Malaysia and China Strengthen Strategic Ties and TVET Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi concluded a five-day working visit to China that reinforced strategic cooperation between Malaysia and China across Technical and Vocational Education and Training, high-tech investments, security, and disaster management. The diplomatic engagement took place from October 12 to 16, aiming to foster human capital development and drive national economic growth under the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

During the visit, discussions centered on expanding collaboration into advanced sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric vehicles, nuclear technology, and the digital economy. A primary focus involved developing the Malaysia-China Institute to enhance the national TVET ecosystem for future industries like smart manufacturing and robotics through technology transfer. Zahid, serving as rural and regional development minister and National TVET Council chairman, delivered a keynote address at the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference in Tianjin on October 16, proposing a World TVET Council with China as the permanent secretariat.

Bilateral meetings were also held with Chinese leaders including Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang in Beijing on October 15 and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong on October 13. These talks addressed expanding trade, investment protection, intelligence sharing against cybercrime, security memorandums, and disaster management technical cooperation utilizing satellite monitoring and artificial intelligence. The diplomatic mission further solidified mutual commitments toward regional stability and China's support for Malaysia's full participation in Brics.