ACEC and the Deputy Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia Visit Suzhou and Guilin to Explore Opportunities for TVET and Talent Attraction Cooperation

YB Tuan Mustapha Sakmud, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Human Resources recently conducted an official visit to China. This visit was hosted by the Asia China Education and Culture (ACEC) Association and included visits to several universities and enterprises in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The main purpose of this visit was to explore opportunities for Malaysia to adopt advanced TVET programmes from China and to promote in-depth scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation between China and Malaysia.

Over the course of the visit, the Deputy Minister and his delegation explored top-tier universities and cutting-edge enterprises in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The primary goal: to introduce Malaysia to China’s advanced TVET models, foster deeper academic-industry integration, and drive forward joint innovation in science and technology.

🔹 Highlights of the Strategic Engagement:

✅ Suzhou: Innovation in Action
At Suzhou City University and Suzhou Collaborative Innovation Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment Co., Ltd, the delegation witnessed first-hand how education and industry are seamlessly integrated in China’s digital economy, AI development, and industrial internet sectors. These site visits opened new possibilities for Malaysian institutions and companies to adopt similar models for growth.

✅ Guilin: A New Era for Health-Tech Education
In Guilin, the delegation visited Guilin Medical University and Guilin University of Electronic Technology, engaging in high-level discussions on talent exchange and TVET innovation. A major highlight was the unveiling of the China-ASEAN Big Health Industry Research Institute, a powerful initiative led by the China-ASEAN Information Port for Talent Training and TVET Innovation in collaboration with Guilin Medical University.

The team also explored practical applications at the Guihai Qinglan Health Resort and the Huajiang Smart Valley project, demonstrating the commercial and societal value of university-industry collaborations in the health and tech sectors.

🌏 Why It Matters:

This visit has laid the groundwork for Malaysia-China strategic cooperation in next-gen education and talent development. With China as a global leader in digital transformation and applied sciences, Malaysia now has a golden opportunity to localize these success models and co-create tailored TVET programs that meet ASEAN’s growing demands.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or enterprise leader, this initiative presents a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and co-develop future-ready solutions that align with both nations’ development goals.

Step into the future of talent development with the ACEC-led China-Malaysia TVET collaboration.