"I was a beginner in cross-border e-commerce before, but now I can handle online live broadcasts myself," said the computer science major from an engineering institute in Thailand. Yangdiew is currently on a year-long international exchange program at Hebei Software Institute.
Yangdiew's trip is part of a joint program between Chinese and Thai institutions and Chinese companies in Thailand. Unlike traditional classrooms, the program focuses on practical experience. Participants visit factories and digital centers to learn skills such as video editing, image design, and marketing.
By 2025, the program will recruit 20 Thai participants for long-term study. Meanwhile, 10 Chinese teachers will travel to Thailand to provide Mandarin language and vocational skills training to local staff.
The goal is simple: to "teach people how to fish" (rather than give them fish) by aligning education with real-world needs across various industries, said Wang Ziye, a lecturer in the internet commerce department at Hebei Software Institute.
"Students not only gain knowledge, they also gain a competitive edge," Wang added. "By learning Chinese culture and modern skills, they become the best candidates for both local and Chinese companies in Thailand."
In recent years, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have deepened their cooperation in vocational education, a key focus of regional cooperation.
A series of programs such as degree-based education programs, company-assisted training, and short-term exchanges have helped upgrade workers' skills to meet the needs of industries in ASEAN countries.
In Indonesia, Liuzhou Polytechnic University and machinery manufacturing giant LiuGong have established a modern skills institute in Jakarta. Many graduates from the program now work at LiuGong subsidiaries in ASEAN countries, where they contribute their expertise and gain international experience.
In Thailand, Chinese automaker GAC Group has launched a dedicated training center for new energy vehicle (NEV) talent in partnership with Tencent.
Looking ahead, Yangdiew plans to bring his expertise back to Thailand and become a "digital bridge." "I want to help more quality Chinese products reach Thailand and bring Thai goods to the Chinese market through e-commerce," he said.
