Malaysia Sends Largest Contingent to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Malaysia is making history by dispatching its largest-ever contingent to the 48th WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition. The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is spearheading this effort, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressing strong confidence in the team's potential to secure Malaysia's first gold medal. He urged participants to maximize their remaining preparation time to hone their skills, strengthen discipline, and maintain focus.

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WorldSkills is the gold standard for global skills excellence. However, we must frankly admit that since our first participation in 1993, the highest medal ever won by Malaysian participants has only been a bronze medal.

"WorldSkills is the gold standard for global skills excellence," Ahmad Zahid stated during the send-off ceremony. He acknowledged that since Malaysia's debut in 1993, the highest achievement has been a bronze medal. "Your presence in Shanghai is not to try your luck but to create success. Prove that Malaysian TVET, especially TVET@KKDW, has world-class standards," he urged.

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Your presence in Shanghai is not to try your luck but to create success. Prove that Malaysian TVET, especially TVET@KKDW, has world-class standards.

The contingent includes 22 participants, with nine from KKDW institutions like MARA TVET, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), and GIATMARA. They will compete across nine high-tech skill areas, including Cyber Security, Rail Vehicle Technology, Digital Construction, and Mechanical Engineering CAD. To motivate the team, Ahmad Zahid announced special rewards for gold medalists, including an Umrah pilgrimage for both the winners and their parents.

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I will take those who win to perform Umrah. Not just them, but their parents too, provided they win the gold medal.

Ahmad Zahid also outlined the ministry's commitment to strengthening the TVET 2.0 agenda, aiming to transform rural youths from mere machine operators into technology creators, data analysts, and experts in artificial intelligence and green technology. "We want to prove that the success of TVET@KKDW is not just about enrollment numbers. True success is when a rural child, once limited by geography and economy, can stand proudly on the world stage with dignity," he concluded.

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We want to prove that the success of TVET@KKDW is not just about enrollment numbers. True success is when a rural child, once limited by geography and economy, can stand proudly on the world stage with dignity.