BILT Bridging Event - TVET for hospitality and tourism: Solutions for the digital and green transition

Mr Peter Lam, Principal & CEO, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore

Ms Karen Chong, Coordinating Divisional Director of Higher Education Group, Ministry of Education, Singapore

Mr Christoph Hallier, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Singapore

Ms Catrin Hannken, Deputy Director General for VET, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany

Mr Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC

As the serving UN Resident Coordinator for Singapore, I am both happy and honoured to be delivering opening remarks at this conference on “TVET for Hospitality and Tourism: Solutions for the Digital and Green Transition."

The United Nations recognizes the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a vital component of sustainable development, and a key driver for achieving inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and fostering economic growth.

TVET is essential in addressing the skills gap, improving employability, and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of individuals and communities.

Across the work of our agencies, funds and programmes, and in various country contexts and circumstances, the UN works to strengthen TVET systems, promote international cooperation, and advocate for the integration of TVET into national development strategies.

As technological change continues to reshape industries and create new opportunities in the Asia Pacific and ASEAN, we need effective TVET policies and systems that are responsive to evolving labor market demands, promote inclusion and gender equality, and foster sustainability, innovation and technological advancements.

Alignment of curricula not only enhances employability but also promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Beyond policies, it is crucial to break away from the perception that TVET is a second-choice option and instead promote it as a viable and respected career pathway.

TVET policies should also aim to incentivizing youth to choose this path from the early stages of their education. TVET should be relevant, affordable, flexible and more appealing, particularly to girls and women.

This is at the heart of the UN’s advocacy and programming. In Malaysia, we have witnessed the direct impact of TVET on employment and entrepreneurship, especially in areas with large vulnerable youth populations, such as Sabah.

The BILT project and events such as today’s illustrate how action can benefit from bridges beyond national borders and systems.

International cooperation in the field of education and in TVET in particular offers several advantages. It facilitates the alignment of TVET systems and the imparted skills with global standards and trends.

Collaboration allows for the transfer of advanced technologies, methodologies, teaching practices, and peer-learning among educators. It enhances the quality and relevance of TVET programs. Cooperation increases the potential of the portability of qualifications and therefore access of employment opportunities across borders, critical in the tourism industry.

As the UN prepares to convene the Summit of the Future in 2024, a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to address the challenges facing the world today and to build a better future for all, events such as today’s and the outcome, ideas and recommendations will undoubtedly contribute to moving the needle on TVET as a pillar of the inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future our next generations aspire to and most certainly deserve.

I reiterate my appreciation to the partners and organizers for inviting me and wish you a successful conference.