Michelle Lam (middle) tours Nantong Vocational University. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A delegation led by Michelle Lam, chief analyst and advisor from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of the Solomon Islands, visited Nantong Vocational University on Sept 13 and 14 to explore cooperation on vocational education.

The visit aimed to implement the initiative of the Pacific Island country to send 1,000 students to study in China and to train high-quality skilled talents. NTVU has been selected as a primary partner institution for such a purpose due to its strong vocational education capabilities and industry-education integration. The university is set to host the largest cohort of Solomon Islands students in China in 2026, marking a significant step forward in Sino-Solomon Islands vocational education cooperation.

During her visit, Lam toured the university's training facilities and engaged with students and faculty to assess the institution's international education environment. She expressed high regard for the university's industry-aligned educational approach and comprehensive support systems.

A meeting was held on Sept 14 to discuss the implementation of the program. Vice-President Xu Sheng and other university officials attended the meeting, outlining the university's educational strengths and the support systems for international students. Lam detailed the program's objectives and future collaboration plans, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in enhancing ties between the two nations in the field of vocational education.

The discussions led to agreements on several aspects of the project, including curriculum adaptation, student services and a long-term cooperation mechanism, laying a solid foundation for the success of the program.

Vice-President Xu highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration in fostering international educational exchange and mutual development, saying the university will tailor bespoke training programs precisely aligned with the talent development needs of the Solomon Islands, ensuring the highest quality of education for international students.

Xu said the university will also seize this opportunity to deepen international industry-education integration, expand vocational education cooperation channels between China and other countries, and establish a distinctive brand in cross-border talent cultivation.