Malaysia seeks global TVET council with China as permanent host
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says China has agreed in principle to the proposal, which could widen cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese training institutions.
China has given in-principle support to a Malaysian proposal for a World Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The proposal envisages China as its permanent host and secretariat.
Speaking to reporters in Tianjin, Zahid said his counterpart Ding Xuexiang and China’s Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng had conveyed their agreement at a meeting. Zahid subsequently presented the proposal formally in his keynote speech at the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training Development Conference 2026 (WVTEDC 2026).
Zahid said the proposed council would provide an ongoing platform for countries to cooperate on technology, skills development and workforce training. China’s role as permanent secretariat would involve coordinating exchanges of expertise and knowledge among members.
He said the initiative could also broaden ties between Malaysian and Chinese TVET institutions. Possible collaboration would involve China’s Luban Workshop training centres, the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) and local TVET institutions, potentially leading to skills training programmes aligned with job-market needs.
Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Committee, pointed to participation by over 100 countries and attendance by 48 ministers at WVTEDC 2026 as evidence of international commitment to education and skills training.
