GUIYANG, Aug 3 – A group of 19 students from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur, participated in the prestigious 2025 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week: “Bridge to See” Guizhou International Teachers and Students Exchange Program, held from July 28 to August 3, 2025, in Guiyang City, China. The delegation consisted of 13 postgraduate students and 6 undergraduate students, who were guided by an esteemed academic team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roshafima Rasit Ali and Ts. Dr. Abd Halim Md Ali.
This highly anticipated program served as a significant platform for academic and cultural exchange, with a particular focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which plays a critical role in both within Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and China’s economic and industrial development. Through a series of immersive activities, UTM MJIIT students were provided with a unique opportunity to explore vocational education, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation, while fostering stronger ties between China and ASEAN nations.
The “Bridge to See” program was meticulously designed to promote cross-cultural dialogue, regional academic collaboration, and the sharing of educational best practices. Through a combination of academic sessions, industry visits, and practical learning activities, UTM MJIIT students gained valuable exposure to the evolving landscape of TVET, which is essential in preparing the future workforce to address the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy.
Throughout the program, the significance of TVET was evident as students engaged in hands-on activities that demonstrated the practical integration of vocational education in various industries. These experiences underscored how TVET is not only a tool for economic development but also a vital mechanism for preserving and promoting cultural practices. By participating in this exchange, UTM MJIIT students had the opportunity to witness firsthand how both China and ASEAN countries are innovating within the field of vocational education, creating a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
The program was structured around five key themes, each offering in-depth insights into different aspects of vocational education and its intersection with modern industry. These themes included Vocational Education & Cultural Heritage, Modern Industry & Intangible Cultural Heritage, Digital Transformation in Vocational Education, Smart Healthcare & Tourism Development, and Ethnic Culture & Vocational Education.
Students visited several key institutions, such as the Guizhou Construction Vocational and Technical College, Guizhuo Equipment Manufacturing Vocational and Technical College, Guiyang Health and Wellness Vocational College, Guizhuo Water Conservancy and Hydropower Vocational and Technical College, Guizhuo Vocational and Technical College of Communications, Guizhuo College of Finance and Economics, Guizhuo Health Vocational College and Guizhuo Economic and Trade Vocational College. These visits provided them with valuable insights into how vocational education is directly linked to specific industries, ensuring that curricula are aligned with real-world job requirements and technological advancements.
Additionally, students participated in practical workshops on topics such as tea processing at the Economic and Trade Colleges, batik art at Qiannan College, and digital finance at the Electronic Information and Finance Colleges. These activities emphasized the importance of practical learning and industry-specific skills in addressing the evolving needs of the global labor market.
In addition to academic learning, the program placed a strong emphasis on cultural exchange. UTM MJIIT students had the chance to explore the rich history and traditions of Guizhou Province, participating in cultural tours of Qingyan Ancient Town, the Qiyi Art Museum, and the Balinghe Bridge Museum. These excursions allowed students to see how cultural heritage can be preserved and promoted through vocational education.
The program also fostered regional collaboration, as students from various ASEAN countries and China shared their insights on education, innovation, and cultural preservation. This cross-border exchange of ideas is instrumental in strengthening mutual respect and understanding, as well as advancing regional ties in the fields of education and technology.
The successful completion of this exchange program serves as a testament to MJIIT’s unwavering commitment to fostering global citizenship and regional cooperation. By participating in initiatives such as the “Bridge to See” program, UTM MJIIT students are not only gaining invaluable academic knowledge but also developing the skills and perspectives necessary to thrive in a multicultural and interconnected world.
This program underscores the faculty’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in international collaboration, particularly in the areas of TVET and technological innovation. The exposure to a diverse range of educational practices and industries will have a lasting impact on the students’ personal and professional growth, equipping them to become future leaders in their respective fields.
