The 5th Regional Skills Technical Working Group Meeting was unique in the way that it brought together discussion on the progress on the implementation of both the Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the mutual recognition of skills, as well as sharing of updated information on the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework progresses. The meeting marks the first gathering of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement Chairs, the ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework Committee Member, Senior Labour Official Meetings focal points, skills focal points, regional industry representatives and regional employers' and workers' organizations, providing for the first forum ever to combine technical discussions and consultations on the implementation of both the Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the mutual recognition of skills. This is a milestone, as this meeting reflects the good will to collaborate on managing the recognition of skills that can help boost workers' welfare and deepen the regional economic integration and growth. In conclusion, the progress for both the Mutual Recognition Arrangements and mutual recognition of skills have been made, albeit slower than anticpated due to complex challenges. The participants of this meeting called for more capacity building, dialogue and cooperation in addressing restrictive domestic regulations and in narrowing the gap. The benefits of the tedious work of the skills recognition process and implementation outweigh the costs including the challenges, particuarly in promoting the fair recognition of migrant workers, hence, generating more growth and prosperity for all for the region. The first hurdle towards the realization remains to be strengthening of the national training and education system, including quality assurance. The next step would be to widen the scope by involving higher level and more stakeholders to take part in simplifying the recognition process to be more effective in promoting the freer movement of skilled workers.