Partnering with Guangxi Human Resources and Social Security Department to foster vocational skills cooperation

UTAR Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) hosted a delegation from the Department of Human Resources (HR) and Social Security of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China from 15 to 18 May 2024.  The visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and China in the area of vocational skills development and discuss the inaugural China-ASEAN Vocational Skills Competition, scheduled to be held in China.

The delegation, led by Deputy Director General Mr Le Yonghong, was comprised of Mr Li Bo, Level I Division Rank Official of the Vocational Capacity Building Division; Mr Yang Jingjin, President of Guangxi Industry and Commerce Career Technical College; Mr Xiong Bin, President of Guangxi Light Industry Technician College; Mr Han Bing, President of Guilin Traffic Technical School; and Mr Lan Xiang, President of Guangxi Electronic Senior Technical School.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with several key figures in Malaysia’s vocational and technical education sector. This included a meeting with YB Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen at the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, Vice Chairman Mr Chua Kim Boon of Merdeka University Berhad, Executive Director Ms Teh Sook Ling at the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC), and CEO Madam Tan Cheng Liang at the VTAR Institute.

The delegation engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at strengthening ties and sharing expertise in vocational training. The discussions primarily focused on the upcoming China-ASEAN Vocational Skills Competition, with the delegation providing detailed briefings about the event and extending invitations to Malaysian vocational and technical professionals to participate. The competition aims to enhance vocational skills and promote cooperation between China and ASEAN economies, emphasising the importance of skilled labour in the economic development of the region.

The engagements provided a platform for exchanging ideas, exploring collaborative opportunities, and fostering mutual understanding. The visit highlighted the commitment of both Malaysia and China to improve vocational education and training, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

From left: Mr Lan, Mr Han, Mr Yang, IMLD Director Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, YB Dr Kelvin Yii, Mr Le, Mr Li, Mr Xiong, and Mr Darren Meng (the interpreter) at the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia

Mr Chua (fifth from right) and Mr Le (sixth from right) at Merdeka University Berhad

Front row: Ms Teh (third from left) and Mr Le (second from left) at SHRDC

Discussion with VTAR: Madam Tan (middle)