[News from Institutions] Students from Greater Bay Area and Singapore compete in“Greater Bay Area International Youth Skills Competition 2025”
Hong Kong competitors claim 2 Gold 3 Silver Medals

Organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), the “Greater Bay Area International Youth Skills Competition 2025” concluded successfully last Wednesday (5 November). Young skilled competitors from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Singapore gathered in Hong Kong to compete across five skills competitions: Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Cyber Security, Graphic Design Technology, and two newly added competition trades this year — Western Cooking and Beauty Therapy. Seven competitors from Hong Kong brought home 2 Gold and 3 Silver Medals (see Appendix for details). Their achievements demonstrate not only their excellent technical skills but also the impact of Hong Kong’s efforts in promoting Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET).

This year marked the second “Greater Bay Area International Youth Skills Competition”. 39 students from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, and Singapore came together from 3 to 5 November in Hong Kong to take part in the competition. These students came from eight vocational and technical institutions, namely the VTC, Guangdong Industry Polytechnic University, Guangzhou Huashang Vocational College, Guangzhou Polytechnic University, Institute of Technical Education of Singapore, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Temasek Polytechnic of Singapore and Zhongshan Polytechnic. Seven representatives from Hong Kong took part in all competition trades, winning 2 Golds in Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Graphic Design Technology, and 3 Silvers in Beauty Therapy, Cyber Security and Western Cooking. The winners were honoured at the award presentation ceremony.

In the team competition for Autonomous Mobile Robotics, FAN Ho-wai and CHENG Kup-lung, graduates of the Higher Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), teamed up to win the Gold Medal with outstanding performance. As a “mechanical enthusiast”, Ho-wai recalled that his connection with machinery began in kindergarten - when he played with his first remote-controlled car in the park. His curiosity led him to explore how the different parts of the toy car functioned together, and the joy he felt during that experience have stayed with him ever since, sparking a deep passion for mechanical engineering. During secondary school and later at IVE, Ho-wai actively participated in local and overseas robotics competitions, gaining extensive experience. After graduating from IVE, he went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at a local university, and he continues to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities, sharing his knowledge with the younger generation. 

In the competition, Ho-wai focused on assembling the robot’s hardware, while Kup-lung was responsible for programming. Kup-lung shared that the programming process was full of challenges, with the key being to stay flexible and enjoy solving problems. For example, lighting conditions at the venue could affect sensors, so he had to prepare multiple backup plans to ensure optimal robot performance in the arena. Both of them stated that the two-year IVE Higher Diploma programme trained their problem-solving skills. With project-based learning running alongside the study of theory, it helped them develop strong learning abilities, enhanced their confidence and practical techniques, and laid a solid foundation for future competitions and academic pursuits.

The Gold Medal in the Graphic Design Technology trade was awarded to HUANG Sin-man, a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Visual Communication Design at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI). Sin-man shared that this year’s competition theme was Hong Kong’s cultural arts. Inspired by the vibrant street culture of the city’s iconic “Goldfish Market”, she used goldfish design to represent the unique characteristics. Her design featured red and green colors to create contrast, and incorporated elements such as seaside scenery, graffiti, and calligraphy to reinforce the theme. Sin-man mentioned that all competitors demonstrated a high level of skill. She found it enriching to compete alongside competitors with diverse styles, especially observing their use of color and how they integrated Chinese typography into their work. What she valued most was the opportunity to connect with fellow participants after the competition. The exchange of ideas, mutual learning, and the friendships formed made the experience truly memorable.

CHAN Tsz-ching, a Youth College student, won the Silver Medal in Beauty Therapy competition trade. She first encountered makeup during a gymnastics competition in primary school, which sparked her interest. Fascinated by the fantastic effect of cosmetics, she later followed her interest and enrolled in the Diploma of Vocational Education (Beauty Care) programme. Tsz-ching soon realised that professional beauty therapy skills require mastery of skin and muscle anatomy, nail design, themed makeup techniques, and even the ability to communicate effectively with clients. Competitors were required to demonstrate professional skills in line with industry standards within a limited timeframe, which motivated Tsz-ching to pursue excellence. To her, skill development is comparable to nurturing flowers: “Class lessons are daily cultivation, while competitions are like applying fertilisers to accelerate growth.” Her “fertiliser” for this competition was the intensive training, which ensured consistent performance and boosted her confidence. One of the competition tasks required competitors to paint designs with floral elements on a small fingernail. Tsz-ching began by sketching outlines on the fingernail, then applied colours from the stigma to the petals, carefully keeping the base layer clean. She practised repeatedly on paper before progressing to curved artificial nails, aiming to refine her technique and enhance both skills and speed.

Hong Kong competitors had a great success, winning another 2 Silver Medals in the Cyber Security and Western Cooking competition trades respectively. The Cyber Security competition was a team-based category, and TANG Cheuk-hei, a graduate of VTC’s Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity, partnered with his teammate LEUNG King-ni to compete; while YIU Cheuk-ying, a student of the Diploma in International Culinary Arts at the International Culinary Institute (ICI), participated in the Western Cooking category. All of them treasured the opportunity to compete with outstanding students from the Chinese Mainland and Singapore. The participants came from diverse places and backgrounds, but all were focused and committed to doing their best. They described the experience of learning from others as truly valuable. 

Beyond the exciting competitions, competitors also visited Hong Kong’s cultural landmark Tai Kwun to learn about local culture, and attended the VPET seminar to understand more about the importance of VPET and skills training.

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 also 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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