In classrooms and training centers across China, growing numbers of students from Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond are learning not only the Chinese language, but how the country’s industries work, how supply chains are managed and how goods are traded and traded across borders.
The Hebei Software Institute, in the northern city of Baoding, has been at the forefront of the push. The technical college said it has launched several overseas-focused programs in recent years, particularly with partners in Thailand, combining Chinese language training with courses in e-commerce, digital marketing and information technology.
As economic growth slows at home and Chinese companies move more into international markets, vocational education is emerging as a passive but strategic asset – not only to train workers but also to support the transfer of industrial environments, standards and ways of doing business.
Courses are often co-developed by schools and companies, with students trained in real production environments that range from factory floors to live streaming studios and distribution hubs.
“At best, this ‘Chinese language plus technical skills’ model can provide direct talent support for Chinese companies going international,” said Zhao Zhijiang, a researcher at Anbound, an independent think tank based in Beijing.
“What many companies lack is not only employees, but people who understand Chinese business practices and local markets. These people can serve as a bridge.”
