KUCHING: The ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Summit 2025 officially kicked off today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, drawing participants from all ten ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste and over 70 international OSH experts from countries including Japan, Australia, the United States, Denmark, and Türkiye.
Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Malaysia, Chong Chieng Jen, described the summit as a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation to ensure safer, healthier and more inclusive workplaces.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to Deputy Human Resources Minister, Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman Mohamad for gracing the launch of this summit. His presence is a strong encouragement to the entire OSH community, not just in Malaysia but across the region,” said Chong during his opening remarks.
Chong noted that for the first time, six major OSH-related programmes are being held under one roof. These include COSH 2025, NISS 2025, the MaRINA 3.0 Workshop, the AOSHRI Executive Meeting, an ASEAN Workshop and Technical Visit, and the OSH Integrity Pledge – the latter aiming to set a new Guinness World Record.
“These efforts reflect our collective aspiration to promote occupational safety and health through collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing,” he said.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in spearheading regional OSH research, particularly through the MaRINA 3.0 initiative, which is expected to help ASEAN shape its scientific direction over the next five years.
“Through MaRINA 3.0, we hope to align OSH research priorities across ASEAN. This is a proud moment for Malaysia as we take on a bigger role in regional leadership,” he added.
Chong further shared that NIOSH Malaysia has trained millions of workers since it was founded in 1992. Just last year, more than 227,000 people completed NIOSH training programmes.
“One of our flagship efforts is the Occupational Psychological First Aid (OPFA) programme, which has trained over 11,000 individuals to provide mental health first aid in the workplace,” he said.
He also touched on the NIOSH Financial Institution Safety Passport (NFISP), which was launched earlier this year to recognise the financial sector’s commitment to worker safety. The programme is expected to broaden the regional reach of NIOSH’s Safety Passport framework.
Looking ahead, Chong said NIOSH aspires to be ASEAN’s top hub for OSH research and innovation, with a strong focus on evidence-based policies and emerging technologies.
“Our 13 specialised labs, including those for PPE testing, ergonomics and chemical analysis, are among the most advanced in Southeast Asia. These facilities don’t just support research they’re shaping the next generation of OSH professionals,” he said.
Chong also reaffirmed NIOSH Malaysia’s commitment to international partnerships, citing close collaborations with NIOSH USA, SESRIC Türkiye, AOSHRI and APOSHO.
He urged all stakeholders to see the summit not just as a gathering, but as a platform to spark meaningful change.
“The future of work in ASEAN must be built on our shared determination to protect, innovate and uplift. Let this summit be the beginning of something greater a safer, more inclusive future for all workers in our region,” Chong said.
Chong extended his appreciation to the organising committee, industry partners, government agencies, media, and all individuals who contributed to making the ASEAN OSH Summit 2025 a success.
“May this summit fulfil its purpose in advancing the government’s efforts under the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2021–2025,” he added.
By Connie Chieng