The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Malaysian government are exploring ways to expand cooperation on jobs and skills training for Filipinos.

During the courtesy call of Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino to Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on Monday, they discussed expanding cooperation on skills training, green jobs, technology-driven upskilling, workforce development, and certification for the halal food industry.

They also talked about other initiatives to help Filipino workers gain skills that align with the changing demands of the regional labor market.

Tolentino also discussed the issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) for Malaysian nationals and proposed direct coordination between the Malaysian Embassy and DOLE.

“Faster time, embassy-to-department engagement… So, we do away with other extra bureaucratic layers and at the same time make this faster and seamless,” he said in a statement.

Around 300 Malaysian-owned companies operate in the Philippines, particularly in agribusiness, halal trade, renewable energy, tourism, and logistics.

In 2025, DOLE issued an estimated 2,029 Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) to Malaysian nationals employed primarily as managers and professionals.

Castelino thanked the Philippines for its continued support and close friendship with their nation.

He said Malaysia recognized the DOLE’s role, especially in promoting jobs, opportunities, and in “ensuring that our workers are safe and protected.”

Malaysia remains one of the largest destinations for Filipino workers in Southeast Asia.

As of May 2025, more than 13,000 land-based overseas Filipino workers were employed in the said nation, mostly in the construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and domestic service sectors. (PNA)