In an era defined by rapid technological change, the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) depends on our ability to adapt, innovate and collaborate across borders. UNESCO-UNEVOC’s Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) project held an event from 28 to30 May 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to explore policies for the digital transformation and integration of AI in TVET.
Hosted by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), a UNEVOC Centre, as part of the Global Digital TVET Transformation Summit (DOTS 2025), the event brought together representatives of 23 UNEVOC Centres and TVET stakeholders from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The event, which was organized with the support of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) and sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education, served as a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and showcasing best practices in digital transformation and AI integration in TVET.
Setting the stage: A global launch
The three-day event kicked off with a joint opening ceremony that set the tone for insightful discussions and collaboration. Framed by the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025 and aligned with the ASEAN Declaration on Digital Transformation of Education Systems, the launch underscored the urgency of preparing TVET systems for a digital future.
Speakers from UNESCO, BIBB and UTHM highlighted the importance of preparing learners for the digital economy through innovation, equity and interregional cooperation. The event also marked the start of Malaysia’s National TVET Day celebrations, reinforcing the country’s commitment to digital education reform.
The keynote presentation by Mr Yang Congkun, UNEVOC Centre Coordinator at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), China, highlighted the transformation of work, skills and education, emphasizing the need for upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning. Mr Yang also stressed the importance of international cooperation, including through the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET at SZPU, which promotes inclusive digital transformation through research, curriculum development and capacity-building programmes.
Recording 28 May 2025: Launching Ceremony of DOTS25 and BILT Bridging Event
Policy dialogues: shared challenges, shared solutions
The event centred on multilateral policy dialogues that explored how different countries and regions are navigating the digital shift. Panelists representing Africa (African Union Commission), Southeast Asia (ASEAN TVET Council) and the Caribbean (Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities) examined the common denominators and enablers of successful digital transformation — ranging from infrastructure and teacher training to curriculum reform and industry partnerships.
Participants from ministries, training providers, universities and the private sector shared insights on how their countries and institutions are integrating AI into TVET systems during deep-dive roundtable discussions.
Recording 29 May 2025: BILT Bridging Event, Opening and Policy Dialogue
Innovation in action: The AI poster gallery
One of the most engaging parts of the event was the ‘Digital transformation and AI poster gallery’. This interactive exhibition showcased real-world examples of AI integration in TVET. From AI-powered learning platforms to smart manufacturing labs, the gallery illustrated how innovation is already reshaping classrooms and workshops.
Browse the online poster gallery
Interregional collaboration
Sessions were designed to foster dialogue between regions, allowing participants to compare strategies, identify shared challenges and explore transferable solutions.
Key takeaways:
- Stronger recognition of TVET’s central role in preparing the workforce for digital and AI-driven economies.
- The importance of peer learning and partnerships at all levels.
- Recognition of the responsibility for the ethical use of AI and for digital inclusion and access.
- The benefits of AI in skills forecasting and skills recognition.
- Recommendations for integrating AI into TVET systems and policy and implementation levels.
- Global visibility for successful practices through live-streamed sessions and the poster gallery.
This event was hosted by the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, a UNEVOC Centre
It was part of the Global Digital TVET Transformation Summit (DOTS 2025),
organized by UTHM, MyRIVET, the Malaysia TVET Council and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.
