AdminThe Malaysian contingent that participated in The 13th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition, held at the prestigious Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, returned home to a warm and jubilant reception. They carried their heads high with pride, having achieved an impressive tally of 10 medals and five Medallions for Excellence.
Malaysian talents shine on international stage
The Malaysian contingent, consisting of 25 participants representing 16 fields, truly exhibited their prowess and talents on the international stage. Their outstanding performance earned them two gold medals, three silver medals, and five bronze medals, securing a commendable third place among the competing nations.
This remarkable achievement not only brought honor to Malaysia within the ASEAN region but also serves as a solid foundation as they gear up to compete in the forthcoming World Skills Competition (WSC) in Abu Dhabi this November.
Datuk Seri Dr. Zaini Ujang, the Secretary-General of the Human Resources Ministry, extended his heartfelt appreciation and admiration for the Malaysian contingent’s accomplishments. Though he was unable to be present in person, his words were conveyed through a text read by Department of Skills Development deputy director-general (Development), Dr. Mohd Yusoff Abu Bakar.
In his speech, he acknowledged the relentless commitment and dedication of the participants and applauded the unwavering support provided by their experts, trainers, and caretakers from the Department of Skills Development and other agencies. These crucial elements played a pivotal role in ensuring the contingent’s resounding success.
Incentive package for medalists
During the WorldSkills ASEAN 2023 Malaysian contingent welcome session held at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, Datuk Seri Dr. Zaini Ujang revealed a significant incentive package to reward the medalists for their exceptional achievements.
Each gold medalist will receive a cash prize of RM14,000, followed by RM10,000 for silver medal winners, RM5,000 for bronze medal winners, and RM2,000 for those who received the Medallion for Excellence.
“The winners of the gold medal in this competition will also be awarded a Diploma of Proficiency in Malaysia by the Department of Proficiency Development,” Dr. Zaini added.
Journey to Gold
Among the shining stars of the Malaysian contingent was 21-year-old Muhammad Nasran Ahmad, who not only secured a gold medal but also received the coveted Best Of Nation title. Representing the field of hairdressing in the competition, Muhammad Nasran expressed his overflowing pride and emotions, stating that his success has brought tremendous pride to both the country and his alma mater, Kemasik IKBN.
For Muhammad Nasran, this victory was the culmination of six months of intense training and dedication. He hopes that his achievement will serve as an inspiration for other students to fearlessly pursue their passions and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
Another exceptional talent was 22-year-old Muhaimin Iskandar Zaidi, a student from the Dusun Tua State Youth Proficiency Institute (IKBN), who returned home with a gold medal in the field of Electrical Installations. Muhaimin shared his challenging journey, battling against fierce competition from participants representing various ASEAN countries. Ultimately, his exceptional skills and dedication allowed him to triumph and secure the top spot.
The 13th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition hosted in Singapore for the first time brought together the finest young talents from 10 ASEAN member countries to showcase their skills in 22 diverse areas of expertise.
Beyond the competition, the event featured an interactive Education & Career Guidance (ECG) exhibition, attracting thousands of students and the public. Attendees gained valuable insights into various skills-related careers, exploring the skills required for different professions and the educational pathways to pursue them.
The event also featured business coaches and apprentices who enthusiastically shared their apprenticeship journeys and showcased their projects, engaging and inspiring the crowd with their passion for their respective fields.
Shufiyan Shukur
