On October 16, 2026, the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference opened in Tianjin. Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
Ding Xuexiang stated that vocational education is a fundamental undertaking in developing a highly skilled workforce and plays an important role in economic and social development. President Xi Jinping has stressed the need to build a vocational education system that promotes integration between vocational and general education and closer collaboration between industry and education, and to make vigorous efforts to cultivate outstanding craftspeople, master technicians, and highly skilled professionals. In recent years, China has continued to improve its modern vocational education system, broaden pathways for young people to grow and realize their potential, strengthen the talent base for industrial development, and deepen international exchanges and cooperation. These efforts have led to historic achievements and fundamental changes in the landscape of vocational education.
Ding Xuexiang noted that breakthroughs are accelerating in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, placing higher demands on the training of skilled professionals. He put forward four proposals for promoting international cooperation and development in vocational education. First, promote open cooperation through the joint development of standards. Enhance policy communication and the alignment of rules, jointly improve standards for teaching, practical training, faculty development and assessment, and promote the cross-border flow and efficient allocation of skills. Second, drive transformation and upgrading through reform and innovation. Promote the deep integration of new technologies, such as digital, intelligent and green technologies, with vocational education, innovate in programs, curricula and practical training, and cultivate highly skilled personnel who can better meet the needs of economic and social development. Third, promote people’s all-round development through equity and inclusion. Enhance support for less-developed countries and regions, implement a range of vocational education cooperation projects that are “small but beautiful, livelihood-oriented and sustainable”, enabling more young people to develop their skills and realize their potential. Fourth, strengthen bonds of friendship through mutual learning and exchange. Deepen exchanges and cooperation through skills training and knowledge sharing, foster understanding and respect among different cultures, and promote greater mutual understanding and affinity among peoples of all countries.
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee Chen Min’er attended the opening ceremony. Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and President of the 43rd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO Khondker M. Talha addressed the conference in person and via video link, respectively.
Before the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang visited the Thematic Exhibition of China’s Vocational Education.
On the morning of October 15, Ding Xuexiang met with Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Beijing. He stated that China is ready to work with Malaysia to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, advance high-quality cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, high-tech, agriculture and vocational education between the two countries, and build a high-level strategic community with a shared future between China and Malaysia, bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both countries. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that Malaysia attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and is committed to further promoting Malaysia-China friendship, better aligning development strategies, and achieving more mutually beneficial and win-win results.