Accra:China has agreed in principle to Malaysia's proposal to establish a World Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council. This announcement was made by Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the agreement includes a proposal for China to serve as the permanent host. This was conveyed by Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang and Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng during a recent meeting.

The proposal was formally presented by Ahmad Zahid during his keynote address at the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training Development Conference 2026. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable global platform for cooperation in skills development, technology, and workforce training, highlighting China's role as the permanent secretariat to coordinate knowledge sharing within the TVET education ecosystem.

The initiative is also seen as a way to expand cooperation between TVET institutions in Malaysia and China. It includes potential collaborations with China's "Luban Workshop" training centers, the Malaysia-China Institute, and various local TVET institutions. Such cooperation aims to support Malaysia in developing a highly skilled workforce to meet job market demands.

Ahmad Zahid noted the participation of over 100 countries and the attendance of 48 ministers at the conference as a sign of global commitment to education and skills training development. He expressed hope for ongoing support to strengthen Malaysia's TVET ecosystem, aligning with the nation's goal of becoming a highly skilled nation.