The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has hosted the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Occupational Safety and Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET) Conference.
It also hosted the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting in Da Nang, bringing together representatives from ASEAN Member States, international organisations, development partners and the private sector to strengthen regional cooperation on workplace safety.
Regional OSH priorities reviewed
The 13th ASEAN-OSHNET Conference took place on 7 July, followed by the 27th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting from 8 to 9 July.
During the Coordinating Board Meeting, ASEAN Member States reviewed progress on regional occupational safety and health (OSH) initiatives, discussed implementation of the ASEAN-OSHNET Work Plan 2026 to 2030 and considered future cooperation with external partners.
The meeting also acknowledged the successful completion of Thailand’s Chairmanship of ASEAN-OSHNET and welcomed Vietnam as Chair for the 2026 to 2027 term.
AI and digital technologies in workplace safety
Held under the theme “Digital Transformation and AI in Occupational Safety and Health in ASEAN”, the conference examined how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can strengthen OSH management, improve labour inspection, enhance workplace risk assessments and support evidence based policymaking.
Delegates shared experiences of national digital initiatives, including AI enabled monitoring systems, digital reporting platforms, electronic health records, virtual reality training and data driven approaches to workplace safety across a range of industries.
An enterprise dialogue also highlighted practical examples of digital technologies and AI being used to improve workplace safety while encouraging collaboration between governments, employers, workers and technology providers.
Commitment to prevention
Participants recognised the rapidly changing world of work and stressed the importance of adopting digital innovation responsibly to help prevent occupational accidents and diseases while ensuring technology remains human centred, inclusive and aligned with international labour standards.
Discussions also highlighted the value of regional cooperation in strengthening digital capabilities, promoting knowledge sharing and helping ASEAN Member States address emerging occupational safety and health challenges linked to technological transformation.
