Based on a recent trip to China by Director of AIT
Extension, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, prospects seem good for AIT to
establish a firm physical presence in the People’s Republic of China.
Dr. Shaw represented AIT at the International Forum on
Vocational-Technical Education: Policy Frameworks, Innovative Practices
and International Partnerships, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China,
held in Hangzhou on 17-18 November 2008.
The Extension Director had a meeting with Dr. Zhou
Nanzhao, which followed an earlier meeting between Professor Zhou
and AIT President Said Irandoust in Beijing, where a general MoU
between AIT and UNESCO was signed. Professor Zhou is President of
UNESCO-APNIEVE (Asia Pacific Network for International Education and
Values Education) and Director of UNESCO-INRULED (International
Research and Training Center for Rural Education). He also acts as
Advisor to the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and was with
UNESCO for many years in Bangkok.
Professor Zhou has indicated that there are opportunities for AIT in
China, and requested that AIT submit a proposal, with a business plan
for how the Institute would operate. To start the process, AIT would
like to draft a concept note for an AIT Center in China for further
discussion with Dr Zhou in Yunnan later this month. Professor Zhou
believes that AIT needs a presence in China, and suggested that
Shanghai would be an ideal base. Professor Zhou will help with
necessary approvals should the Institute proceed.
According to Professor Zhou, approximately 70% of the
Chinese populace lives in rural areas and one of the Chinese
government's biggest priorities is to increase the potential of
communities living in rural areas. The government envisages that the
major driving force for further economic growth in China will be small
and medium enterprises (SMEs), including those in rural areas, as
engines for economic growth.
The government therefore aims to elevate the knowledge
level of the rural areas through higher vocational education and
training. The Chinese government is investing US$ 10 billion for higher
vocational education and training, aimed at helping industrialize rural
areas through SMEs. Professor Zhou believes that there is an
opportunity for AIT to play a major role in the development of this
sector.