The 2024 East and Southeast Asia UNEVOC Network Consolidation Workshop, organized by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET), was held from September 4–5, 2024 in Sejong, South Korea. The workshop, themed “For a Successful Transit of TVET: Digital, Capacity, and Connection”, brought together UNEVOC network members from across the region to exchange insights and good practices to advance TVET in the digital era.
Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), a leading TVET institution in China and an active member of the regional UNEVOC network, was represented at the workshop by Dr. Wu Wenxi from the UNEVOC Centre at SZPU.
On September 5, Dr. Wu delivered a presentation titled “TVET in the Intelligent Economy: Institutional Strategies for AI-Driven Digital Transformation”. The presentation examined current transformations in education, employment, and the economy driven by artificial intelligence. It introduced SZPU’s approaches to advancing institution-wide digital transformation in response to the new technological and economic trends. In particular, Dr. Wu’s presentation highlighted SZPU’s strategies for optimizing its AI programme structure and collaborating effectively with industry partners to equip students with the skills demanded by the intelligent economy.
The two-day workshop featured a diverse range of presentations and discussions on key topics in TVET, including international collaboration, industry-driven curriculum development, teachers’ competence building, and the implementation of TVET strategies at national and institutional levels. The workshop also provided insights into UNESCO-UNEVOC’s Medium-Term Strategy 2024-2026, which aims to elevate TVET for a just and sustainable future.
Group photo of participants
In addition to the presentations and discussions, the workshop included several study visits that allowed participants to engage in networking and learn from the experiences of other TVET institutions. On Day 1, participants visited Chungnam Mechanical Technical High School, while on Day 2, they had the opportunity to visit KRIVET, the Textbook Museum, and the Presidential Archives. These visits provided insights into the educational and cultural landscapes in South Korea and fostered connections among the participants.
The UNEVOC Network Consolidation Workshop served as an invaluable platform for TVET institutions in the East and Southeast Asia region to share experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities, and explore collaboration to enhance the role of TVET. SZPU remains committed to working with partners in the UNEVOC network to advance TVET research and practice on digital transformation, capacity building, and other important areas.
