LAST week, the Malaysian Human Resources Ministry inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to enhance cooperation in the fields of technical and vocational education training (TVET) and technologies related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).

The impact of this cannot be overstated. As a Malaysian who’s based in Shenzhen for the past 16 years, I can see the immense technological strides China has made in recent years.

I believe that for many Malaysians, China is all about the Great Wall, scenic tourist spots and a long, chequered history. China is all these and more. China has become a technological dragon in its own right.

The advances China has made in fields like artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology and the likes have made traditional technological giants wary. In fact, this is one reason why the Trump administration has engaged in a trade war with China and banned US companies from doing business with Huawei, which has led the race in the global 5G race.

Malaysia stands to reap immense benefit tapping into China’s technological prowess. Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran made the right decision to enhance technological transfer via China’s Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

This will allow Malaysian workers to upskill and reskill in fields in which China has a distinct advantage over, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, internet of things (IoT), and additive manufacturing or 3D printing. Shuttling between China and Malaysia rather frequently, I cannot help but worry over our slow take-up of modern technology in areas like manufacturing.

The days of labour-intensive manufacturing is over. Malaysia needs knowledge workers to keep pace with the latest demand in a globalised cut-throat economy. In this respect, having China as a strategic partner in TVET cannot be overstated.

In fact, Kula Segaran’s pivot towards TVET has started since he took office and this is indeed a step in the right direction. Countries like Germany and Japan are technological giants because of their emphasis in TVET. China, with the advantage of a strong centralised government, has caught up.

We need to pull up our socks. Tapping into this expertise from China by taking advantage of its One Belt One Road initiative, is a game-changer that can propel us into the next level of technological mastery. – September 30, 2019.

* Au-Yong Hui Seng reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.