Singaporean students showcased their extraordinary talent and dedication at the 13th edition of WorldSkills Asean, held in their home country. Over 170 young participants from ASEAN member states gathered at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre to compete across 22 skill areas in a gruelling three-day competition.
Amidst fierce competition and high-pressure scenarios, Singapore emerged as a shining star, clinching 26 medals. The highlight of the triumph was Singapore’s magnificent achievement of securing eight gold medals, making the nation proud.
Triumph of Talent – Singapore’s Stellar Performance
One remarkable triumph was in the cooking category, where Mr. Leonard Chia, a 20-year-old student from Nanyang Polytechnic Diploma in Food and Beverage Business, stood out. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a “new” kitchen and the pressure of performing before a crowd, Mr. Chia’s culinary flair earned him a gold medal.
His skills were evident across various dishes, including finger food, a casual dining meal, and a deconstructed black forest dessert. This victory marked the first time Singapore reached the top three in the cooking category, making it a historic moment for the nation.
Image from Strait Times | EUGENE TAN
Fostering Skills Excellence and Empowering Futures
The significance of WorldSkills Asean goes beyond individual achievements. This prestigious event serves as a platform to raise skill standards among youth and promote vocational training and education opportunities in the ASEAN region.
By nurturing and showcasing the talents of young individuals, it encourages a positive perspective towards vocational skills and empowers them to embrace diverse career paths.
Singapore’s exemplary performance in various skill categories exemplifies the nation’s commitment to investing in lifelong skills development. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasised the importance of skills mastery in an era where technology and automation are transforming the workplace.
Image from Strait Times | ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
He also stressed the need for new green skills to address the global challenge of climate change and support industries in their transition towards sustainability.
WorldSkills Asean presented participants with challenges that tested their adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in line with these goals. From cooking delectable dishes with mystery ingredients to programming robots to simulate hospital tasks, the competition provided a realistic and dynamic environment for skill assessment.
Moreover, the Rapid Transit Systems category added a new dimension to the event, encouraging participants to tackle real-world scenarios related to electric rail components.
Empowering the Next Generation – Education and Career Guidance
WorldSkills Asean inspires participants and opens doors for the next generation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and institutes of higher learning, the event featured an education and career guidance fair attended by approximately 10,000 secondary school students.
The fair allowed students to explore various industries and interact with over 70 industry partners. Through interactive booths and simulations, students experienced firsthand what working in sectors like transportation and semiconductor manufacturing is like.
Image from Strait Times | GAVIN FOO
A simulation of driving a Thomson-East Coast Line train, facilitated by Singapore Polytechnic, the Land Transport Authority, and SMRT, allowed students to understand the complexities of the transportation industry.
At Micron’s booth, students were transported into a virtual reality world, where they could experience a day at a wafer fab through interactive games. This engaged the students and helped them grasp the importance of safety protocols and equipment handling in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.
Takeaway
Singapore’s outstanding performance at WorldSkills Asean 2023 highlights the nation’s commitment to cultivating excellence in vocational skills. Singapore is creating a skilled and resilient workforce prepared to meet future challenges by supporting and empowering young talents.
WorldSkills Asean is a beacon of inspiration, promoting the value of vocational training and education and encouraging young individuals to embark on rewarding and fulfilling career paths. As the nation continues to invest in skills development and innovation, the legacy of WorldSkills Asean will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.