Luban Workshop, a vocational education institution pioneered by the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, has evolved into an influential brand and platform for improving vocational skills for international students, especially from Asian developing countries.
Lu Ban, an ancient Chinese master craftsman, has inspired Tianjin's Luban Workshop. Over nine years, it has set up 24 centers in 23 countries. Among them, 10 are in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC) member states, mostly Southeast Asian and Central Asia countries, like Thailand, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan.
Luban Workshop has earned its reputation with its practical and leading technology-related curriculum, sharing China's advanced technical and vocational training practices, standards, and resources with the world.
Tianjin launched its first Luban Workshop in Thailand in 2016. Among the earliest participants was a Thai lady who had studied in Tianjin. Drawn to its vision, she joined the founding team and is now an important member of the workshop's Sino-Thai educational exchange programs.
"Having witnessed firsthand, I can attest to Luban Workshop's tangible benefits for Thailand: countless students and teachers have gained enhanced expertise, creating mutual opportunities that foster China-Thailand friendship and people-to-people exchanges, and socio-economic progress for both nations," said Nitinun Chomchuen, the Thai teacher of Luban Workshop in Tianjin Bohai Vocational Technical College.
Mohsin is a student from Pakistan who participated in the Luban Workshop at Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College.
"I have been learning the Chinese language, Chinese culture, and technology. I'm very excited and also curious to learn more and more about new things. Since I'm at the beginning of my journey, my main focus is on basic practical skills like basic automation and the Chinese language. Because they both help in the future. Because the future is all about China," said Mohsin.
He majors in electrical automation at the Luban Workshop. After eight intensive months of blending theory and practice, he now faces the future with confidence.
"So it's very important for Pakistani youth to get the technical education. This is the reason the government of Pakistan is very excited to have such kind of relations with China, especially in Tianjin Luban. So in upcoming days, I hope this kind of coordination and cooperation will increase more," said Syed Aoon Sherazi, head of the investigation cell with Such News, Pakistan's news channel.
In the coming autumn, another SCO Summit will be held in Tianjin. The city expects more exchanges and engagement with other member states, contributing to regional youth skills development and economic growth.
Li Yunmei, president of Tianjin Light Industry Vocational Technical College, said, "We eagerly anticipate hosting the SCO Summit and look forward to expanding engagement with SCO member states. Guided by the Shanghai Spirit, we will elevate our mutual learning initiatives to new heights."
Tianjin Luban Workshop shares China's vocational expertise with more youth in developing countries
