TIANJIN: Malaysia has proposed the establishment of a World Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, with China as its permanent host, to strengthen international cooperation in skills and workforce development.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the council would serve as a permanent global platform for collaboration in skills development, technology and workforce advancement.
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“The council would convene annually to bring nations, industry and institutions together in shaping a shared global agenda for the future of skills, technology and workforce development,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council, made the proposal in his keynote address at the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 (WVTEDC 2026) at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre today.
He said the proposed council would complement international efforts to strengthen training standards and cooperation while respecting national priorities.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia also welcomed the proposed Framework of World Vocational and Technical Education Standards, known as the Beijing Agreement, which aims to strengthen training quality and international cooperation while respecting the priorities of individual nations.
“Malaysia-China cooperation in TVET demonstrated how diplomatic relations could translate into tangible opportunities for people, particularly young Malaysians seeking skills and better career prospects,” he said.
He said Malaysia’s TVET agenda involved 12 ministries and 1,398 institutions nationwide.
Through its Hi-TVET initiative, Malaysia is also steering technical education towards high-technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation and semiconductors to equip the domestic workforce for higher-value jobs.
Ahmad Zahid added that stronger international partnerships, closer industry participation and better coordination remained important to preparing the next generation for the evolving demands of the global economy.
“Together, Malaysia and China can empower the next generation to shape a brighter future and build better lives,” he said.