Global Skills in Action: WorldSkills International Training and Challenge Event Opens in Shanghai
Release time：2026-01-08
The 48th WorldSkills Competition Optoelectronic Technology and Intelligent Security Technology International Training and Challenge Event officially opened in Shanghai on December 1, 2025. The seven-day international skills event is jointly organized by the WorldSkills China (Shanghai) Research Center and Guangdong VCOM Education Technology Co., Ltd., co-organized by the Global Training Center (GTC), and supported by the Optoelectronic Technology and Intelligent Security Technology (WorldSkills) Training Center, also called as the Global Training Center - Shanghai Branch.
Bringing together skill representatives from 11 countries, including China, Austria, Barbados, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Zambia, and Costa Rica, the event also saw the active participation of four major WorldSkills China research centers from Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. Centered on the theme of AI-driven global digital transformation of vocational education, the event provided a high-level international platform for technical exchange, professional training, and competition, serving as a key prelude to the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
High-Level Opening Ceremony Highlights Global Vision
The opening ceremony was hosted by Ms. Jennifer Huang, Secretary-General of the Global Training Center. Distinguished guests from government bodies, renowned institutions, and industry leaders delivered keynote remarks, including Ms. Cathy Wang , CEO of VCOM. Speakers shared insights on vocational skills competition systems, the development of WorldSkills Competition, and the role of enterprises in empowering skills education, highlighting the global significance of this event for cultivating future-ready talent.
In her address, Cathy emphasized that, as a Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills, VCOM remains committed to advancing vocational education digitalization through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, contributing innovative Chinese solutions to global skills development.
Thought Leadership and Global Dialogue
During the conference sessions, Mr. Wang Di, Director of the WorldSkills China (Shanghai) Research Center, delivered a keynote speech titled “The Latest Technological Trends in WorldSkills”, offering an in-depth analysis of evolving competition technologies. Jennifer followed with a keynote on “AI-Driven Global Digital Transformation of Vocational Education”, sharing insights into how AI is reshaping vocational education worldwide. From a research perspective, Ms. Zhang Rui, Deputy Director of the WorldSkills China (Tianjin) Research Center, explored practical pathways for translating WorldSkills outcomes into real-world applications.
In addition, Mr. Tyler Chen, the Skill Competition Manager for Optoelectronic Technology at WorldSkills, and Mr. Emmanuel Reynoso, the Skill Competition Manager for Intelligent Security Technology, delivered expert presentations, breaking down the technical frameworks and assessment focus of both competition areas. International representatives, including Mr. Dario Walcott, the Technical Delegate from WorldSkills Barbados, and Mr. Siddalingappa, Director of the Government Tool and Training Center of India, engaged in dynamic exchanges with experts on site.
A highlight of the event was the roundtable discussion on “The Sustainable Development of Vocational Skills Competitions”, where Chinese and international experts shared perspectives and best practices, pooling global wisdom to support the long-term development of emerging WorldSkills projects.
Training, Friendly Competition, and Future-Oriented Collaboration
From December 1 to December 7, the event features a series of international vocational training programs, Optoelectronic Technology and Intelligent Security Technology Friendly Competitions, and the official unveiling ceremony of the Optoelectronic Technology and Intelligent Security Technology (WorldSkills) Training Center.
Through knowledge exchange, hands-on training, and competitive collaboration, the event showcases new directions for future skills development and reinforces global cooperation in vocational education. Together, stakeholders are working to promote a more open, intelligent, and sustainable future for global skills training and talent development.
