On May 2025, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) collaborated with Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU) to inaugurate the “China-ASEAN TVET Digital Capacity Building Centre” in Malaysia. This initiative is supported by the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Centre Management and Objectives
The centre will be managed by UTHM’s Centre for Virtual Learning (CVL). Its primary objective is to enhance digital capabilities among TVET institutions and applied technology universities across East and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it will focus on coordinating and disseminating digital training information to educators in the TVET sector.
Inauguration Delegation
To support the inauguration, a delegation from SZPU, led by Dr. Yang Congkun, the coordinator of the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET-SZPU, participated in the event alongside Dr. Zeng Xiuzhen, Ms. Zhong Zhuoya, Dr. Qu Haizhou, and Dr. Wu Qingtian.
Global Digital TVET Transformation Summit
On May 28, the SZPU delegation further participated in the Global Digital TVET Transformation Summit (DOTS) 2025, which featured the “Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT)” event organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC and UTHM in Kuala Lumpur. The summit addressed the impact of digital technology on teaching and learning in TVET and attracted representatives from UNESCO-UNEVOC and other international organizations.
Memorandum of Agreement
A memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed during the event between SZPU and UTHM, formalizing the establishment of the centre. On May 29, a workshop titled the Digital Capacity Building Workshop for TVET was co-hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET at SZPU and the CVL at UTHM.
Workshop Participation
The workshop drew 73 participants from various TVET institutions and included an additional 121 international participants who attended online. The agenda featured presentations from Dr. Zeng Xiuzhen on digital curriculum design strategies in TVET, Dr. Wu Qingtian discussing the use of large language models in educational technology, and Dr. Qu Haizhou covering deep learning applications in academic and industrial settings.
Significance of the Initiative
Associate Professor Ts. Dr. D’oria Islamiah Rosli, director of the CVL, emphasized that the inauguration of the centre and the accompanying workshop represent a significant advancement in regional cooperation related to the digitalization of TVET. The initiative aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and establish best practices among institutions within East and Southeast Asia.
Anticipated Outcomes
The Digital Capacity Building Centre is anticipated to foster digital transformation in technical and vocational education, equipping TVET educators with essential skills and knowledge to navigate an evolving educational environment.
(Source: UTHM News)
