Global Skills Exchange to Advance Innovation and International Cooperation in Vocational Education
Release time：2025-08-27
Tianjin, China — 13 May 2025 — Educators, technical experts, and skills competition representatives from Singapore, Japan, Laos, Chinese Taipei, and mainland China gathered in Tianjin for the International Exchange on Information Network Cabling, co-organized and sponsored by Guangdong VCOM Education Technology Co., Ltd., a Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills International. The event marked a significant step forward in fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation in vocational education.
Hosted at Tianjin Electronic Information Technician College, the event featured collaborative training sessions, technical demonstrations, and strategic discussions addressing the evolving demands of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Participants also explored the emerging field of Intelligent Security Technology, underscoring its growing relevance in today’s highly connected digital landscape.
Strengthening the Future of Global Skills
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Jane Stokie, Director of Skills Competitions at WorldSkills International, delivered inspiring remarks on the role of global skills exchanges in shaping the future workforce.
She made it clear that vocational education is key to national strength. Investing in young people's skills fosters sustainable, inclusive growth—because skills empower, open doors, and shape the future.
She reaffirmed WorldSkills International’s three core missions:
lTo elevate vocational education and training as a shared global responsibility;
lTo champion skills as a driver of youth employment and social progress;
lAnd to position skills competitions as a strategic bridge between education and industry.
Ms. Stokie also highlighted the alignment of this initiative with the United Nations South-South Cooperation Framework, calling it a model for regional talent development through collaborative platforms such as the Global Training Center, with strong support from partners like VCOM.
She warmly invited all participants to attend the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026, highlighting the event as a global stage for young skilled talent to shine.
Launch of the Tianjin Training Base
A key highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the Global Training Center’s Information Network Cabling Training Base in Tianjin. The center aims to serve as a benchmark for international cooperation, aligning vocational education with industry needs and enhancing regional training capacity.
Ms. Cathy Wang (Wang Yanfeng), CEO of VCOM Education, emphasized the strategic role of the new base:
“This center exemplifies our vision to build world-class training environments that integrate technological innovation with educational excellence. It provides a shared platform for global collaboration and talent cultivation.”
Technical Leadership and Innovation
Professor Takuo Kikuchi, Skill Competition Manager for Information Network Cabling at WorldSkills, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the vital role of information networks in modern society. He called attention to the rising importance of advanced installation skills and the urgent need to develop globally competitive technical talent.
“Today’s International Exchange and the launch of the Global Training Center are emblematic of our shared commitment to cultivating both technical excellence and global solidarity among young professionals, the involvement of VCOM has been instrumental in creating this platform, ensuring that training is closely aligned with global standards.” Professor Kikuchi remarked.
Looking ahead, the Tianjin base will leverage the WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS) to promote standardized training, pedagogical innovation, and cross-border skills development. With Information Network Cabling as its initial anchor, the center will expand its scope to other high-demand skill areas and serve as a catalyst for regional and global skills alignment.
A New Paradigm for Vocational Development
As industries worldwide continue to transform, the Tianjin exchange reaffirmed the unifying power of skills. It fostered not only technical collaboration but also meaningful dialogue on vocational education reform, industrial integration, and international partnership building.
From establishing standardized training centers to initiating multilateral cooperation frameworks, this event illustrated a forward-looking approach to vocational development—one grounded in mutual respect, shared knowledge, and a commitment to excellence.
As the world prepares for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026, initiatives like this serve as a powerful reminder: skills are not only instruments of employment—they are foundations of inclusive development, global resilience, and sustainable progress.
