China–South and Southeast Asia Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance established

The inaugural conference of the China–South and Southeast Asia Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance and its first forum were held in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan province, on Oct 23.

The venue of the China-South Asia and Southeast Asia Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance's inaugural conference. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 400 representatives from government departments, universities, research institutions, and enterprises from China and multiple South and Southeast Asian countries witnessed the alliance's establishment and explored new directions for international cooperation in vocational education.

The conference adopted the Charter of the China–South and Southeast Asia Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance and elected the first council and secretariat members.

Ma Wenhui, president of Yunnan University, delivered a keynote speech titled "The Mission and Tasks of the China–South and Southeast Asia Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance". He emphasized that the alliance's founding marks an important step forward in implementing China's strategy for building a strong education system and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. It also serves as a major part of Yunnan University's efforts to promote regional cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework and further educational openness.

The first academic forum of the alliance was held in the afternoon. Eight experts and scholars from government, industry, academia, and research sectors delivered reports on the theme of International Cooperation in Vocational Education in the RCEP Era.

Representatives from Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and other countries shared their experiences in vocational education development and discussed collaboration in joint programs, curriculum recognition, and faculty training.