Modern Vocational Education Must Go Beyond Technical Mastery

Modern vocational education must transcend simple mastery of technical tools. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), industry requires individuals who can effectively utilise technology within real workflows. “Vocational education is not just about teaching the use of tools, but helping students understand how industry works and how projects are executed. HGI Research Centre is committed to bringing projects, processes, and industry standards into classrooms in Indonesia,” said Wang Chen, Vice President of HGI Research Centre. He made the statement while welcoming a visit from the East Java Provincial Education Office (Disdik) to Shanghai, China, on Monday (15/6). Disdik Jatim is collaborating with HGI Research Centre to develop future digital talent with global competence. Head of the East Java Provincial Education Office, Aries Agung Paewai, stated that the digital industry is the engine of the future economy. He expressed hope that this collaboration will produce vocational high school (SMK) graduates in East Java with an international outlook. “East Java hopes to cultivate young talent who not only master cutting-edge digital skills but also possess communication abilities and an international perspective to support the scaling up of regional industry,” Aries asserted. One crucial point in this cooperation is the implementation of the Chinese + Class Skill concept. This programme integrates Mandarin language proficiency with professional skills in the creative sector. Through this approach, students gain not only technical expertise but also cross-cultural communication competencies crucial for competing in the global job market.