Signing Ceremony for the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Education Regional Development Center (Malaysia)

To deepen cooperation between China and Malaysia in language education and vocational training, and to promote the development of the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" education model in Southeast Asia, the signing ceremony for the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Education Regional Development Center (Malaysia) (hereinafter referred to as the "Development Center") was held on June 4 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was jointly organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China’s Ministry of Education, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), and Hebei University.

Deputy Director Zhang Xu of CLEC and UMPSA Vice Chancellor Professor Amizah attended the signing ceremony and delivered speeches, while Hebei University President Meng Qingyu gave a video address. The ceremony received high attention from the educational authorities of both countries. Notable attendees included Datin Noor Az, Secretary of the International Division of Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education; Yang Yinmei, Malaysian Dean of the UMPSA Confucius Institute; Li Lijun, Chinese Dean of the institute; representatives from Malaysia’s education sector; and media representatives from both nations, who collectively witnessed this significant moment.

During the ceremony, the three parties officially signed a cooperation agreement to jointly establish the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Education Regional Development Center (Malaysia). The collaboration will encompass local teacher training, curriculum development, vocational skill certification, and the formulation of industry language standards. The center will be based at UMPSA, with Hebei University providing curriculum and faculty support, to deliver high-quality, interdisciplinary talent development programs for Malaysia and neighboring countries.

In his speech, Zhang Xu emphasized that the Development Center should serve as a model platform for China-Malaysia cooperation, cultivating high-quality professionals and building a new bridge for cultural exchange. He highlighted the importance of advancing vocational education collaboration between the two countries to support local socioeconomic development and improve livelihoods. Professor Amizah noted that UMPSA has always valued exchanges and cooperation with Chinese universities and expressed hope that the center would further broaden international perspectives, deepen industry-education integration, and create more employment and development opportunities for Malaysian youth. Meng Qingyu stated that Hebei University would work closely with all parties to conduct localized, practical, and industry-aligned Chinese and vocational skills training in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, striving to make the center a new benchmark in China-Malaysia educational cooperation.

This signing marks the official launch of the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Education Regional Development Center in Malaysia, injecting fresh vitality and momentum into educational collaboration between the two countries. Moving forward, the three parties will continue to deepen their cooperation, aiming to establish the center as a key regional platform and exemplary model for "Chinese +" initiatives.