SHANGHAI, Sept 23 — The Malaysian contingent’s campaign at the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) Shanghai 2026 begins today, with 22 national youth participants aiming to secure the country’s maiden gold medal at the world’s most prestigious skills competition.
The National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) here will see the Malaysian participants competing in 21 of the 64 skill areas, covering manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, construction and building technology, as well as creative arts and fashion.
Malaysia’s participation in the 48th edition of the WSC is part of a global initiative led by China to strengthen bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, who is also the country’s WSC Chef de Mission, said the national contingent had undergone extensive preparations after the previous edition in Lyon, France.
He said the two-year preparation period reflected the commitment of the Department of Skills Development (JPK), the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and the Ministry of Works (KKR) to achieving success in Shanghai.
Ahmad said he was confident in the contingent’s capabilities based on its performance in previous regional competitions, including winning 13 gold medals at WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 and securing third place in Asia at WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025, which demonstrated the high quality of Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talent.
“Apart from that, our preparation also involved holding team-building camps three times this year. They were also sent to friendly competitions at the global level.
“Some were sent to China, others to Australia, Russia and France. Therefore, our efforts are visibly earnest in ensuring victory (at WSC Shanghai 2026),” he said.
A total of 1,400 young skilled professionals from more than 65 countries and regions are taking part in the competition, which features 64 skill areas.
WSC Shanghai 2026 comprises the Skills Competitions and WorldSkills Expo from Sept 23 to 26, while the WorldSkills Conference will be held from Sept 23 to 25.
