State Visit of the President of China: Strategic Malaysia-China Relations in TVET and Industrial Diplomacy

The official visit of the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to Malaysia in April 2025 further highlights the close relationship that has long existed between the two countries. In the context of diplomacy, cooperation between Malaysia and China not only covers trade, politics, and strategic issues such as the South China Sea, but also includes critical areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and high-technology industries.

"Learning is like climbing a hill; if you do not keep going, you will slip back." – This Chinese proverb reflects Malaysia's need to continuously move forward in pursuit of technological advancement.

The establishment of the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI), now one year old, reflects the national aspiration led by YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Realizing the vast benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), MCI was formed to ensure Malaysia does not lag behind in seizing strategic cooperation opportunities. The tireless efforts led by Dato' Seri Zahid have borne fruitful results, notably through close collaboration with Beifang Vocational Education Group, a renowned TVET institution from China.

In this short period, over 2,576 Malaysian TVET talents have undergone training under the Malaysia-China Youth TVET Training (MCYTT) program. Of this number, eight local talents have successfully been appointed as expert trainers in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology, in addition to hundreds of Malaysian TVET instructors who have gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies and pedagogies from leading institutions in China.

"A rolling stone gathers no moss." – This proverb reflects the importance of remaining proactive and dynamic in developing skilled manpower and national technology.

MCI has outlined several key technologies as strategic focus areas for developing a highly skilled national workforce, including modern automotive technology, e-commerce, drone technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), marine industry, and smart factory systems. These efforts are executed through the integration of modern educational approaches such as Teaching Factory and Academy-in-Industry, which have been successfully implemented in China. MCI targets at least a 10% implementation of this model in Malaysia within the next five years, in alignment with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

To elevate the quality of TVET, MCI emphasizes the importance of dual certification, professional accreditation, satellite campuses, and parity in knowledge and instruction supported by China's advanced technology. This move is seen as crucial in aligning Malaysia’s TVET standards with global industrial needs.

"If you want prosperity for one year, grow grain. If you want prosperity for ten years, grow trees. If you want prosperity for one hundred years, educate people." – This Chinese proverb reinforces MCI's belief in education as a long-term investment.

Looking ahead, MCI is committed to driving the agenda of alignment, standardization, pedagogical enhancement, and technology adoption within Malaysia's TVET ecosystem. Strong cooperation through continuous support from China under the BRI is expected to attract more Chinese TVET industry institutions into Malaysia, encouraging technology transfer and sustainable local industrial development.

More importantly, MCI aims to emphasize that Malaysia-China vocational education diplomacy is not merely about TVET. It is a vital component of broader diplomatic relations, acting as the binding force that strengthens the strategic ties between both nations. In this context, MCI calls on all parties to support this mission so that the benefits of educational diplomacy can be fully realized by the citizens of both countries.

It is time for Malaysian society to be open-minded and accepting of the fact that China is now the leading force in global technology—an unstoppable momentum like a drifting log that cannot be restrained. Therefore, negative stigma and perceptions towards China are counterproductive, especially in the context of educational diplomacy such as TVET. Instead, embracing and recognizing China’s technological excellence will enable Malaysia to extract maximum benefits for national development.

"Do not fear slow progress; fear standing still." – This Chinese proverb perfectly reflects MCI’s bold approach in advancing TVET reform.

Among MCI’s major hopes for Malaysia-China vocational education diplomacy include:

• Establishment of Integrated Satellite Campuses: Setting up satellite campuses of Chinese TVET institutions in Malaysia equipped with cutting-edge technologies and capable of offering internationally recognized vocational training.

  
  

• Development of High-Tech Training Centers: Positioning Malaysia as a high-tech vocational training hub, making it a top choice for international students, especially from the ASEAN region.

  
  

• Exchange of Experts and Trainers: Promoting active exchanges of trainers and technology experts between Malaysia and China to ensure effective knowledge transfer.

  
  

• Strategic Industrial Investment: Encouraging renowned Chinese companies to establish branches and industrial training centers in Malaysia, creating job opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries.

  
  

• Empowerment of Vocational Entrepreneurs: Supporting the development of TVET entrepreneurs through incubator programs and entrepreneurship training managed in collaboration with leading Chinese institutions.

In conclusion, a famous Chinese proverb says: "One generation plants the tree; the next enjoys the shade." This reflects the hope of the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) through its #JihadTVET, #TVETSamaSama, and #DiplomatikTVET initiatives in realizing the aspiration of producing a highly competitive TVET generation for the shared progress of Malaysia and China.

YB MANNDZRI HJ NASIB

Chairman MCI