DPM Zahid strengthens Malaysia-China ties, advances global TVET cooperation after five-day visit

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, concluded a five-day visit to China on October 16, 2021, which significantly bolstered bilateral ties in various sectors. The visit focused on strengthening Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cooperation, with both nations aiming to enhance human capital development and national economic growth. The discussions took place under the framework of the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During his stay, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of TVET 2.0, underlining the need for collaboration between educational institutions, industries, and the job market to ensure skills training remains relevant to the rapidly growing high-tech sector. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the significance of international collaboration in exchanging expertise, developing skills standards, and introducing new technologies to shape a highly skilled workforce.

The visit resulted in several commitments, such as expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, electric vehicles, nuclear technology, and digital economy. Both countries also discussed establishing a World TVET Council, with China proposed as the permanent secretariat, to strengthen international cooperation, coordinate best practices, and drive the development of a more integrated global skills ecosystem.

Malaysia proposed the bilateral recognition of qualifications and cross-border accreditation, and highlighted the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) as a strategic platform to strengthen the TVET ecosystem, particularly in future industries. The institute aims to facilitate technology transfer and expertise from Chinese strategic partners.

During bilateral meetings with Chinese officials, Ahmad Zahid discussed expanding trade, investment, and technology cooperation, the renewal of the Investment Guarantee Agreement, and the potential use of the Renminbi in related transactions. In addition, discussions focused on strengthening security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to combat transnational crime, especially online job scams and cybercrimes.

The visit also included sessions on disaster management, with Malaysia proposing technical cooperation with China to enhance preparedness for climate change-related risks using satellite monitoring technology, AI, early warning systems, joint training, capacity building, expert exchanges, and operational simulations. Furthermore, talks took place regarding cooperation in nuclear technology, science, and high-tech research, potentially involving Malaysian students pursuing studies at suitable higher education institutions in China.