Study on Employability of Vocational Graduates in the Agri-Food Sector in ASEAN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

(July, 2025). The Study on the Employability of Vocational Graduates in the Agri-Food Sector in ASEAN is an initiative under the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education (SCOPE-HE) Programme, funded by the European Union with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Conducted by a team of national and regional consultants led by SEAMEO VOCTECH between August 2024 and July 2025, the study presents a regional overview and individual country reports for all ten ASEAN Member States (AMS), with additional data collection in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.

The study was carried out in close consultation with government bodies in charge of TVET, several TVET institutions and private sector representatives across ASEAN. Stakeholder input was gathered through a regional hybrid consultation meeting (October 2024), a regional workshop (October 2024) and a regional policy dialogue (November 2024), as well as ongoing correspondence with SOM-ED and ATC focal points between February and April 2025. 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The agri-food sector is a crucial pillar of economic growth and food security in the ASEAN region, contributing significantly to employment and national Gross Domestic Products (GDPs). With increasing digitalisation and technological advancements, there is a growing need to align Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes with industry requirements, particularly in digital and green skills. The EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education (SCOPE-HE) Programme initiated this study to assess the employability of vocational graduates within the agri-food sector across ASEAN. The study aims to identify workforce requirements, map the role of digital skills and examine private sector engagement with TVET institutions to enhance curriculum alignment with industry demands.

This research contributes to the ASEAN TVET Council’s Work Plan 2021–2030, supporting equitable access to TVET and strengthening competencies in green jobs, digitalisation and Industry 4.0.

THE STUDY’S KEY OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

1. Assessing the employability levels of TVET graduates in the agri-food sector, with a focus on industry demand for digital skills
2. Analysing industry demand versus the current supply of skilled graduates through indicators such as TVET policy and curricula
3. Mapping private sector engagement with TVET institutions and identifying challenges in integrating transferable skills into training standards.