WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 opens with 1,400 global competitors

The 48th WorldSkills Competition has officially opened in Shanghai, China, featuring approximately 1,400 participants from over 65 countries and regions. The event, which runs through September 27, includes 64 skill categories across six major fields, including manufacturing, information technology, and creative arts.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang officiated the opening ceremony. The competition serves as a major international platform for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). During the event, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of long-term skill development for future economic needs, noting that Malaysia is utilizing TVET as a core pillar for industrial transformation in sectors like semiconductors and AI.

National delegations from various countries are competing for medals, including teams from Germany, Austria, Spain, India, and Hungary. The competition is being integrated into national education strategies in several participating nations to motivate the next generation of skilled professionals.