Another feather to our cap!
Regional Director Angelina M.Carreon, CESO III of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority MIMAROPA served as one of the distinguished presenters at the ASEAN TVET Conference in Malaysia, August 13-14, 2025.
Held at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN TVET Conference 2025 brought together over 1,000 participants including national and regional TVET government representatives, policymakers, national and regional employer federations, industry leaders, TVET employers and business associations, and technical education experts to tackle the urgent need for digital upskilling in the ASEAN workforce. This conference was aimed at bridging existing skills gaps, promoting inclusivity, strengthening regional collaborations, and enhancing public- private partnerships.
With a wealth of experience from similar engagements in South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Bangladesh, RD Carreon delivered a compelling presentation on how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly digitizing economy, emphasizing the critical role of digital upskilling in preparing workers for Industry 4.0.
On the presentation topic, Digital Transformation of TVET: Digital Skills for a Future- Ready ASEAN Workforce, RD Carreon shares insights on Industry 4.0 Readiness and calls for stronger policies and industry collaboration. She emphasized that ASEAN must align standards to ensure workforce mobility and competitiveness and that industry partnerships are crucial to keeping training relevant in fast- changing sectors. She added that bridging the digital divide requires infrastructure investment, especially in rural areas, and that teachers or TVET trainers need upskilling to integrate AI (Artificial Intelligence), AR (Augmented Reality)/VR(Virtual Reality), and digital credentialing intro curricula.
While advancements like AI-powered learning and micro-credentials offer exciting possibilities, RD Carreon acknowledged hurdles such as limited resources, resistance to change, and the urban-rural skills gap. She called for regional cooperation to ensure no ASEAN worker is left behind.
This isn’t the first time RD Carreon has represented the Philippines on the global stage. Earlier this year, she spoke at the 2025 International TVET Forum and TVET- Campus Seminar in South Korea, on the equally- relevant topic, Sustainable Funding Strategies for Lifelong Learning Programs, reinforcing her reputation as a leading advocate for future-ready skills development, on top of her long- standing career with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
RD Carreon first joined the National Manpower and Development Council before it became TESDA, where she held various roles including Chief TESD Specialist, OIC District Director of TESDA Manila, Assistant Executive Director of the Planning Office in TESDA Main, and her current role as Regional Director of TESDA MIMAROPA.
“Digital transformation in TVET isn’t just about technology—it’s about policy, collaboration, and lifelong learning… The future belongs to nations that invest in digital TVET today. With strong policies, industry synergy, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the region can build a workforce ready to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”, RD Carreon notably said as she wrapped up her speech in the ASEAN TVET Conference 2025.