In recent years, China has introduced a series of reforms in vocational education. In August 2023, eight government departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, jointly issued the "Vocational Education Industry-Education Integration Empowerment and Enhancement Action Implementation Plan (2023-2025)," advocating for a steady increase in vocational education funding. The policy aims to better align industrial needs with talent development processes, gradually establishing a coordinated education-industry model that fosters positive interaction and growth.

　　To further advance national policies on industry-education integration, strengthen school-enterprise collaboration, and promote industry-education cooperation, the "Quanzhou Catering and Food Industry-Education Integration Development Forum and Seminar on Food Processing Technology Group Development" took place at Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College on December 21. Focused on the theme of "Industry-Education Integration and Targeted Talent Development," the forum provided valuable insights into enhancing the alignment between education and workforce needs.

　　Key attendees included Mr. Chen Tao, Assistant to the President and Production Director of Youchen Group Co., Ltd.; Ms. Lin Xiufang, Hygiene Manager of Sheraton Hotel and Xiamen Radisson Hotel; Mr. He Zhiliang, Operations Director of Quanzhou Hai Si Tong Bao E-Commerce Co., Ltd.; Mr. Huang Xiaofeng, General Manager for Fujian Region of Shanghai Yutong Logistics Services Co., Ltd.; and faculty members from the School of Health and Life at Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College. The session was moderated by Mr. Zhuang Peirong, Secretary-General of the Vocational Education Group and Dean of the School of Health and Life.

　　During the forum, enterprise representatives and faculty members engaged in in-depth discussions on the current state of higher vocational education and the talent requirements of enterprises. Their exchange of academic perspectives and practical experiences offered valuable insights into advancing "Industry-Education Integration and Targeted Talent Development."

　　Mr. Chen Tao delivered a presentation titled "Development Status and Trends in the Baking Industry," where he discussed the latest industry trends, consumer behavior, technological advancements, and food innovation trends such as sugar reduction, salt reduction, fat reduction, and baking using frozen ingredients or processes to maintain freshness and quality. He also highlighted the success of the dual education system between Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College and Youchen Group, stressing the importance of continued collaboration to deepen industry-education integration and support mutual growth.

　　Mr. Zhuang Peirong's presentation, "Practical Insights and Reflections on Talent Cultivation Models from Campus-Based Food Companies," explored the integration of teaching, production, and research through the teaching, production, and research integration model. He proposed the "School-Business Partnership Model" as a practical and actionable strategy to improve cooperation and talent development.

　　Ms. Lin Xiufang's presentation, "Hotel Food Safety Management," examined food safety incidents and, drawing on her extensive hotel management experience, analyzed relevant laws and regulations. She emphasized the critical importance of measures for ensuring food safety and compliance with health regulations in the hospitality industry.

　　Mr. He Zhiliang presented on "Training Practical Talent for Cross-Border E-Commerce," discussing the current state of the e-commerce sector, the demand for cross-border e-commerce talent, and the role of school-enterprise collaboration in developing practice-oriented professionals. He stressed the growing need for hands-on talent in this field.

　　Mr. Huang Xiaofeng's presentation, "Case Study on Logistics Network Planning in the Footwear and Apparel Industry," explored logistics network planning through the lens of career development, using case studies to examine market challenges and strategies for future logistics network models.

　　The five thematic presentations sparked lively discussions on how to deepen industry-education integration, enhance school-enterprise cooperation, and develop targeted talent pipelines.

　　Regarding aligning student training across vocational programs with evolving enterprise needs, Ms. Lin emphasized the importance of food safety awareness in the catering and food sectors, aligning closely with Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College’s curriculum development. Mr. Zhuang supported this view, proposing that practical training formats and intensity should be enhanced to better meet industry needs.

　　Mr. Chen discussed the development of frozen baking and recommended prioritizing technologies related to frozen preservation, freshness, and thawing for future research. He called for stronger collaboration with academic institutions to drive technological development and product applications, offering valuable guidance for future academic programs.

　　Additionally, enterprise representatives expressed interest in understanding the career development needs of vocational students. Through in-depth exchanges, they deepened their understanding of industry-education integration and its role in precision talent cultivation.

　　Industry-education integration is not only a core principle of vocational education but also a critical pathway for achieving high-quality development in the new era. It represents a deeply interconnected relationship between education and industry, encompassing talent development as well as fundamental research, technology transfer, and other key areas.

　　Looking ahead, Quanzhou Light Industry Vocational College will use this forum as an opportunity to refine its talent cultivation model based on industry-education integration. The college will further align its training programs with the evolving needs of industry. Additionally, the college will enhance its dual-qualification teacher development program, enabling faculty members to gain practical experience in enterprises to improve their teaching professionalism. Enterprise experts will also be invited to join the teaching faculty, enriching the educational experience and improving instructional quality.