Transworld Institute of Technology kicked off the 2009 International Conference on Vocational Education & Professional Development of Design in November

2009 International Conference on Vocational Education & Professional Development of Design, directed by The Ministry of Education (MOE) and organized by The Transworld Institute of Technology (TIT)’s Center for International Affairs (with concerted efforts from The Department of Styling & Cosmetology, The Department of Visual Communication Design, The Department of Product Design, and The Department of Public Relations & Design), was held on November 26 in a bid to promote a talent exchange program in the field of vocational education between Taiwan and Malaysia. The Conference discussed issues regarding educational systems in Malaysia, ways of cooperation and future prospects. It is hoped that participants gained a deeper understanding of the advantages of vocational education in Taiwan, in that we could not only help foster the development of vocational education of Chinese Independent Schools in Malaysia, and create more pathways to study in Taiwan for teachers and students, but also reach the ultimate goal of academic diplomacy.


Since 2003, TIT has been keen on promoting international cooperation and exchange with foreign institutions and encouraging departments to vie for the MOE Grant Application for Implementing International Cooperation Projects. TIT has been the major recipient of such a Grant for six consecutive years, with subsidies amounting to NT$ 25,600,000 dollars, among which are dedicated to building a platform for talent cultivation between TIT and Chinese Independent Schools in Malaysia. To spare no effort, TIT has accomplished the implementation of “The Project of Establishing a Platform for Exchange and Interaction between the Styling and Cosmetology Professionals in the Vocational Education of Taiwan and Malaysia”, “The Project of Taiwan and Malaysia Vocational Educational Training Program for Styling and Cosmetology Professionals”, and “The Project of International Exchange and Professional Development of Three-dimensional Rapid Product Designers between Taiwan and Malaysia” during recent years. In spite of these efforts, TIT is submitting new proposals, including “International Exchange and Talent Cultivation in Professional Certification of Digital Media Designers between Taiwan and Malaysia” and “International Exchange and Professional Development of Tourism and Hospitality between Taiwan and Malaysia” to the MOE for the 2010 Academic Year International Cooperation Project Grants. This demonstrates the degree to which TIT is committed to improving the teaching environment and learning quality of Chinese education in Malaysia, a commitment which has won recognition from Chinese educators in Malaysia.

The conference invited some eminent educators from Malaysia, such as Director Yong Boong Leng and Director Lee Lei Chen of the United Chinese School Committees Association; Principal Liaw Wei Keong of Kluang Chong Hwa High School; Principal Gan Kong Hwee of Foon Yew High School-Kulai; Director Koh Ping Yap of the Department of Art and Design, Kluang Chong Hwa High School; Director Ko Jing Yau of the Department of Art and Design, Yuk Choy High School; Director Sim Iang Boi of Advanced Studies Section, Kuching Chung Hua Middle School No 3; Deputy Director Goe Boon Tea of Advanced Studies Section, The Federation of Alumni Association Of Taiwan Universities; Chairperson Wong Suei Herng of Taiwan Universities Alumni Association, Kluang; Vice Chairperson Lee Ngin Hock of Taiwan Universities Alumni Association, Johor Bahru.

The Conference covered a wide range of areas, in particular featuring “Batik Art and Technology”, “The School-running Experiences and Special Needs for International Cooperation from the Perspective of a Chinese Independent School Principal in Malaysia”, and “The Profile of Talent Cultivation in Taiwan’s Design Industry”. The detailed program of the Conference can be found at http://events.tit.edu.tw/2009international/taiwan.html .