Selected Engagements

Turkmenistan Skills for the Future Initiative

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Presented a strategic workforce development framework supporting Turkmenistan’s long-term economic and skills ambitions. The engagement explored international approaches to qualifications reform, employer-led skills systems, teacher development, quality assurance, and future workforce capability.

The presentation highlighted international case studies from across the Middle East, including large-scale workforce development, vocational education reform, technical training, and industry-aligned qualifications frameworks — demonstrating proven pathways for Turkmenistan skills development and human capital development.

Key themes included: skills for economic diversification, industry-led TVET, future workforce readiness, national quality assurance systems, capacity building for educators and institutions, and sustainable skills ecosystem development.

The engagement contributed to discussions on future workforce priorities and the role of skills development in supporting national growth, competitiveness, and long-term economic transformation through a robust national skills strategy.

International Dialogue on TVET in Shifting Socio-economic Paradigm

Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr Tony Degazon participated in an international panel discussion exploring the evolving role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in responding to changing socio-economic realities, workforce disruption and future labour market demands.

The dialogue focused on inclusive workforce pathways, employability, competency-based learning, employer-aligned training systems and the role of TVET in supporting sustainable economic development.

The conference brought together international education leaders, policymakers, workforce experts and institutional stakeholders to discuss the future of skills-based economies.

ICCA Dubai — Hospitality Workforce Development & International Skills Recognition

Dubai, UAE

Dr Tony Degazon spoke at ICCA Dubai in support of an internationally acclaimed hospitality skills initiative designed to educate and train talented but financially underprivileged young chefs in the UAE hospitality industry.

Launched in 2014, the initiative provides an annual continuing education award valued at over AED 1 million, helping bridge skills gaps across the hospitality sector while promoting a more socially inclusive working environment.

Delivered in strategic partnership with the Emirates Culinary Guild, Worldchefs, the programme supports deserving chefs to gain international recognition, develop professional confidence, and create lasting opportunities for themselves and their families.