Hanoi (VNA) – The APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue onHuman Resources Development in the Digital Age officially opened in Hanoi onMay 15.

In hisopening remarks, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) DaoNgoc Dung said technology and digitalization have made important contributionsto improving labour productivity, generating jobs and developing new economicmodels and new markets.

However, they also pose a lot of challenges to the labour market and labourrelations as there is a need for new professions and skills, he noted.

Grasping opportunities from the fourth Industrial Revolution and activelyadjusting policies on employment and vocational training will be key to humanresources development in APEC economies, he stated.

As the regional economies are making strong efforts to ensure a comprehensivegrowth, focusing on increasing the labour force’s adaptability to meettechnology development requirements, the dialogue reflects APEC’s commitment tostrengthening and fostering regional cooperation in line with human resourcesdevelopment demands, he added.

Delivering the keynote speech at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Damhighlighted that human resources are the centre of the development, especiallyin the digital age. The development of science and technology, particularlyinformation technology, is setting new requirements and creating new conditionsfor human resources development.

“Technology not only helps increase labour productivity but also connects allpeople around the world,” he said, adding that it encourages individuals toaffirm their personal creativity and value.

Dam also mentioned the fourth Industrial Revolution with information technologyas its foundation, saying that the appearance of new jobs to replace the oldones requires basic changes in education and training, not only for developingcountries like Vietnam but also all nations.

He stressed the need to ensure equal access to education for all vulnerablegroups in the society, inspire creativity among children, align theory withpractice, connect schools and businesses, and most importantly train necessaryskills of a global citizen.

Noting the importance of makingforecasts on technological developments, Dr. Alan Bollard, APEC SecretariatExecutive Director, said this dialogue will discuss a draft framework on humanresources development, the labour market and social welfare for disadvantagedpeople which will be submitted for APEC higher-level meetings forconsideration.-VNA