Hong Kong Sends Record 41-Person Team to WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

**Key Facts** The 48th WorldSkills Competition takes place in Shanghai from September 22-27, with approximately 1,400 young contestants from about 70 countries and regions [1]. Hong Kong has assembled its largest-ever team, with 41 participants competing across 37 events—records for both participant count and number of skill areas [1][2]. Two categories, "Software Testing" and "Furniture Making," represent first-time Hong Kong entries at this competition [1][2]. **Flag Ceremony and Official Support** A flag ceremony was held on August 20 to officially launch Hong Kong's delegation, with Acting Education Bureau Director Shi Junhui and CPC Central Liaison Office Education and Youth Affairs Department Second-Level Inspector Zheng Jinpeng attending as officiating guests [1][2]. Shi emphasized that vocational and professional education and training (VPET) nurtures substantial technical talent for Hong Kong and serves as a vital pillar for diversified economic development [1][2]. **Notable Contestants** Chen Zhenqi, a recent graduate of the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT) software engineering program, will represent Hong Kong in the "Software Testing" category for the first time [1][2]. Chen, who grew up passionate about video games and discovering hidden shortcuts, likens software testing to detective work—requiring meticulous analysis of system logic to uncover hidden bugs and ensure reliable software operation [1][2]. Following his selection, Chen traveled to Guangzhou and South Korea for skill competitions and exchange activities, where he witnessed the high standards of international competitors, motivating him to refine his technical skills and speed [1][2]. Zhong Jieheng, an apprentice aircraft maintenance technician at HAECO and graduate of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program, will compete in "Aircraft Maintenance" [1][2]. HAECO has provided robust support, offering professional equipment and practical training environments, while also connecting Zhong with experienced colleagues including senior student Huang Fu-tung, who won bronze in the same category at the previous WorldSkills Competition [1][2]. During preparations, Zhong trained for over ten days at the national team base in Zhengzhou alongside mainland and Eurasian competitors, familiarizing himself with competition requirements and maintenance standards for specified aircraft models [1][2]. **Industry Insights and Significance** HKIIT lecturer and software testing expert Wong Chi-tin noted that in today's IT era, software and applications are integral to daily life, from logging into accounts to booking tickets, making software quality critically important [1][2]. Software testing professionals must employ various testing techniques to comprehensively evaluate software from functional, reliability, and security perspectives, requiring logical reasoning, analytical judgment, and problem-solving abilities that provide competitive advantages in future workplaces [1][2]. Youth Skills Competition Standing Committee Chairman Chung Chi-ping stated that Hong Kong's young contestants connect with the world through WorldSkills, accumulating experience, enhancing skills, and showcasing Hong Kong's VPET achievements [1][2]. He encouraged participants to perform at their best, grasp opportunities to understand industry trends, and continue pursuing excellence in their professional fields [1][2]. Hong Kong first participated in the WorldSkills Competition in 1997 and has accumulated 4 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze, and 81 medallions for excellence to date [1][2].