Lai Ching-te presents flag to encourage Taiwan's elite technicians for Shanghai WorldSkills Competition

At the WorldSkills Competition, set to open on the 22nd of this month in Shanghai, China, Taiwan has dispatched a national delegation, demonstrating the island's continuous cultivation and achievements in the fields of vocational education and skills training. Held biennially, the competition brings together young technical talent from more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, using hands-on competitions to evaluate the proficiency and innovative performance of various professional skills. For Taiwan, participating in such an international platform is not only an opportunity to test the quality of domestic vocational education, but also a way to showcase the technical strength and vocational spirit behind "Made in Taiwan" to the world.

Today (the 15th), Premier and President Lai Ching-te personally presented the flag to the departing delegation and encouraged the national team members with brief yet powerful words. "Trust yourselves and enjoy the process of competing with the world's top experts," President Lai noted, pointing out that technical competitions are not just about vying for medals, but also serve as a stage for learning and exchange. Through direct competition with participants from other countries, Taiwan's young technical talent can absorb new knowledge in practical operations, further enhancing the competitiveness of local industries. President Lai's encouragement also echoes the "vocational education" policies promoted by the government in recent years, emphasizing the close integration of vocational training with industrial demands, and hoping to raise the public's positive perception of vocational education through exposure on the international stage.

Taiwan's history in the WorldSkills Competition dates back to the end of the last century. In past editions, Taiwanese competitors have repeatedly won top honors in fields such as information technology, mechanical manufacturing, and food and beverage service, establishing technical benchmarks for local industries. These success stories have not only advanced the participants' personal career development but have also brought technology transfer and innovative momentum to related industries. The fields covered by the team dispatched this time encompass diverse sectors including information and communications, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical manufacturing, and the service industry, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the government's efforts in cultivating cross-disciplinary technical talent. Although the specific number of participants and events have not yet been made public, it is expected that over one hundred young technical talents will participate in the competition, striving for further international renown for Taiwan.

Amid ongoing cross-strait tensions, the dispatch of Taiwanese competitors to Shanghai for the competition also carries special symbolic significance. Although the competition itself centers on technology and professionalism, the participation process inevitably involves aspects of diplomatic and cultural exchange. President Lai specifically mentioned during the flag presentation ceremony to "let the whole world see Taiwan's vocational spirit." This remark was not only an expectation placed upon the competitors, but also a way to make Taiwan's voice heard on the international stage, highlighting Taiwan's role in the global industrial chain. Through the demonstration of soft power via technical competition, Taiwan is able to convey the strength and innovative spirit of its local talent to the international community in a context unaffected by political factors.

Overall, the WorldSkills Competition is not only a competitive platform for young technical talent, but also a testing ground for the government's promotion of industrial upgrading and talent cultivation. President Lai's flag presentation ceremony and words of encouragement symbolize the Executive Yuan's high regard for vocational education and remind all national competitors to base their performance on confidence and professionalism, passing Taiwan's vocational spirit to every corner of the world. Regardless of the competition's outcome, the participation process itself provides invaluable learning and growth opportunities for Taiwan's technical talent, while injecting new blood and vitality into domestic industries. (Source: Central News Agency)