All publications: Malaysia

Brief

Generative AI and labour markets in ASEAN: Significant exposure, limited disruption, uneven preparedness

The brief finds that while generative AI has the potential to reshape work in ASEAN, there is little evidence of widespread labour market disruption so far, with future outcomes depending largely on countries' preparedness, policy choices and...

Demographic change

Demographic shifts in Asia and the Pacific: Policy insights from partner countries

Responsible business conduct (RBC)

From principles to practice: Responsible Business Conduct among Malaysian electrical and electronics and automotive enterprises

Labour migration

Towards fair seas: Recruitment and working conditions for migrant workers in the fishing and seafood processing sectors in South-East Asia

This comprehensive regional survey assesses the working and living conditions for migrants in the fishing and seafood processing sectors, including the prevalence of forced labour.

Migration

Enhancing Regular Pathways for Labour Migration in South-East Asia

This Issue Brief highlights the context of labour migration – in particular temporary labour migration into elementary occupations – from and within South-East Asia, setting out the key challenges that reduce access to regular pathways and limit...

Understanding rights at work

A guide to key terms related to fundamental principles and rights at work, trade and supply chains

TRIANGLE in ASEAN

Labour migration in ASEAN: Analysis from the International Labour Migration Statistics Database in ASEAN

Labour migration is an established feature in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and its labour markets. Reliable and comprehensive statistical data is essential to inform evidence-based policy to govern labour migration and...

TRIANGLE in ASEAN

Labour migration governance in ASEAN

A review of the implementation of recommendations from the 3rd to 16th ASEAN Forums on Migrant Labour

Migration

Advancing Skills Mobility, Recognition and Development in ASEAN: Unlocking Opportunities for Migrant Workers through the Vientiane...

This report, developed in support of the Vientiane Declaration on Skills Mobility, Recognition and Development for Migrant Workers, and its accompanying Checklist, presents a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges and opportunities in...

Migrant Worker Resource Centres

Empowering Migrant Workers: Lessons Learned from ILO Migrant Worker Resource Centres in the ASEAN region

This publication draws on the experience of the International Labour Organisation’s support for Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) in the ASEAN region. It highlights how these centres improve access to information, legal aid, and social...

Briefing note

TRIANGLE in ASEAN Quarterly Briefing Note: ASEAN

Below Quarterly Briefing Note gives an update on our work in ASEAN during the previous quarter.

Social Protection

The future of social insurance in Viet Nam: Policy options and recommendations

Viet Nam is making bold progress toward universal social insurance, backed by strong policy reforms and expanding coverage. This report highlights strategic ILO recommendations to support the next phase of legal and structural transformation.

Accelerating Action Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in ASEAN

Recommendations of the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour

These are the recommendations of the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 9-10 September 2025.

ADBI-OECD-ILO joint publication

Labor Migration in Asia: Fair recruitment, training, and development

This publication captures new and emerging trends in labour migration in Asia, with a focus on recruitment, training and development.

ILO brief

Climate change, environmental degradation and labour mobility in the ASEAN region

This policy brief explores cross-border movement related to climate change in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Labour migration

Rights and Access to Remedies for migrant workers from Viet Nam to Japan

This information sheet provides essential tips for migrant workers from Vietnam to Japan.

Study

Bridging Gaps, Building Support: Strengthening Services for Forced Labour Cases

This study, Bridging Gaps, Building Support: Strengthening Services for Forced Labour Cases, commissioned under the Advancing Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work on Forced Labour and Child Labour in Malaysia project and supported by Employment...

Research Report

Innovative approaches to formalization in Asia and the Pacific: Background report to ILO Asia and the Pacific Tripartite Regional Knowledge...

This report showcases a wide range of innovations that are taking place across Asia and the Pacific to tackle informality, ranging from state-of-the-art use of technology to facilitate formalization, to community-based approaches to protect workers...

Study

Addressing forced labour and child labour in the electronics and electrical sector in Malaysia

This study is supported by the project “Advancing Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work on Forced Labour and Child Labour in Malaysia”, with funding support from the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), whose contribution has been...

Seven country cases review

Skills needs intelligence to inform migration policy and governance

This study investigates how seven countries—spanning advanced economies (United Kingdom and Canada) and emerging markets (Bangladesh, Guyana, Malaysia, India, and South Africa)—leverage skills needs intelligence to inform migration policies.