PENANG, Malaysia – Practical collaboration between industry and education institutions took centre stage at the Closing the Gap Workshop 2026 in Penang, Malaysia, where ASEAN and EU partners explored how apprenticeship models, industry-linked training, and cross-sector partnerships can better prepare learners for evolving workforce demands. Jointly organised on 12–14 May 2026 by the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and the