During the opening speeches, Dr. Zhao Yuchi, Executive Director of UNESCO INRULED, emphasized the significance of TVET digitalization in promoting the sustainable development of rural areas. UNESCO INRULED will adopt the vision of “Education for Sustainable Rural Development” to underscore the strong imperative and huge promise for educational transformation. Dr. Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in TVET and rural development, noting that the workshop provided a timely platform for strengthening cooperation between Southeast Asian countries and China. Prof. Li Yanyan, Vice President of the Smart Learning Institute at Beijing Normal University, discussed the pivotal role of digitalization and smart education in advancing TVET and introduced the Institute's work in supporting rural development through TVET.

In the keynote session, Mr. Khat Prumsochetra, Deputy Director of SEAMEO TED, and Prof. Wang Libing, Chief of Section for Education at UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, shared insights on empowering rural education and TVET innovation through digital technology, skill enhancement, and the cultivation of innovative and entrepreneurial talents essential for rural revitalization. Representatives from China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam also presented their national policies and best practices for the digital transformation of TVET to promote sustainable rural development. The UNESCO INRULED introduced the “Learning Villages in the Digital Era” program, which sparked significant interest and discussion among participants.

The forum featured keynote speeches, best practice reports, and roundtable discussions on the construction of smart villages in the digital era, the role of digital technology in educational transformation, and strategies for promoting sustainable rural development. Participants shared the latest theoretical research, practical experiences, project outcomes, and successful cases, highlighting the critical importance of leveraging technological advancements to promote educational equity and high-quality rural development.

As one of the thematic forums of the Global Smart Education Conference, it deepened the understanding of the urgency of rural education transformation in the digital era, recognized the importance of leveraging technological advancements and innovations to promote educational equity and high-quality development, and reached a consensus on enhancing the learning and employability of rural populations through skills education and training to meet the needs of economic digitalization and green transformation. 

Field Visits and Closing Symposium

As part of the workshop, 28 representatives from six Southeast Asian countries participated in field visits and learning sessions in Beijing and Lin’an District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. During these visits, they explored various sites related to education for sustainable development and rural revitalization, including TVET schools and industries. The participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities in education innovation, skill development, and skill transformation in the context of rural revitalization in the digital age. 

The workshop successfully strengthened international exchange, academic discussion, and strategic cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries in vocational education and rural development. Participants gained insights into innovative education models and digital strategies to address the challenges of the digital age, supporting the shared goal of rural revitalization. By fostering mutual learning, building capacities, and developing networks, the workshop contributed to the ongoing efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education, reducing inequalities, and supporting sustainable economic growth.