On August 11, a student delegation from Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College (ZJITC) embarked on a week-long overseas study and exchange program in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. From a youthful perspective, the delegation promoted China’s fine traditional culture and demonstrated ZJITC students’ sense of responsibility on the international stage.

During the program, ZJITC students Chen Yuxuan and Zhu Shanshan were invited to participate in the Asia Youth Learners Dialogue 2026 (AYLD2026), where they exchanged ideas and showcased their talents alongside peers from countries including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia. Before an audience of more than 500 teachers and students from various countries, the two students delivered an engaging presentation titled Wooden Movable-Type Printing: From Wooden Chinese Characters to Living Memory. They gave a clear and well-structured overview of the craft’s long history, distinctive techniques and production process, while objectively addressing the challenges facing the preservation and development of traditional handcrafts today. Taking an Asian cultural perspective, they called on young people to recognize the contemporary value of living cultural heritage, safeguard intangible cultural heritage through creative thinking and youthful vitality, and breathe new life into time-honored craftsmanship. Ultimately, their presentation stood out among six international teams and won the Silver Award for Heritage Preservation, fully demonstrating ZJITC students’ strong global competence and their ability to share China’s intangible cultural heritage with international audiences.

AYLD 2026 was hosted by University Technology Sarawak (UTS) , and co-organized by the Sarawak Campus of Swinburne University of Technology, Malaysia. Centered on protection, transmission and innovative development of living cultural heritage, the event provided a platform for cross-border exchange among young people and encouraged Asian youth to engage actively in related cultural initiatives. As a high-level event with broad influence, it was attended by Professor Lau Ing Ho, President and CEO of the Sarawak Campus of Swinburne University of Technology, who delivered remarks at the opening ceremony, and Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, who also attended the event and addressed the participants.

During the rest of their visit, the delegation will trace the 600-year historical legacy of Zheng He’s Voyages to the Western Seas, explore Malaysia’s diverse ethnic cultures, and immerse themselves in the unique cultural and natural charm of this ancient rainforest city. This short-term overseas study and exchange program represents ZJITC’s tangible effort to advance internationalized education and promote two-way cultural exchanges among young people from China and other countries. It also serves as an important platform for China’s traditional intangible cultural heritage to reach audiences abroad, take root in Asia and gain wider international recognition. Moving forward, ZJITC will continue to uphold its commitment to culture-oriented education and internationalization, helping students stay rooted in Chinese cultural traditions, thrive on the global stage and share authentic Chinese stories.