ASEAN countries need to keep up with market needs by better preparing graduates to meet the changing landscape of the job market, former ASEAN secretary-general Ong Keng Yong says.

“In Thailand the tourism and hospitality industry is short of quality graduates. Of the 200,000 entering the market this year, only 20% have the skills required in this field,” he told a gathering attending a special lecture in Bangkok called “ASEAN in the Next 50 Years”, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN.

The curriculum should be readjusted to better equip new graduates with the skills that are needed in the job market, to ensure sustainable growth in ASEAN, he said.

Mr Ong said although modernisation and technology are beneficial to society, they also bring challenges such as a changing landscape in the job market.

Looking ahead, Mr Ong said economic growth and technology are other factors that should be considered to ensure ASEAN’s prosperity and that continual growth and prosperity for all member states is the number one priority.