Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to attend the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) 2026 in Shanghai, China, to support the 22 national participants competing in this esteemed global skills event. Anwar's involvement marks the first time a Malaysian Prime Minister will personally attend the competition to cheer for the national contingent.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, confirmed that meeting the national participants is part of Anwar's itinerary in Shanghai. Anwar, who also holds the position of Minister of Finance, will be present at the competition from September 22 to 27.
Ahmad Zahid shared these details during the Special Gathering of the Deputy Prime Minister with the National Delegation of the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026. He encouraged the national team to strive for gold medals for both the country and the Prime Minister. Also in attendance at the gathering were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
The 22 contestants will compete across 21 skill areas under the "Road to Gold" agenda, aiming to secure Malaysia's first-ever gold medal on this global platform. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the significant responsibility the participants hold as representatives of Malaysia and likened them to mini-ambassadors in their skill areas.
He expressed confidence in the national contingent's potential to achieve this milestone in the upcoming edition. To motivate the participants, Ahmad Zahid announced additional financial incentives: gold medalists will receive an extra RM10,000, while silver medalists will get an additional RM5,000.
Ahmad Maslan further elaborated on the rewards, stating that gold medalists will now receive a total of RM50,000, up from RM40,000, along with a Perodua Myvi car. Those crowned "Best of Nation" will get an additional RM4,000, making their total reward RM54,000. Silver medalists will receive RM25,000 and an electric motorcycle, whereas bronze medalists will be awarded RM10,000.
Ahmad Maslan identified eight participants as primary medal hopefuls based on their consistent performances in previous competitions and training programs. He highlighted their success in competitions held in Manila, Taipei, and various training venues.
The WorldSkills Competition is renowned for gathering top young talents from different regions and continents, offering a global platform to evaluate and enhance international standards of efficiency, precision, and innovation in technical and vocational skills.