A new policy for the east
The government is mulling over a proposed new policy for Northeast Asia that would replace the longstanding Look East Policy that was introduced by the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad administration in 1980.
The Look East Policy focuses on gaining best practices from Japan and South Korea.
The proposed new policy, Cooperation with the East would include China aside from the countries within the Look East Policy framework.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the new policy has been discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The prime minister has agreed to change the Look East Policy with ‘Cooperate with the East’.
“The previous policy only included South Korea and Japan. Now, China, South Korea, and Japan are our core partners, not just for TVET (technical and vocational education and training) but for other developments”, he said, reported NST.
“The Look East policy is no more”, he added.
He said this at the flag-off ceremony for 56 participants of TVET initiative programmes organised by the Malaysian-China Institute (MCI) here today.
This initiative emerged from Zahid’s official visit to China from May 22 to June 1 and the subsequent visit by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to Malaysia from June 18 to 20.
Zahid also said that the programs under the MCI are a realization of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The original allocation from the Chinese government was intended for around 2,000 participants, including students and teaching staff. However, further allocations have increased the total to over 5,000.
Zahid stated that the increased allocations provide Malaysians of all ethnicities with the opportunity to pursue advanced TVET education in cutting-edge technologies.
“The reason? To ensure equity for students to receive hands-on instruction,” he said.
Today, 56 participants will depart for China to attend training programs at Zhejiang International Maritime College, Yantai Vocational College, and Tangshan University. These programs will focus on port activities and electric vehicle technology.