Contestants from 68 countries and regions are racing against the clock and pouring their wisdom and skills into the ongoing 48th WorldSkills Competition, which began in Shanghai on Wednesday.
Over four days, the contestants will push their limits to complete their entries across 64 skill events, striving to produce works that not only meet the highest standards but also win over the judges and spectators with their talent, dedication and creativity.
As the biggest edition in its history, this biennial competition this year features more events and contestants than any previous edition. Seven skills are making their debut at the competition, including rail vehicle technology, unmanned aerial systems, intelligent security technology and software testing, aligning with the digital economy, smart manufacturing, urban operations and public services.
The openness extends to the public as well, with admission to all events free through advance registration and "Try-a-Skill" areas set up alongside, allowing visitors to experience the skills firsthand.
In the Fashion Technology zone, the Chinese team, which has won gold for four consecutive editions, is represented by 21-year-old Yu Na from the Beijing Industry and Trade Technician College.
Under the theme "Spring Garden," contestants have four days and a total of 18 hours to complete draping, fashion design drawings, and a party dress for a 30-year-old hostess's birthday.
"A major shift in the broader trends of the WorldSkills Competition is that it no longer tests technical skills alone, but also overall aesthetic sensibility and the kind of knowledge accumulated through daily life -- for example, an understanding of fashion history, the incorporation of Chinese elements and so on. The scope is quite broad. That is why it takes a long period of training in fundamental skills, along with a solid foundation in fashion, to complete this competition," said Xu Bin, head of the Chinese coaching team for the Fashion Technology event at the 48th WorldSkills Competition.
The WorldSkills Competition, operated by WorldSkills International, was first held in Spain in 1950 and focused largely on traditional trades such as construction and manufacturing, with automation, the expansion of the service sector and the rise of the internet later bringing new skills onto the competition floor.
China joined WorldSkills International in 2010 and has competed in seven editions, ranking the first in both the gold-medal tally and overall group points at the past four editions.
For this year's competition, China has sent 71 contestants, who will compete in all 64 events, covering six sectors -- transportation and logistics, construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal service.
48th WorldSkills Competition in full swing in Shanghai
