Anwar Attends WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Opening Ceremony

From Harlina Samson

SHANGHAI, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 here tonight, demonstrating Malaysia’s support for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Chinese Premier Li Qiang officially opened the event held at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center, attended by government leaders, representatives of participating countries, WorldSkills officials and members of the international skills community.

The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is being held from Sept 22 to 27 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) with two events - the 48th WorldSkills Competition and WorldSkills Conference 2026 - being run side by side.

It also features the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo with over 300 booths and interactive stations. 

The competition will test the mastery of 1,400 participants from over 65 countries and regions to compete in 64 skill categories.  

Held biennially, the WorldSkills Competition is the world’s largest international gathering of skills talent. 

The competition covers traditional trades and rapidly developing fields, including cloud computing, autonomous mobile robotics, cybersecurity, drone operations, digital interactive media design and rail vehicle technology.

Malaysia, a member of WorldSkills International since 1992, has dispatched an 82-member contingent led by Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan as Chef de Mission. 

Also present was the Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan, who is also the chairman of the National Skills Development Council.

The Malaysian contingent joined the Parade of Nations of participating countries in a spectacular and breathtaking displays of the Olympic-style opening ceremony.

Malaysia is represented by 22 participants competing in 21 skills areas under the national “Road to Gold” mission, aimed at securing the country’s first gold medal at the global competition.

At the opening ceremony, Anwar was seated next to Li, appeared engrossed in the event and as the Malaysian contingent entered the arena, Li touched Anwar's shoulder to catch his attention.          Anwar was seen giving a thumbs-up to the Malaysian contingent and waving as a gesture of support and the interaction between the two leaders clearly reflected the warm and close relationship they share.

The skill categories among others include manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communications technology, construction and building technology as well as creative arts and fashion. 

Malaysia's participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 forms part of the China-led global initiatives in strengthening bilateral relations under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

Anwar’s presence is seen as a strong show of support for the Malaysian contingent as the country works to elevate TVET as a preferred education and career pathway.

Malaysia has placed greater emphasis on high-value technical skills to meet industry requirements, raise workforce productivity and support the country’s transition towards a technology-driven economy.

Parallel to the competition, the WorldSkills Conference 2026 will bring together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and change-makers to debate on upgrading global TVET agendas. 

The conference will be opened by Li on Wednesday with Anwar slated to deliver a keynote address at the plenary session.

Anwar is in China for a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, that includes high-level bilateral meeting with Li and engagements with Chinese leaders and captains of industry.

-- BERNAMA