From 16 to 20 June 2025, TVET Exchange Trip to Jiangsu for ASEAN Education Officials in China jointly initiated by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), was successfully held.  Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC led the diplomats in charge of education affairs from the Embassies of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam on visits to Xuzhou and Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province. The delegation participated in the Opening Ceremony & ASEAN-China TVET Exchange Session, ASEAN-China Industry-Education Integration Forum, and also visited key TVET colleges, industrial colleges, technology enterprises and related institutions. Through these activities, they gained a deep understanding of Jiangsu’s innovative models and experiences in TVET, particularly concerning industry-education integration and science-education synergy, as well as engaged in discussions with local college, institutions and aimed at exploring pathways for high-quality international TVET cooperation between AMS countries and Jiangsu.

The Opening Ceremony and the ASEAN-China TVET Exchanges Session took place on 17 June at Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Architectural Technology in Xuzhou, and followed by the ASEAN-China Industry-Education Integration Forum held on 19 June at Yangzhou Polytechnic College in Yangzhou. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC, Secretary General Yang Jun of the CEAIE and Madame Cui Chunxia from the Education Department of Jiangsu Province addressed the meetings. The officials in charge of education affairs from the Embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in China, and representatives of eighteen TVET colleges, institutions, and five major local enterprises in Jiangsu Province were present. 

Shi Zhongjun stressed in resent years, TVET has emerged as a crucial link for strategic alignment between ASEAN and China, providing the core driving force for the integration of regional talent and industrial chains. He hoped that this event will establish a collaborative platform for vocational institutions and enterprises in Jiangsu and ASEAN countries interested in cooperation, thereby facilitating practical exchanges and collaboration between both parties.

Yang Jun stated CEAIE’s commitment to working with the ACC to build bridges and create opportunities for educational partnerships between China and ASEAN.

Cui Chunxia stated that Jiangsu is eager to deepen educational collaboration, promote youth exchanges, continue traditional friendships, and continuously create new success stories in friendly relations and educational cooperation with AMS.

AMS diplomats briefed the participants on the development of vocational education in their respective countries, highlighting the current challenges faced by the vocational education sector. They elaborated on the actual demands for cooperation with China, particularly emphasizing a strong desire for enhanced collaboration with Jiangsu Province. Representatives from Chinese colleges, institutions and enterprises provided comprehensive introductions to their models and characteristics of TVET development. They shared practices related to industry-education integration, achievements in exchanges and cooperation with AMS, along with their aspirations for future collaborations. 

During the TVET trip, the delegation visited several well-known colleges and institutions including Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Architectural Technology, Xuzhou College of Industrial Technology, Jiangsu Model and Art Vocational School, Yangzhou Vocational University, Yangzhou Polytechnic College, Jiangsu College of Tourism. They observed training bases, teaching methodologies, and engaged in discussions with school leaders. Moreover, they visited Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group CO.Ltd, Jiangsu Famsun Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd and other companies partnering with vocational colleges and research institutes, conducted an assessment of exemplary cases of industry-education integration.

Through this trip, AMS diplomats gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Jiangsu’s latest concepts and practices in the field of TVET. They particularly noted the advanced models that align with cutting-edge industries, as well as the potential for cooperation with AMS. They also expressed their eagerness to leverage this visit as an opportunity to enhance collaboration in TVET with Jiangsu.