Shanghai:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated 22 youths representing Malaysia at the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026. The participants are seen as a national pride, having raised the Jalur Gemilang during the opening ceremony held at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his admiration in a social media post after the ceremony, which was inaugurated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. He praised the youths for showcasing the country's best talent in the TVET field while confidently displaying the national flag.

The Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, expressed confidence that the Malaysian participants would strive to achieve victory in the competition, which involves participants from over 60 countries competing in 21 skill segments. Anwar conveyed his hopes for successful outcomes, wishing that their efforts would lead to gold medals for Malaysia.

Anwar's visit to Shanghai is part of a three-day working trip that also includes Hangzhou. A key event during his visit is a high-level meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou on Thursday. Additionally, Anwar will attend the WorldSkills Conference 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the plenary session on Wednesday.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade valued at USD113.82 billion (RM456.68 billion) from January to August this year.