Beyond trade: Zahid says Malaysia, China to co-build future industries through TVET

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — Malaysia and China will deepen cooperation to co-develop future industries, with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) serving as Malaysia’s first line of readiness for the future economy, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said both countries must move beyond traditional trade, identifying electric mobility, battery technology, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, digital systems and talent development as key areas of collaboration.

“Malaysia brings strategic geography, a growing industrial base and a young, trainable workforce. China brings technological depth, industrial scale and proven leadership in new energy industries.

“Together, we can build more than bilateral success. We can strengthen regional value chains, support Asean’s industrial transformation and create a partnership that is not only good for Malaysia and China, but meaningful for the future of this region,” he said.

He said this while delivering his keynote address at the Malaysia-China Forum on Electric Vehicle (EV), Battery and New Energy Talent Development and Innovation (MCEF 2026) at the Asia School of Business here today. — Bernama