In our June blog poll, we asked readers what they believe are the top skills that the youth of Asia and the Pacific need to finding jobs today.

Although skills mismatch has only recently become a pressing problem in the region, it is likely to worsen if education systems and technical and vocational education training (TVET) programs do not adapt to the new demands of the labor market.

This was not the case before, as most education systems in developing Asia were able to meet the skills required for employment, but global trends have altered the picture.

Traditional learning methods, according to a World Economic Forum report released early this year, cannot keep up with current employer demands.

Given that the current youth unemployment rate of 13.1% according to the ILO is thrice the adult employment rate, skills alignment is crucial for the future of 754 million young people in Asia and the Pacific, where skills mismatch can result in wasted economic potential.