East Java Education Office Strengthens Vocational Education to Face the AI Era

The East Java Provincial Education Office (Disdik) is exploring international cooperation to strengthen vocational education and digital talent development through a visit to Shanghai, China. The move is an effort to prepare the younger generation for the evolving needs of industry in the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). This commitment was marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the East Java Education Office and the HGI Research Centre during an official delegation visit to Shanghai from 8 to 12 June 2026. Head of the East Java Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai, stated that the growth of the digital industry has become a major driver of economic growth, making it essential for the education sector to ensure graduates possess skills aligned with future industry needs. According to Aries, collaboration with various educational institutions and international partners in Shanghai is expected to open opportunities for students to gain stronger digital competencies while broadening their global perspectives. “Through collaboration with HGI Research Center and several leading vocational campuses in Shanghai, East Java hopes to produce young talent who not only master cutting-edge digital skills but also have communication abilities and an international outlook to support the scaling up of regional industry,” he said. During the visit, the East Java delegation participated in discussions on integrating education and industry, joint curriculum development, and opportunities for international-standard vocational skills certification. One topic discussed was a learning model that combines foreign language proficiency with professional skills required by industry. The delegation also visited several vocational education institutions in Shanghai, including Shanghai Qunxing Vocational and Technical School, Shanghai Caoyang Vocational and Technical School, and Shanghai Arts and Crafts Vocational College. The visits provided insights into the implementation of industry-based education in fields such as animation, digital media, game development, and the use of artificial intelligence technology. Wang Chen, Vice President of HGI Research Centre, assessed that vocational education must provide experiences closer to industry needs so that graduates can adapt to rapid technological changes. He noted that companies today require not only workers who can use AI tools, but individuals who understand how to effectively leverage them in business processes and project development. “Vocational education is not just about teaching the use of tools, but helping students understand how industries work and projects are executed. In the AI era, companies are no longer just looking for individuals who can use AI, but those who can utilise it effectively,” Wang Chen said. In addition to discussing digital talent development, the East Java delegation also studied the implementation of AI education in Shanghai. One area visited was Putuo District, which has been implementing artificial intelligence education since 2020 and serves as a pilot region for AI education in the city. Through this cooperation and knowledge exchange, the East Java Education Office hopes to expand students’ access to skills relevant to the needs of global industry, while enhancing the competitiveness of vocational education graduates amid the growth of the digital economy.