ext. 5351
Email: ojetwattana@adb.org

58.

Ms. Khamtanh Chanthy

Senior Project Officer
Lao Resident Mission
Corner of Lanexang Avenue & Samsenthai Road, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
Tel: +856-21-250-444
Email: kchanthy@adb.org
Page 10

59.

Mr. Cuong Minh Nguyen

Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination
Division Southeast Asia Department
Tel: +632-683-5709
Email: cuongnguyen@adb.org

60.

Mr. Guntur Sugiyarto

Senior Economist
Development Indicators and Policy Research
Division Economics and Research Department
Tel: +632-632-6690
Email: gsugiyarto@adb.org

61.

Mr. Dante Canlas

Regional HRD Cooperation Specialist/Consultant,
ADB Human and Social Development Division
Southeast Asia Department
Email: dbcanlas@ymail.com

62.

Ms. Flordeliza Melendez

Consultant, GMS Unit
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination
Division Southeast Asia Department
Tel: +632-4444 local
70183 Fax: +632-636-2226
Email: fmelendez.consultant@adb.org

63.

Mr. Kimsrun Sreng

National Action Planning Specialist/Consultant- Cambodia
Email : srengkimsrun@gmail.com

64.

Mr. Thongdeuane Nanthanavone

National Action Planning Specialist/Consultant- Lao PDR
Email: td.nanthanavone@gmail.com

65.

Ms. Amy Liu

National Action Planning Specialist/Consultant-Myanmar and
PRC Email: amyliurh@yahoo.com

66.

Ms. Sasiwimon Warunsiri Paweenawat

National Action Planning Specialist/Consultant-Thailand
Email : sasiwimon.warunsiri@gmail.com

67.

Ms. Hang Dinh

National Action Planning Specialist/Consultant-Viet Nam
Email: hangdt2014789@gmail.com

Page 11

Forum Secretariat/Administrative Support:

68.

Ms. Monina Buccat

HRD Strategy Specialist
Human and Social Development
Division Southeast Asia Department
Asian Development Bank
Tel: +632-4444 local 70025
Email: mbuccat.consultant@adb.org

69.

Ms. Madeline Dizon

Senior Operations Assistant
Human and Social Development
Division Southeast Asia Department
Asian Development Bank
Tel: +632-632-5934
Fax: +632-636-2228
Email: mdizon@adb.org

70.

Ms. Maria Angelica Vivar

Senior Operations Assistant
Human and Social Development
Division Southeast Asia Department
Asian Development Bank
Tel: +632-632-6612
Fax: +632-636-2228
Email: mvivar@adb.org

71.

Mr. Dara Dy
Operations Assistant
Cambodia Resident Mission
Southeast Asia Department
No. 29, Suramarit Boulevard (St. 268) Sangkat
Chaktomuk Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
P.O. Box 2436 Tel: +855-23-215-805, 215 806, 216 417
Fax: +855- 23-215-807
Email: ddara@adb.org

Page 12

14th Meeting of the GMS Working Group on

Human Resource Development (WGHRD-14)

19-20 November 2015, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Appendix 2

Meeting Theme:
Knowledge and Skills for Labor Market Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion
I.

Background

1.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Human Resource Development (HRD) Strategic
Framework and Action Plan (SFAP) 201320171 identified 7 strategic priorities for GMS HRD regional
cooperation: (i) developing capacity in the economic corridors; (ii) cooperating in technical and
vocational education and training; (iii) cooperating in higher education and research;
(iv)
addressing regional health issues; (v) facilitating safe cross-border labor migration; (vi) mitigating social
costs in the economic corridors; and (vii) strengthening institutions and mechanisms for GMS HRD
cooperation. The HRD Strategy aims to directly facilitate the process of GMS integration and support
the HRD needs of the GMS economic corridors.
2.
Building on the achievements of its predecessor project, the second regional policy technical
assistance project, R-PATA 85492, sharpens its focus on the three of the seven strategic thrusts of the
SFAP 20132017. It has the following outputs: (i) improved cooperation in technical and vocational
education and training (TVET); (ii) improved cooperation in higher education; and (iii) strengthened
national implementation and monitoring of the strategic framework and action plan.
R-PATA 8549
also supports the conduct of annual Working Group on HRD (WGHRD) meetings to share knowledge
and experience in addressing emerging HRD issues and enhance regional networks and partnerships
in HRD.
3.
At the 13th Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development (WGHRD) held in
Hanoi, Viet Nam, each GMS country presented its GMS HRD National Action Plan (NAP). GMS
countries reiterated their commitment to the following priority areas of cooperation: mutual recognition
of skills in TVET, harmonization of standards and quality assurance in higher education, cross-border
control of communicable diseases, access to social protection programs, and enhancing databases for
labor mobility. As the national HRD working groups continued to dialogue and share information on
GMS HRD concerns, the NAPs have been updated to include implementation progress since Hanoi.
The updated GMS HRD National Action Plans will be presented at the 14th Meeting of the WGHRD
(WGHRD-14) to reflect priorities for regional HRD cooperation.
4.
Recognizing the opportunities and challenges presented by the emerging labor market
developments in the rapidly growing subregion, WGHRD-14 seeks to further enhance knowledge and
skills capacity of the officials and stakeholders in addressing GMS labor market needs. Active
collaboration to support HRD initiatives that enhance capacity, and increase skilled labor mobility is
expected to facilitate the process of regional integration, and equitably deliver the benefits of
sustainable growth. The WGHRD-14, in particular, aims to (i) discuss issues on human capital and
labor market developments in the GMS; (ii) improve regional cooperation in higher education and
technical vocational education and training (TVET); (iii) highlight achievements of R-PATA 8549; and
(iv) discuss strategic directions for the health, education and labor and migration subgroups.
1

GMS HRD SFAP 2013-2017:

http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/33966/files/gms-sfap-hrd-2013-2017.pdf
R-PATA 8549: Implementing the GMS HRD SFAP 2013-2017 (Phase 2)
http://adb.org/sites/default/files/projdocs/2013/46071-001-tar.pdf
Page 1 of 6

II.

Agenda of the WGHRD 14th Meeting

Time

Activity
DAY 1: Thursday, 19 November 2015
Venue: Grand Sokha Ballroom, Level 1, Sokha Angkor Resort

0830 0900

Registration

0900 0920

Opening Statement
Jan Hansen
Officer-in-Charge/Senior Country Economist
Cambodia Resident Mission (CARM)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Welcome Remarks
H.E. Yuok Ngoy
Secretary of State
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia
Facilitator
Sophea Mar
Senior Social Sector Officer
CARM, ADB

0920 0935

Session 1: Briefing on Directives and Outcomes of Recent GMS High Level

Meetings and Progress Report on the Regional Investment Framework
This session will brief the Meeting on directives and outcomes of the 5th GMS
Summit, the 7th Economic Corridors' Forum, and the 20th GMS Ministerial
Conference of relevance to the HRD sector. He will also brief the Meeting on the
first Progress Report of the GMS Regional Investment Framework
Implementation Plan, one of the key deliverables presented to the GMS Ministers
at their 20th Ministerial Conference and the next steps for WGHRD going forward.
Presenter
Cuong Minh Nguyen, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional
Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, Southeast Asia
Department (SERC), ADB
Facilitator/Moderator
Dante Canlas, Regional HRD Cooperation Specialist/Consultant, Human
and Social Development Division (SEHS), ADB

0935 0945

Open Forum on Session 1

Page 2 of 6

Time
0945 1025

Activity
Session 2: Overview of the GMS HRD Agenda and presentation of the
integrative paper of Dante Canlas
This session will present the integrative paper on GMS HRD Cooperation,
entitled, Demographics, Human Capital, and Labor Market Developments in the
GMS.
Presenter
Dante Canlas, Regional Human Resource Development Cooperation
Specialist/Consultant, SEHS, ADB
Discussants
Cuong Minh Nguyen, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional
Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, SERC, ADB
Guntur Sugiyarto, Senior Economist, Economics and Research Department
(ERDI), ADB
Facilitator/Moderator
Joel Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, SEHS, ADB

1025 1040

Open Forum on Session 2

1040 1100

Health Break - Grand Sokha Ballroom Pre-function Lounge

Group Photo - Grand Sokha Ballroom

1100 1145

Session 3: Development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

skills and qualifications recognition framework
This session will discuss the (i) regional framework for the mutual recognition of
skills and qualifications, (ii) the system for the mutual recognition of training
standards for TVET teachers and trainers, and (iii) the networking of TVET
Southeast Asia Institutions
Presenters
Christian Stueer, Regional Project Director, Thailand, German Agency for
International Cooperation
Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, Director, Southeast Asia Ministers of Education
Organization Secretariat
Discussant
Jeff Ducanes, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines School of
Economics
Facilitator/Moderator
Wolfgang Kubitzki, Principal Social Sector Specialist, Thailand Resident
Mission (TRM), ADB

Page 3 of 6

Time

Activity

1145 1200

Open Forum on Session 3

1200 1330

Lunch Break - The Lotus, Level 1

1330 1420

Session 4: Improving GMS Higher Education Cooperation

This session will discuss progress achieved on improving cooperation in higher
education through (i) the development of the Academic Credit Transfer
Framework for Asia and University Networking, (ii) and strengthening of the
university Quality Assurance (QA) capacity (internal) in selected GMS
universities.
Presenters
Chantavit Sujatanond, Center Director, SEAMEO Regional Center for Higher
Education and Development
Korn Ratanagosoom, Senior Programme Officer, Quality Assurance,
Qualifications Framework and Technology Innovations, ASEAN University
Network
Discussants
Alex Brilliantes, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education,
Philippines
Guntur Sugiyarto, Senior Economist, ERDI, ADB
Facilitator/Moderator
Dante Canlas, Regional Human Resource Development Cooperation
Specialist/Consultant, SEHS, ADB

1420 1445

Open Forum on Session 4

1445 1500

Health Break - Grand Sokha Ballroom Pre-function Lounge

1500 1630

Session 5: HRD Action Plan: Challenges and Strategic Directions

This is a simultaneous HRD subgroup breakout session. Each subgroup will
discuss issues and challenges implementing HRD projects in their respective
sector.
Labor and Migration
TVET and Higher
Health Subgroup
Subgroup
Education Subgroup
Facilitator/Moderator:
Joel Mangahas

Facilitator/Moderator:
Wolfgang Kubitzki

Facilitator/Moderator:
Dante Canlas

Venue: Apsara I, Level 2

Venue: Apsara II, Level 2

Venue:Le Chanthou
Page 4 of 6

Time
1630 - 1645

Activity
Session 6: Presentation on the Urban Development Strategic Framework and
Action Plan and its HRD dimension
This session will present the vision for sustainable urban development in the
GMS and its relevance for HRD.
Presenter
Cuong Minh Nguyen, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional
Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, SERC, ADB
Facilitator/Moderator
Joel Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, SEHS, ADB

1645 1700

Summary of Day 1
Dante Canlas, Regional Human Resource Development Cooperation
Specialist/Consultant, SEHS, ADB

1730 1900

Welcome Cocktails - Champa Caf, Level 1

DAY 2: Friday, 20 November 2015

Venue: Grand Sokha Ballroom, Level 1, Sokha Angkor Resort
0830 0845

Recap of Day 1
Joel Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, SEHS, ADB

0845 1045

Session 7: Country Statements

This session will present each GMS countrys updated National GMS HRD Action
Plan and priority projects.
Cambodia
PRC
Lao PDR
Myanmar
Thailand
Viet Nam
Facilitator/Moderator
Dante Canlas, Regional Human Resource Development Cooperation
Specialist/Consultant, SEHS, ADB

1045 1100

Administrative Announcements
Health Break - Grand Sokha Ballroom Pre-function Lounge

1100 1115

Session 8: Feedback and Reflection

Page 5 of 6

Time

Activity
Participants will fill out feedback forms
Facilitator/Moderator
Secretariat

1115 1130

Statement by Development Partners

Facilitator/Moderator
Joel Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, SEHS, ADB

1130 1145

Wrap-up and Discussions on the Way Forward

WGHRD 15th Meeting Theme
This session will give the summary and highlights of the 14th WGHRD and
propose the 15th WGHRD meeting theme.
Ayako Inagaki, Director, SEHS, Southeast Asia Department, ADB

1145 - 1200

Closing Remarks
H.E. Yuok Ngoy
Secretary of State
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia
Ayako Inagaki
Director, SEHS
Southeast Asia Department, ADB

1200 - 1330

Lunch - The Lotus, Level 1

Page 6 of 6

Appendix 3
Opening and Welcome Remarks

Appendix 3

14th Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development (WGHRD-14)

Opening Statement
Mr. Jan Hansen
Officer-in-charge/Senior Country Economist
ADB Cambodia Resident Mission

Your Excellency Yuok Ngoy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education Youth and Sports,
Excellencies, distinguished participants from GMS countries, representatives of development
partners, my colleagues at Asian Development Bank, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
On behalf of the Asian Development Bank, I would like to welcome all of you to the 14th
Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development held in this historic province of
Siem Reap.
With assistance from ADB, the GMS Program supports regional cooperation projects that
unlock the subregions vast human and economic potential. ADB continues to support GMS
countries in creating better opportunities for its citizens. One of the key activities of the GMS
Program is human resource development or HRD. HRD broadly covers activities that provide
human capital inputs to the regions growing economies, directly contributing to human welfare and
poverty reduction. The GMS HRD strategy aims to increase regional connectivity through
harmonized HRD standards, procedures and regulations in critical areas such as workforce skills
and cross-border labor migration. This facilitates mobility of skilled labor and addresses income and
earnings inequality in the region.
In 2012, the GMS ministers at the 18th GMS Ministerial Conference endorsed the Strategic
Framework and Action Plan 2013-2017. It sets the strategic direction for GMS human resource
development cooperation by facilitating GMS integration and addressing the negative
consequences of greater integration. It supports cooperation in higher education, technical
vocational education and training, and the development of capacity to bridge knowledge and skills
gaps in the economic corridors. It also calls for effective communicable disease surveillance
through strengthened health systems and facilitates safe cross-border labor migration. It tasks the
working group on HRD to provide strategic and conceptual guidance on HRD policies in health,
education, labor and migration and social development.
This annual working group meeting will discuss issues on human capital and labor market
development in the region. We will have an opportunity to learn from experts as we navigate
through labor market trends, human capital needs and demographic transitions in the GMS and the
wider ASEAN region. We will also hear updates on each GMS countrys National human resource
development Action Plan and identify strategic sector priorities for regional cooperation.
We welcome the presence of our development partners. Together with other donors, they
have sustained development efforts in the subregion. Let us, together, collaborate on human
resource development initiatives that address disparities in income and earnings and mitigate the
possible negative health and social impacts of greater integration.
Again, on behalf of the Asian Development Bank, my sincerest gratitude to the government
of the Kingdom of Cambodia for hosting this 14th Meeting of the working group on human
development. We hope we will be able to deepen our partnership and gain knowledge from this one
and a half-day event.

14th Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development (WGHRD-14)

19-20 November 2015, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Welcome Remarks
H.E. Yuok Ngoy
Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Royal Government of Cambodia
Good morning, Madam Ayako Inagaki, Director of Human and Social Development
Division, Mr. Mangahas, Senior Social Sector Specialist, Human and Social Development
Division from the Asian Development Bank, distinguished officials from the Greater Mekong
Subregion countries, representatives of development partners, ladies and gentlemen.
Today I am delighted to join with you during the 14th Meeting of the Working Group on
Human Resource Development. The 14th Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource
Development marks more than two decades of active collaboration and partnership in the
Greater Mekong Subregion. It highlights the importance of collaboration in human resource
development to meet the post-2015 agenda for inclusive and sustainable growth. Our theme for
this years meeting is, Knowledge and Skills for Labor Market Development in the Greater
Mekong Subregion.

Ladies and gentlemen, with the changing nature of the labor markets and the need for
innovation for our economies, a more thorough assessment of our human capital needs become
imperative. We have seen the structural changes and new production processes that have
made significant effects on our labor markets, as well as the shifts from agricultural employment
to higher value-added industrial and services sector employment that present both opportunities
and challenges for human resource development.

In education sector, we acknowledge that returns of education investments are higher if

skills and knowledge are aligned with labor market needs. This requires more active
collaboration with industries and the development of systems of frameworks that cut across
boundaries of different fields. It requires more cooperation in higher education to improve
quality, to improve research and to develop and foster skilled workforce. It also requires more
flexibilities and continuous learning for our workers to meet skills requirements in our growing
industries. As our economies move toward greater integration, we must collectively develop
effective strategies to respond to demographic shifts and rapid labour market change. Lastly,

greater integration calls for better design of the social protection programs for our workers and
demands better labor market information to guide our decisions related to human resource
development.

The government and the citizens share a common social belief that education appears
to secure future prosperities, better life, and one key factor to ensure sustainable development
and competitive economy.

The Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of the Royal

Government of Cambodia has set out 8 reform measures, including the development of youth
technical skills and soft skills. This years meeting zeroes in on higher education and TVET
cooperation. However, the subsector breakout session this afternoon will make room for more
meaningful opportunities for discussion on health, labor and migration and education issues in
the GMS. The session presents opportunities to prioritize projects that would make an impact
on local and regional cooperation and integration.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like also to take this opportunity to acknowledge the
support from our development partners, who are also present here today. It is needed very
productive to work with all development partners in attaining the sustainable development goals.
.
Today, the working group is held in the historic Siem Reap in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
It will be an ideal forum where we can actively discuss human resource development issues in
the GMS. I wish for your active participation in learning and sharing with distinguished speakers
from the academic, the government, as well as from representatives of our development
partners. I also hope that you could make time to enjoy sightseeing around at least one among
hundreds of our temples in Siem Reap and to experience the pride of our heritage.
Again, I would like to thank you for being with us today and I wish you all the best during
your stay in Cambodia. Thank you.

Appendix 4
Presentation in Session 1: Briefing on Directives and Outcomes of Recent
GMS High Level Meetings and Progress Report on the Regional
Investment Framework

Appendix 5
Presentation in Session 2: Overview of the GMS HRD Agenda and
Integrative paper on Demographics, Human Capital, and Labor Market
Developments in the GMS

Appendix 6
Presentations in Session 3: Development of Technical and
Vocational Education and Training Skills and
Qualifications Recognition Framework

Appendix 7
Presentations in Session 4: Improving GMS Higher Education Cooperation

Appendix 8
Reports of the Subgroup Breakout Sessions
Education, Health and Labor and Migration Subgroups

REPORT OF THE HRD EDUCATION SUBGROUP

14th Meeting of the GMS WGHRD
Siem Reap, 19-20 November 2015

Higher education and research cooperation in the GMS countries under R-PATA 8549
touch on two broad categories:
(i)
(ii)

Cross-border partnerships (non-instructional collaboration in research, faculty

development and accreditations, internal quality assurance); and
Cross-national harmonization of curricula (academic credit transfer schemes).

Challenges:
The HRD subgroup in education acknowledged the following challenges to achieve
greater cooperation in higher education:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

(iv)
(v)

Variability in education standards and quality within and across countries;

Lack of harmonized accreditation system;
In TVET, the insufficient job opportunities and low income earning opportunities
for TVET graduates, which have likely affected its attractiveness among students
and parents;
Insufficient engagement of private sector or business community in both higher
education and TVET, which is necessary for job and skills matching; and
Lack of sufficient resources and applied research hinder innovation.

Opportunities:
Some of the opportunities identified were:
(i)
(ii)

Collaboration among GMS countries to train unskilled workers; and

Capacity building programs for government officials in skills provision were
identified as opportunities that can be further explored.

Recommendations:
The education subgroup recommended the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Intensify subregional knowledge-sharing;

Establish regional skills needs information system to align knowledge and skills
with labor market needs.
Conduct technical seminars to discuss TVET standards in each GMS country
and a short-term TVET trainers exchange program; and
Conduct assessment of financing gaps in TVET and higher education provision
by government and private sector providers.

REPORT OF THE HRD HEALTH SUBGROUP

14th Meeting of the GMS WGHRD
Siem Reap, 19-20 November 2015
The Health Security Project is one of the Initiatives in regional health cooperation in
the GMS in the pipeline. It follows the series of subregional projects supporting control of
communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS and malaria. The project was undertaken from
2006 to 2015 in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam.
Challenges:
The Health subgroup enumerated some of the major challenges in regional
cooperation in health, as follows:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)

Need for more effective coordination mechanisms for infectious disease control in
the entire subregion (PRC);
Lack of common protocol/manual to control communicable diseases (THA);
Need for better Information exchange among GMS countries (MYA; LAO);
Need to improve the quality of health service delivery, health education and
health human resource (VIE; LAO);
Provision for mental health care (CAM);
Control of Malaria (CAM);
Variability of health systems across GMS countries (CAM).

Opportunities:
Some of the opportunities identified were:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

Sharing of expertise in fighting infectious diseases (PRC);

Establishment of a common protocol or SOP to improve communicable disease
control (THA);
improved information-sharing among GMS countries (MYA; LAO);
Harmonization of standards and quality assurance for health professionals across
the region (VIE; LAO);
Establishment of a Mental Health Care Program (CAM)

Recommendations:
The subgroup recommended the following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Improve coordination mechanisms and cross-border collaboration in health within

the GMS (PRC; CAM);
Intensify information-sharing and networking on communicable disease control,
especially along the borders (THA)
Strengthen border coordination with regard to HIV prevention and food safety
(VIE);
Establish quality assurance for medical /health professional;
Provide social security scheme (MYA); and
Explore possible public-private partnership in health service delivery (LAO).

REPORT OF THE HRD LABOR AND MIGRATION SUBGROUP

14th Meeting of the GMS WGHRD
Siem Reap, 19-20 November 2015
Challenge:
The subgroup on labor and migration identified the large number of irregular migrant
workers (going out - in the case of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao PDR and coming in - in the
case of Thailand) as the main challenge in mitigating the social cost of greater integration in the
GMS. The reasons posited for the large irregular migration are the high costs of official
documents and the long time it takes to acquire them. Many migrants opt to pay unregistered
brokers from US$200-US$400 to be brought to Thailand. Most migrants are low-skilled and
must hurdle language barriers. They also mainly work in 3-D jobs (Dirty, Danger, Difficult).
Because of their status, they have no social protection and are vulnerable to exploitation
Opportunities for Cooperation:
The subgroup identified opportunities for cooperation in the following areas:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)

Establishing awareness raising programs for potential migrants. This includes

training of trainers at the community level.
Establishing more Migrant Resource Centers (MRC) and providing capacity
building for people staffing the MRCs.
Holding workshops on human trafficking in the region.
Expanding pre-departure orientation to also include family members of migrants.
Tackling the challenge of coming up with an agreement on low-skilled workers
and not just skilled workers.
Providing skills training and skills certification to migrant workers in the GMS.
Expanding access of migrants to social services (e.g. Thailands program to
allow migrants to buy health insurance).
Exploring the possibility of an alternative and less costly documentation for crossborder labour migrants in the GMS.

Appendix 9
Presentation in Session 6: Urban Development Strategic Framework and
Action Plan and its HRD Dimension

Appendix 10

RECAP OF DAY 1 OF WGHRD-14

1.
We had a very productive meeting yesterday. We heard comprehensive and insightful
presentations from our invited presenters and discussants on many topics that inform our
initiatives under the HRD Strategic Framework and Action Plan.
2.
We learned that our efforts are being recognized at the highest levels of the GMS at the
levels of the GMS Senior Officials, the GMS Ministers and the GMS Leaders. This reaffirms that
we are on the right track towards achieving what we had set out to do under our HRD Action Plan,
and our collective commitment to further promote subregion cooperation in HRD, particularly in
the context of building competitiveness in the subregion. We recognize that WGHRD will continue
to play in the context of the cross-cutting element of the GMS Program and in implementing and
monitoring HRD projects in the GMS Regional Investment Framework and Action Plan.
3.
In our discussion of the GMS HRD Agenda and Demographics, Human Capital, and
Labor Market Developments in the GMS, it became clear to us that amid growing economic
integration and cooperation in the GMS, a high degree of labor mobility (both internal and across
countries) is to be expected. Though much progress has been made, additional public policies are
called for to ease the interregional migration of professionals and skilled workers. A major policy
challenge relates to the migration across borders of unskilled workers. As regional integration and
cooperation proceed, job search and labor flows within the GMS are expected to strengthen
through time. The ultimate goal is to have efficient job-worker matches that replace inferior ones.
In this connection, knowledge and skill acquisition are essential. Cooperation in knowledge and
skill acquisition is well advised, especially in higher education, and technical and vocational
education and training. Constraints to financing higher education and postsecondary TVET must
be overcome. Joint actions on capacity building for policy design are indicated. Improving the
networking among institutions of higher learning and among TVET schools involving, for instance,
academic unit transfers and mutual recognition in selected skills are thus well advised.
4.
Regarding our ongoing initiative on the Development of Technical Vocational Education
and Training (TVET) Skills and Qualifications Recognition Framework, we heard that activities
under the direction of GIZ are proceeding towards the identification of skill areas and the
development of the mutual recognition framework in consultation with various stakeholders.
Some challenges identified include the different systems in the 5 countries, the regulated hiring
processes and education, and that access in some countries is dependent on nationality. There
will be discussions during the interviews and the second workshop planned in March 2016.
5.
SEAMEO Secretariat briefed us about the Southeast Asia TVET Consortium, a platform
for TVET institutions and stakeholders in Southeast Asian countries to work together in
harmonizing and internationalizing their programs, teachers, and students. Priority areas covered
are hospitality and tourism, electronics, mechatronics, manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries,
and construction. Members of the Consortium include policy makers and government agencies,
TVET institutions, related development agencies, and industrial sector.
6.
On GMS Higher Education Cooperation, under the Academic Credit Transfer Framework
for Asia (ACTFA) and the GMS University Consortium projects, activities are underway starting
1

Appendix 10

with a kick-off meeting held in July 2015 of 24 nominated universities from each country as part of
the Consortium, national workshops planned in February 2016, to be followed by analysis by
universities, comparative analysis to come up with a proposed framework, to be tabled for
adoption/endorsement by the university community and endorsement by member countries to
adopt the framework. Areas of collaboration include: research and development, system
infrastructure, HRD, and social development. SEAMEO-RIHED is now preparing a request to
ADB on capacity building for the universities in the GMS-UC. She also briefed the meeting on
SEAMEOs mission, vision, and goal and 5-year implementation plan for 2012-2017.
7.
Under ASEAN University Network (AUN), a 3-year project on Strengthening Capacity of
University Quality Assurance System Towards Uplifting Higher Education Quality in GMS
Countries, specifically training on strengthening capacity of university QA System and
development of national QA Handbook in selected GMS countries is being pursued under
R-PATA 8549 Phase 2. Between 2014-2016 several training activities have been lined up that are
expected to deliver such outcomes as the building of QA culture among internal stakeholders,
recognition by public and private sectors of promotion of higher quality education, provision of
more academic and student mobility opportunities at national, regional and international levels,
increased education quality that fosters employability of graduates as a better skilled and qualified
workforce, and ultimately supporting national economic development as well as narrowing
development gap among ASEAN countries. In addition to the training activities, on-site
consultancy will develop national QA Handbook in CLM countries to provide a handbook for
translation to local languages and dissemination nationwide. In short, the project is working to
support intra-inter workforce mobility and regional integration.
8.
We learned about a new GMS Urban Development Strategic Framework and Action Plan
that represents the collective aim of the GMS countries to secure Sustainable urban
development in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Urban development in itself is multi-sector,
hence it requires close coordination with other GMS working groups and sector initiatives such as
WGHRD. Urban development supports HRD by creating, clean, efficient, and healthy urban areas
in which individuals can maintain their wellbeing and health and develop their skills.
9.
We look forward to another productive morning as we listen to the country statements
from the 6 GMS countries and our distinguished development partners, and finally wind up our
meeting around noon.

Appendix 11
Presentations in Session 7: Country Statements