WorldSkills Asia President and Founder, Dr. Mubarak Al Shamsi, emphasized the importance of investing in skills to invest in the future. He encouraged participants to spark new initiatives and form alliances, stressing that the skills movement has the power to transform lives, drive economies, and create opportunities for the next generation.
David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, shared insights on global trends in skills training, tracing the origins of WSI from Madrid in 1950 to its 75-year journey today. Highlighting the unique role of WorldSkills Asia, he remarked that the focus should not be on comparisons with European counterparts, but on what the region can do to support development and growth.
Arsyoni Buana, Head of the In-Country Division at APO, spoke on maximizing impact through TVET by doing more with less and bridging know-how gaps to prepare for future growth. Benjamin Delespierre, from APAC Technical and Consultancy Services, discussed sustainability in the refinish industry, while Dr. Nader Imani, VP for Global Education at Festo, highlighted the importance of co-creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem through industry expertise.
Representing the host country, WS Taiwan Official Delegate Lydia Huang, Director General of the Workforce Development Agency, recognized the critical role of skills development in empowering youth, affirming that there is now no ceiling to what young people can achieve.
