Empowering Asia’s Workforce for Tomorrow
Dear Colleagues, Educators, Industry Partners, and Friends of INAVETA,
Asia is at an important point in the development of tertiary and vocational education. Rapid technological change, automation, artificial intelligence, the green transition, and changing labour-market needs are reshaping the world of work and the skills people need to succeed.
In this changing environment, education must go beyond preparing people for their first job. We must help build a culture of lifelong learning, adaptability, innovation, and continuous skills development, enabling individuals and communities to respond to change with confidence. This also requires closer alignment between tertiary and vocational education and the evolving needs of industry.
As we move forward in 2026, INAVETA is committed to three key strategic priorities:
1. Future-Ready Education and Training
We will encourage the enrich of curricula, qualifications, and training programmes that strengthen adaptability, digital and data literacy, emerging and green technology skills, innovation, and practical competencies, while maintaining strong academic foundations.
2. Bridging Education and Industry
We will promote meaningful partnerships among educational and training institutions, industry, governments, and other stakeholders. Our aim is to ensure that education and skills development remain relevant to changing industry needs and that graduates are better prepared for employment, entrepreneurship, and career development.
3. Inclusive Access to Lifelong Learning
We will support greater access to education, training, and lifelong learning, particularly for underserved and disadvantaged communities, including young people with limited opportunities to participate in formal education and training. INAVETA believes that access to relevant skills and learning opportunities should not be limited by geography, social background, or economic circumstances.
At the same time, we must work together to change perceptions of technological, technical and vocational oriented careers. These pathways should not be viewed as alternatives to academic excellence. They are essential to the development of modern economies and provide valuable opportunities for individuals to build rewarding careers.
By promoting high standards, quality assurance, industry relevance, practical learning, and internationally recognised qualifications, we can strengthen the quality, status, and attractiveness of vocational and technical education across Asia.
Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, INAVETA seeks to contribute to a stronger, more connected, and more responsive tertiary and vocational education community. Our ambition is not simply to prepare for the future of work, but to play an active role in shaping it.
Together, let us build a future-ready Asia—an Asia where skills empower people, education creates opportunity, innovation drives progress, and collaboration helps transform communities and societies.
With warm regards,
Prof. (Dr.) Hemachandra Lilaknath Obeyesekera
President
INAVETA