On June 23-24, the China-Southeast Asia Capacity Development Workshop themed on “Transforming TVET and Skills Ecosystem for the Digital Era” was successfully held in Beijing. The workshop is organised by the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), and the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO-TED), co-organised by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia (UNESCO Beijing), China Pocy Group, and China-ASEAN Specialised Committee for Education Cooperation and Development of the China-Association for Non-Government Education, and receives support from Chengdu Global Skills Academy and China Craft Valley·Beijing Caofeidian International Vocational Education Town.
Delegates from six Southeast Asian countries—Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—comprising 29 vocational education administrators and domain experts, along with nearly 100 domestic representatives from Chinese vocational colleges, industry enterprises, and research institutions, as well as participants from countries including Zambia, gathered to conducted in-depth dialogues on key themes covering TVET innovation, managerial capacity building, digital transformation and industry-education integration strategies for vocational and technical education, to strengthening TVET systems and enhancing their responsiveness to digital transformation in the region.
The workshop officially kicked off on June 24. Prof. Zhou Zuoyu, Director of UNESCO INRULED and Vice Chair of the University Council of Beijing Normal University, Ms. Liu Xiao, Deputy Director of the Education, Culture and Tourism Division of the ACC, Dr. Songheang Ai, Centre Director of SEAMEO-TED, and Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered opening remarks.
Prof. Zhou Zuoyu noted that the digital era calls for an open, collaborative and shared regional skills ecosystem for TVET, aiming to cultivate learners’ adaptability, lifelong learning and innovation capabilities. He added that the workshop will explore digital-era TVET development paths, promote industry-education integration and cross-border resource sharing, tailor talent training to digital and green economy demands, and advance inclusive and sustainable regional development to promote the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Ms. Liu Xiao emphasised that TVET serves as a key pillar for regional people-to-people connectivity, industrial growth and inclusive development. The ACC will leverage its bridging role, follow digital education trends, and connect governments, vocational institutions and enterprises. This will deepen pragmatic ASEAN-China TVET cooperation so as to boost the high-quality development of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Dr. Songheang Ai stated that evolving technology has reshaped global industries and job roles, requiring continuous workforce skill upgrading. SEAMEO-TED will deepen regional cooperation, optimise school-enterprise collaboration and align TVET training with industrial needs. Regional challenges, including structural skills mismatches and a lack of professional talent, are expected to be addressed through the application of digital technologies and AI.
Prof. Shahbaz Khan stressed in his video remarks that UNESCO regards TVET as a core driver for regional economic recovery and industrial upgrading against the backdrop of global skill system reforms. He stressed that future-ready TVET should meet evolving skill demands and balance technological progress with holistic human development. He hoped all participants could strengthen cooperation to build a resilient, inclusive, innovative and future-oriented regional TVET system.
During the keynote session, Dr. Tang Min, former Counsellor of the State Council and Chairman of the China-ASEAN Specialized Committee for Education Cooperation and Development of the China-Association for Non-Government Education, shared insights on the collaborative layout of China-ASEAN TVET, cross-border digital talent cultivation, and long-term mechanisms for regional cooperation. Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela, former Secretary-General of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and Chair of the Advisory Board of the ASEAN AI Council under the Pathways to ASEAN Association (P2A), pointed out that artificial intelligence, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning are emerging as core trends in regional vocational education reform. She emphasised that countries should coordinate efforts to advance digital infrastructure development, upgrade industry-oriented curricula, strengthen professional teacher training, and build inclusive and accessible campuses, working together to construct a skills ecosystem that aligns with the region’s development needs. Mr. Yao Yichun, Chairman of the Integration of Industry and Education Committee of World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations and Chairman and President of China POCY Group, pointed out that TVET reform in the digital era requires rebuilding the deep connection between vocational education and industrial development, and constructing an international industry-education integration ecosystem of shared resources, co-developed standards, and jointly researched projects. The opening remarks and keynote presentation sessions were moderated by Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/china-southeast-asia-tvet-management-capacity-building-workshop-successfully-concluded?hub=701
