2026 Shanghai WorldSkills Competition concludes successfully Team Hong Kong, China, claim 15 medals setting a record-breaking result

Hailed as “Skills Olympics”, the WorldSkills Competition 2026 was concluded in Shanghai yesterday (27 September). Team Hong Kong, China, won 15 medals, including one silver medal in the Rail Vehicle Technology trade, while earning 14 Medals for Excellence in Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Concrete Construction Work, Cyber Security, Hairdressing, ICT Network Infrastructure, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Mechatronics, Mobile Applications Development, Painting and Decorating, Pâtisserie and Confectionery, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Visual Merchandising, Web Technologies, and Welding trades (please refer to Annex 1 for details). The record-breaking number of medals clinched by Team Hong Kong, China, at the WorldSkills Competition is a testament to the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong’s skills training and development. 

Secretary for Education Dr CHOI Yuk-lin was in Shanghai to support the Hong Kong competitors and witness their success.

TANG Kwong-tai, a Technician of MTR Corporation and a graduate of Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), won a silver medal in the Rail Vehicle Technology trade. He was also named the top scorer of Team Hong Kong, China. Delighted by the result, he said that representing Hong Kong and winning the award was the highest affirmation of his skills and a moment of immense pride. He thanked his employer, MTR Corporation, for providing training and support, enabling him to hone technical skills, strengthen problem-solving abilities and cultivate resilience. The Competition was fast-paced and demanding, testing not only the professional skills, but also his composure and adaptability under pressure. Winning the award has further strengthened his confidence in pursuing professional development in the field.

Winners of the Medal for Excellence shared that the WorldSkills Competition provides a valuable international platform for skills exchange, offering competitors an opportunity to learn from outstanding peers from around the world. The experience enabled them to gain exposure to advanced technologies and the latest industry developments, broadening their horizons. They said that the experience would remain an important milestone in their career development.

Hong Kong sent its largest-ever delegation of 41 skilled competitors to participate in 37 skills competitions. Competitors for Team Hong Kong, China, were all winners of the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition jointly organised by the VTC, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA) and were subsequently selected to represent Hong Kong through various assessments. Some competitors are employees of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), MTR Corporation or other industry organisations, which provided support and training for their participation in the Competition.

The Secretary for Education, Dr CHOI Yuk-lin was pleased to see the Hong Kong team maintain its outstanding standards and achieve breakthroughs in several competition trades. She also praised Hong Kong, China competitors for giving their all on the international stage, showcasing the talent and vigour of Hong Kong’s youth, and helping further promote vocational education and enhance its recognition in the society.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Youth Skills Competition Dr Roy CHUNG said that the WorldSkills Competition offered a world-class platform for young people to sharpen their skills, build confidence and cultivate a spirit of professionalism and excellence through competition, equipping them with a strong foundation for future development.

VTC Chairman Jeffrey LAM highlighted that the outstanding performance of Team Hong Kong, China, on the global stage fully demonstrated the value of VPET and reflected the outcomes of VTC’s joint efforts with industry partners in nurturing talent. He hopes young talent will elevate their professional skills and innovative thinking, injecting new impetus into the development of Hong Kong’s various sectors.

CIC Chairman Ir Prof. Thomas HO said the CIC remains committed to developing high-calibre skilled talent. The outstanding performance of our competitors on the world stage, marked by professionalism, innovation and craftsmanship, demonstrates the strength and international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s construction workforce. 

CITA Chairman Roger CHAN praised the competitors for their passion for excellence and commitment to their craft. Throughout their preparation for the WorldSkills Competition, they have demonstrated perseverance, professionalism and a spirit of continuous improvement, highlighting the quality, resilience, and potential of Hong Kong’s young skilled professionals. 

Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Raymond POON congratulated Team Hong Kong, China, on their outstanding achievements, praising the competitors for their exceptional perseverance. He emphasised that nurturing young talents is fundamental to the sustainable growth of the electrical and mechanical industry, and that the EMSD will continue to collaborate with all sectors to support the younger generation in scaling new heights on the international stage. 

The biennial WorldSkills Competition organised by WorldSkills International aims to raise skill standards and promote vocational skills, while providing a valuable exchange platform for competitors and experts. The 48th WorldSkills Competition took place in Shanghai from 22 to 27 September, bringing together around 1,400 young competitors from around 70 countries and regions to compete in 64 skills competitions.

Hong Kong’s 41 competitors participated in 37 competition trades this year (please refer to Annex 2 for details). Since first participating in WorldSkills in 1997, Hong Kong has won 4 gold, 3 silver and 7 bronze medals as well as 95 *Medals for Excellence (*formerly known as Medallion for Excellence).

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT),  the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI),  the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

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