Kuala lumpur: The proposed establishment of the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) is set to bolster strategic cooperation between Malaysia and China, particularly in the realm of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This initiative was highlighted during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and China's Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, mentioned that the discussions included the framework for cooperation in human capital development, training of trainers, equipment support, and technical skills. An important aspect of the discussions was the proposal to send Mandarin language instructors to the MCI to facilitate better communication and learning.

The initial phase of the MCI will utilize existing GIATMARA facilities in Bagan Datuk, with plans for a permanent campus to be developed on a 60-acre site. The institute aims to accommodate up to 2,000 students, targeting high-impact and high value-added TVET courses.

Ahmad Zahid noted that both nations concurred on the potential of the MCI to serve as a strategic platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and training between Malaysian and Chinese institutions. Furthermore, 18 TVET fields have been earmarked for initial implementation, covering areas like automotive, electric vehicles, industrial automation, solar energy, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and agrotechnology.

As a future step, both countries agreed to form a Joint Working Committee and to initiate mobility programs for students and instructors in significant sectors. These efforts aim to support talent development and address future industry requirements.