In response to the national "Belt and Road" Initiative, implement the outcomes of high-level state visits, expand international cooperation and exchange in vocational undergraduate education, and build channels for teachers and students to study and exchange abroad, from May 11 to 17, Zhang Qihong, Party Secretary of Beijing Polytechnic University, led a delegation to Malaysia and Singapore for vocational education cooperation and exchange visits. In Malaysia, the delegation visited Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Peninsula College Georgetown, Mila University, and Universiti Malaya. All five institutions warmly received the delegation. At Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Zuraidah Binti Abd Manaf met with the delegation. Both sides discussed implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation signed last year, focusing on short-term student exchange, undergraduate-undergraduate cooperation, undergraduate-master's cooperation, faculty exchange, and joint training for local employees of Chinese-funded enterprises.
At Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, President Prof. Dato’ Indera Ir. Dr Lee Sze Wei hosted the delegation. They exchanged views on short-term student exchange, 3+1 or 2+2 undergraduate cooperation programs, 3+1+X undergraduate-master's cooperation, faculty exchange, joint scientific research, project application, and services for local Chinese enterprises. A Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation was signed, committing to strengthen collaboration in student exchange, staff exchange, joint research and publication, academic event organization, and social service/technology transformation. After the meeting, the delegation toured the university’s computer science labs and other practical training facilities.
At Peninsula College Georgetown, Managing Director Dato Seri Michael Tio received the delegation. Discussions centered on the philosophy of "campus within industrial park," industry-education integration, employment-oriented education, work-study hybrid learning models, and short-term teacher-student exchange. A Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation was signed, followed by a tour of the college’s practical training environments.
At Mila University, President Prof. Dr. Jason Fitzsimmons met with the delegation. Both sides held lively discussions on joint center establishment, collaborative research, teacher-student exchange, academic advancement, and joint promotion. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation, agreeing to establish the Beijing Polytechnic University Overseas Engineering Technology Center at Mila University and the Mila University China-Malaysia Training Center at Beijing Polytechnic University. Plans include jointly organizing academic activities, applying for research projects, solving technical challenges for local Chinese enterprises, piloting 3+1 or 2+2 undergraduate programs, co-building online promotion platforms, and establishing a joint working committee. After the meeting, Zhang Qihong and Jason Fitzsimmons jointly inaugurated the Overseas Engineering Technology Center—the university’s second overseas R&D platform and the first overseas technical center established by a Chinese university at Mila University—focused on joint research, teacher-student exchange, and talent cultivation in engineering. Prior to the meeting, the delegation toured Mila University’s iconic teaching and research facilities and heard a briefing on its five-year development plan. The visit was widely covered by domestic and international media, including Antara News (Indonesia), Beijing Time, Toutiao, and Modern Education Daily.
In Singapore, the delegation visited Nanyang Polytechnic and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), both of which extended warm hospitality. At Nanyang Polytechnic, Deputy Principal Loh Chuu Yi introduced the institution’s profile, emphasizing its educational philosophy of "Teaching Factory," "Integrated Technology Environment," "Experience Accumulation and Sharing," and "Borderless Campus" to cultivate compound talent. Zhang Qihong shared the profile and characteristics of Beijing Vocational and Technical University. The two sides discussed faculty training and student exchange, agreeing to launch short-term student exchange programs immediately. After the meeting, the delegation visited training facilities of the School of Media and Design and School of Business Administration, including the Creative Media and Technology Lab, Customer Experience and Analytics Center, and Omnichannel Retail Center.
At the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Chief Executive Officer Low Khah Gek of the ITE Education Service met with the delegation. Discussions covered student study tours, faculty exchange, teaching team development, and social service/training. They agreed to expand student exchange scope: Beijing Vocational and Technical University will send students majoring in economics and management, engineering, art, and aviation to ITE for exchange this summer, while ITE students will visit Beijing Vocational and Technical University for internships and exchanges in September. Accompanied by school and enterprise representatives, the delegation toured ITE’s practical training facilities in automotive technology, rail transit, design and media, and aviation.
This visit yielded fruitful results in piloting academic advancement programs for students, promoting cross-border joint research and technology transformation, and expanding overseas exchange channels for teachers and students. The university will implement these outcomes to enhance its international education standards, support the Belt and Road Initiative, assist Chinese enterprises’ overseas development, and cultivate more high-end skilled talent for national diplomatic priorities. Next Article:Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Administration Committee Deputy Director Liang Jing and Delegation Visit the University for Inspection and Exchange.
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