Ith Vuthy, Deputy Director for Program at SEAMEO CECCEP, played a pivotal role as the moderator in the CHINA-SEA Partnership Workshop held on January 15-16, 2024, at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This event was a collaborative initiative involving the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED), Go Study Global Education, and various partners. The workshop aimed to foster innovative vocational education and expand training programs to meet the educational needs in Southeast Asian countries.
The workshop's primary objective was to enhance partnerships between institutions in China and Southeast Asia, specifically in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Additionally, it provided a platform for participants from China and Southeast Asia to share best practices regarding their achievements in this domain. The event was attended by notable figures such as Ir. Indra Muis, the Rector of Bina Insani University; Mr. Dian Ade Kurnia, Deputy Director of STMIK IKMI Cirebon; Mr. Mochamad Widiyanto, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Vocational Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Indonesia; and Dr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, Coordinator of SEAMEO Centres in Indonesia.
During the occasion, Professor Dian Ade Kurnia, M.Kom, alongside Ith Vuthy, delved into discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This refers to the machine or computer's ability to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, including machine learning, natural language processing, pattern recognition, and solving complex problems. AI enables computers to learn from data, identify patterns, and make decisions automatically without direct human intervention. The series of activities also included active discussions among the participants.
A total of 100 participants attended the workshop, consisting of TVET school management (school principals/vice-principals/presidents/vice-presidents) from various vocational and technical institutions in China and Southeast Asian countries. Outstanding institutions from China and Southeast Asia, excelling in internationalization development, and companies from China contributing to international education, actively participated in the event. The workshop featured the involvement of 20 institutions from China, 10 from Southeast Asian countries, and 20 from Cambodia. This collaborative effort paves the way for further progress in international cooperation and educational development in the region.
Furthermore, Ith Vuthy continued his activities by visiting several renowned educational institutions in Cambodia, including the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the National Polytech Institute of Cambodia, and the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. During his visit, Ith Vuthy not only exchanged information with academics and institution officials but also sought to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the fields of technology, education, and innovation in Cambodia.
Ith Vuthy also assumed the role of coordinator for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) collaboration between Cambodia and Indonesia. Within the framework of this initiative, the achievement of MoU signings between several institutions became a crucial aspect, encompassing: 1. National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC) with Bina Insani University and STMIK IKMI Cirebon. 2. NIEI with Bina Insani University and STMIK IKMI Cirebon, 3. Agreement to organize the SEA Entrepreneurship Competition, 4. Development of a metaverse between NPIC, NIEI, and Indonesian partners.