Modern Vocational Education Must Go Beyond Technical Mastery

Modern vocational education must go beyond the mere mastery of technical tools. In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), industries require individuals capable of utilising technology effectively within real-world workflows.

“Vocational education is not just about teaching how to use tools, but helping students understand how industries operate and how projects are executed. HGI Research Centre is committed to bringing industry projects, processes, and standards into Indonesian classrooms,” stated Wang Chen, Vice President of HGI Research Centre.

These remarks were made during a visit by the East Java Provincial Education Office (Disdik) to Shanghai, China, on Monday (15/6). The East Java Education Office is collaborating with the HGI Research Centre to develop future digital talents with global competencies.

The Head of the East Java Provincial Education Office, Aries Agung Paewly, stated that the digital industry is the economic driver of the future. He expressed hope that this collaboration would produce vocational high school (SMK) graduates in East Java with international insights. “East Java hopes to produce young talents who not only master cutting-edge digital skills but also possess communication abilities and international perspectives to support the scaling of regional industries,” Aries emphasised.

A crucial point in this cooperation is the implementation of the ‘Chinese + Class Skill’ concept. This programme integrates Mandarin language proficiency with professional skills in creative sectors.

With this approach, students gain not only technical expertise but also the cross-cultural communication competence crucial for competing in the global labour market.