On September 12, twelve new students from Malaysia arrived at Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University, marking the beginning of their studies in China. As the third cohort of the Morimatsu–Zhongqiao International Program, they will pursue studies in Mechatronics Technology at the School of Intelligent Manufacturing. The arrival of the new cohort marks a new stage in the international technical and skilled talent development initiative jointly undertaken by the University and Morimatsu Group. On registration day, the International Exchange Office and the School of Intelligent Manufacturing worked closely to assist the students with registration, campus orientation and daily-life arrangements, helping them settle into their new academic and campus environment.
The Morimatsu–Zhongqiao International Program is a targeted talent development initiative jointly established by the University and Morimatsu Group. It also represents an important step in the University’s efforts to promote the international development of vocational education. The first cohort of Malaysian students began their studies at the University in September 2024. Building on earlier exchanges and cooperation, the University and Morimatsu Group held a signing and opening ceremony for the program in October 2025, bringing the initiative into a more structured stage of implementation. Morimatsu Group covers the students’ tuition fees and living expenses in full throughout their studies. The University and the company jointly develop the talent development plan, with faculty members and corporate mentors providing coordinated instruction and guidance.
Designed to meet the demand for locally trained professionals at Morimatsu Group’s production base in Malaysia, the three-year program adopts a “two years of university study plus one year of workplace training” model. Its curriculum encompasses courses in mechatronics technology, vocational Chinese, the development of China’s manufacturing sector and corporate culture. During the first two years, students complete academic coursework and practical training at Zhongqiao University. In the third year, they undertake workplace training at Morimatsu China’s manufacturing base in Nantong. Upon graduation, they are expected to take up relevant management positions at Morimatsu Group’s production base in Malaysia. This creates an integrated development pathway linking study in China, industry-based training and employment in Malaysia.
Over the past year, students from the second cohort have gradually become part of the academic and campus community at Zhongqiao University. Through classroom instruction and laboratory-based training, they have systematically developed their knowledge of mechatronics while strengthening their equipment operation and practical application skills. Their vocational Chinese courses and daily interactions have steadily improved their ability to communicate in Chinese. Participation in campus activities and engagement with faculty members and fellow students have also deepened their understanding of Chinese society and culture.
Several students also volunteered at the eighth China International Import Expo. Through their service at this major international event, they strengthened their communication and teamwork skills, experienced Shanghai’s vibrant and open urban culture, and further integrated into local life. The coordinated development of professional competence, language proficiency, volunteer experience and cultural understanding has laid a solid foundation for their future workplace training and careers.
With the enrolment of the twelve new students, the Morimatsu–Zhongqiao International Program has now admitted three consecutive cohorts, bringing the total number of students to 24. From the arrival of the first cohort and the formal launch of the program to its steady expansion, the University and Morimatsu Group have established increasingly close coordination across student recruitment, teaching, practical training and employment. The “Chinese Language plus Vocational Skills” development model has also continued to evolve through educational practice.
Shanghai Zhongqiao Polytechnic University will continue to strengthen its university–industry collaborative education mechanism and enhance its support system for international students. By promoting closer integration among professional education, language learning and industry practice, the University will further improve the quality of international technical and skilled talent development, cultivate more highly qualified professionals for Belt and Road partner countries, and provide talent support for the global development of Chinese enterprises.
