MoU advances collaboration in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and cross-border workforce development

The signing marks the start of an exciting collaboration between both institutions. Photo courtesy of HIET

Wawasan Open University (WOU) and Henan Institute of Economics and Trade (HIET), one of China’s leading vocational institutions, have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at advancing vocational, professional, and flexible learning focused on digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). The collaboration was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed virtually on 29 January 2026.

By combining WOU’s strengths in open, flexible, and technology-enabled learning with HIET’s 75-year legacy in vocational and applied education, the cross-border partnership establishes a platform for collaboration in areas such as industry–education integration, professional capability development, staff and student exchange, and applied innovation.

HIET President, Prof Cheng Guanglin sending warm greetings during the virtual signing. Photo courtesy of HIET

Under the MoU, both institutions will jointly develop technical and non-technical professional training programmes, vocational courses, and microcredentials, alongside teaching and research initiatives that support individual learners as well as Malaysian and locally Chinese-funded enterprises. The partnership also includes capacity-building initiatives such as staff exchanges and student mobility programmes with credit transfer options.

In her opening address, HIET President Professor Cheng Guanglin described the collaboration as a concrete step in implementing the ASEAN–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the growing importance of vocational education in supporting industrial transformation and cross-border cooperation.

“Expanding pragmatic cooperation in education has become a vital pillar of bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of vocational education in promoting economic and trade investment and cultivating local skilled talents.

“We firmly believe that this cooperation is not only a new starting point for both institutions but will also serve as a model project for China-Malaysia vocational education in terms of connectivity, mutual recognition of standards, and resource sharing,” she noted.

Prof Chan and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Ts Dr Yap Eng Hwa with the signed memorandum, flanked by Dean of School of Technology and Engineering Science, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sean Tan (left) and Executive Dean of School of Business and Administration, Assoc Prof Dr Gary Tan (right).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, WOU’s Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Lily Chan, noted that the collaboration reflects a mutual recognition of the changing demands on higher and vocational education as industries undergo rapid technological transformation.

She said, “Our initiatives align with Malaysia’s National TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Policy 2030, which aims to strengthen and elevate TVET implementation in Malaysia to produce highly skilled, high-income workers.

“As economies undergo digital transformation and professionals are required to refresh their skills more frequently to remain relevant, partnerships such as this enable institutions to co-develop education models that respond directly to workforce needs and regional development priorities.”

She added that WOU looks forward to contributing its expertise in flexible programme design, microcredentials, and technology-enabled delivery to the collaboration.

The MoU reflects a shared aspiration by both institutions to contribute meaningfully to workforce development, innovation-oriented education, and stronger Malaysia–China ties. Through this partnership, WOU and HIET aim to translate shared intent into impactful collaboration that supports learners, industries, and regional economic growth in an increasingly interconnected world.