Several Chinese-funded programmes, similar to the nature of GIPU’s Qinggong workshops in Singapore, have been introduced in recent years.
These include the “Chinese Workshop” backed by the Chinese Education Ministry’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation; “Modern Craftsman College” led by Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and “Dayu College” run by Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute.
To illustrate the pace of expansion, the Guangxi government announced in February that it had secured government support to establish 17 “Modern Craftsman Colleges” across Southeast Asia. To date, at least six of these colleges are already operating in countries such as Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The aim is to train “technical experts who are well-versed in Chinese technology, appreciate Chinese craftsmanship and are familiar with Chinese products,” wrote Mr Peng Binbai, director of the Chinese Education Ministry’s Department of Vocational and Adult Education, in a Jul 15 article published in a magazine dedicated to China’s international education sector.
In the piece, Mr Peng praised the growth of China’s international education sector, highlighting the benefits of expanding vocational training programmes abroad and expressing strong support for establishing more of these initiatives.
“As Chinese companies broaden their international presence and participate in global capacity building, vocational education is vital for national development. It should meet the specific talent requirements of these enterprises by developing a training system that merges practical skills with academic credentials,” he wrote.
He also noted that China was “rapidly advancing” and Luban workshops had a “crucial role” to play in countering Western influence and suppression.
“With the rise of the East and the decline of the West becoming notable trends… (Such schemes) play a crucial role in countering Western containment, it (also) supports China’s educational ambitions and aids the advancement of national diplomacy, while facilitating the global expansion of Chinese enterprises,” he said.
GOODWILL EFFORT OR CHARM OFFENSIVE?
Beijing’s push to expand its overseas vocational schemes has drawn scrutiny from critics who have raised questions about government autonomy as well as financial transparency.
Parallels have also been drawn with Confucius Institutes, which faced significant setbacks in the US in 2019 over accusations of serving as Chinese propaganda tools. Since 2004, these institutes have promoted Chinese language and culture worldwide through university partnerships, operating in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Concerns about Chinese government influence and security issues have led to their closure across the US, Canada, and Europe, though China continues to view them as platforms for cultural exchange.
