Authors:

    Suresh Kumar Dhameja
    Naeem Yaqoob
    Arlene Monge
    Stephanie Rimas
    Colombo Plan Staff College, Manila, Philippines

Abstract:

The accelerating shift towards digitalization, sustainability, and inclusive development has intensified the transformation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems across the Asia-Pacific region. This study examines the integration of digital, green, and inclusive competencies in TVET institutions by focusing on institutional practices, skills gaps, industry collaboration, innovation strategies, and implementation challenges. A descriptive-exploratory design was used based on the survey data from TVET professionals participating in a regional capacity-building program in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2026. Findings indicate that TVET systems are in a transitional stage, with strong integration of digital learning platforms, industry-linked training, and entrepreneurship-oriented curricula; however, significant gaps remain in digital/ICT and green competencies, reflecting a mismatch between labor market demands and current training provision. Institutional practices prioritize digitalization and work-based learning, while inclusive education and governance-related competencies remain less developed, and industry collaboration is largely limited to internships and training with weaker engagement in research, innovation, and commercialization. Key barriers include limited funding, insufficient faculty expertise, and inadequate infrastructure for digital, green, and inclusive TVET, while respondents highlight the importance of public-private partnerships, qualifications frameworks, and industry-driven initiatives. Regional cooperation, particularly through joint research, cross-border exchange, and qualifications harmonization, is identified as a key enabler of transformation. The study concludes that while Asia-Pacific TVET systems are increasingly aligning with digital, green, and inclusive agendas, they remain constrained by structural and capacity limitations, requiring a more integrated ecosystem-based approach to strengthen institutional readiness, workforce competencies, industry collaboration, and regional cooperation toward a future-ready TVET system aligned with Industry 5.0 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: TVET, Digital Transformation, Green Skills, Inclusive Education, Industry 5.0, Asia-Pacific Skills Development, Regional Cooperation