Yancheng Polytechnic College in Yancheng, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Yancheng Polytechnic College]

Originating in Jiangsu, the historic legacy of Zheng He's voyages to the Western seas is now inspiring new paths of international cooperation. Yancheng Polytechnic College has partnered with Texhong International Group, Hanoi Industrial Textile Garment University, and industry associations to establish Zheng He Academy in Vietnam — a transnational project that combines education, technology, and industry.

As one of the main destinations for China's textile industry relocation, Vietnam faces a shortage of skilled workers despite being the world's second-largest textile exporter. Zheng He Academy brings not only Chinese vocational courses but also advanced education concepts, industrial standards and cultural exchange.

Jointly developed by government, universities, enterprises, and industry partners, the project builds on long-term cooperation. Since 2015, Yancheng Polytechnic College and Texhong Group have operated an overseas training base and technology transfer center in Vietnam. The new college houses additional resources: Texhong has provided over 800 square meters of teaching space and 200 trainee positions, Hanoi Industrial Textile Garment University is contributing 18 instructors, and local enterprises has formed a 31-member technical expert team.

Zheng He Academy also emphasizes bilingual and dual-skilled talent development, offering both vocational and Chinese language courses to enhance students' cultural understanding and international competence.

So far, Zheng He Academy has trained over 3,000 employees for Chinese-funded companies in Vietnam, and over 100 Vietnamese graduates have taken up technical and managerial positions. Its cultural experience center, featuring calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Chinese festivals, further deepens friendship and understanding between young people from both countries.

By 2030, Zheng He Academy aims to expand to 10 majors, train more than 3,000 people annually, and offer 20 bilingual courses, creating a model for China-Vietnam vocational cooperation.