Empowering ASEAN’s Education for RE Jobs: A Readiness Assessment

Abstract The global imperative to address climate change and the depletion of traditional fossil fuel sources has underscored the need for a significant transition toward sustainable energy. ASEAN Member States embark on a journey towards energy transition toward low carbon economy. This transition necessitates a substantial workforce, with projections from the 7th ASEAN Energy Outlook estimative around 3.9 - 5.5 million jobs in renewables alone. Thus, adequate preparation for these roles is essential. Educational institutions’ role in the ASEAN region is imperative as the spearhead in preparing the workforce with the needed knowledge and skills for green energy jobs. This paper analyses the region’s formal education system’s readiness to cultivate skilled workforce candidates to meet the growing demand for green energy jobs. This study examines the current state of RE education in the ASEAN region through several indicators and provides best practices highlighting that various challenges are causing limited and varying progress. Addressing the gaps, the study recommended several efforts by relevant stakeholders to enhance educational readiness to propel ASEAN renewables development.