With the formal entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), China and ASEAN countries have ushered in a new historical period of comprehensive and deepened cooperation. To promote the deeper development of practical cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in various fields, we cannot do without the support of high-quality talents, especially those who are proficient in both languages and skills. Since 2021, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) has been cooperating with the ASEAN-China Center, Cambodia, Indonesia and other ASEAN countries' authorities to conduct "Chinese + Vocational Skills" training for local teachers, attracting above 1,000 local teachers from more than 100 local vocational colleges and universities.

Recently, the CLEC, closely cooperated with the Department of Vocational Education under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos, the ASEAN-China Centre, Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology, and other institutions. Making full use of existing resources and optimizing the content, on the basis of previous training experience, CLEC conducted the first "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Training for Local Teachers in Laos.

The 10-day training, which ended on May 20, attracted numerous institutions and teachers in Laos, with 38 teachers from 10 local vocational colleges and universities enthusiastically participating. The curriculum focuses on basic and practical uses, taking into account operability and fun, and involves the following three professional fields---"Chinese + E-commerce", "Chinese + Computer Network", and "Chinese + Logistics Management". The content includes Chinese Vocational Education, Enterprises’ Development and Demands, "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Teaching, Chinese Cultural Experience, etc.

In his speech at the closing ceremony, Prof. Ma Jianfei, Director-General of CLEC said that the CLEC is committed to providing quality services for people around the world to learn Chinese and understand China, and is ready to further strengthen cooperation with friends from various countries, adhering to the concept of integrative and pragmatic development of Chinese language education and vocational education, and the concept of world-wide application, so as to cultivate more excellent young talents and inject new vitality into the cultural and educational exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

The "Chinese + Vocational Skills" training has been widely welcomed by the relevant ASEAN countries. The participants said that the training made them have a deeper understanding of professional Chinese vocabulary, the current situation of vocational education in China, and Chinese culture. According to the relevant educational institutions, the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Training for Local Teachers not only has improved the Chinese language level and professional ability of teachers in vocational colleges and universities, but it also helps them to develop their vision and enhances their theoretical level. Therefore, this training promotes international exchange and communication between higher vocational colleges and universities in China and abroad. (source from Center for Language Education and Cooperation)