27 October 2014
10th ASEAN Skills Competition Opening Ceremony
Dantri News – Vietnam press
The 10th ASEAN Skills Competition was launched at the Opening Ceremony at the Hanoi National Convention Center (My Dinh, Hanoi), and attracted nearly 300 Competitors from 10 ASEAN Member countries, more than 700 international guests and thousands of students.
In her welcome speech, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan - Politburo member, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly - emphasized: “I hope that through this event, we will contribute to the development of skills standards in ASEAN, bringing us closer to the level of world standards. At the same time we aim to strengthen coordination and cooperation among ASEAN Member countries in assessing the skill level - an extremely important activity when ASEAN becomes an official Community on 31.12.2015”.
Towards the goal of building an ASEAN community with sustainable development, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that the theme of this Competition is “skills - our intrinsic value”, which has very important significance. “In that spirit, each Competitor should endeavor, trying their best to express their own values, creativity, and passion for the field of professional expertise that you have chosen, thereby proving the mission of this year's Competition of "Honesty - integrity - fairness - collaboration - creation”.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Duong Duc Lan - Chairman of the Organizing Committee - proclaimed that the ASEAN Skills Competition will contribute to conveying the message to the world community that the young labor force in the ASEAN Member countries have been training, and preparing themselves to meet the job requirements, and contribute to building a better and more prosperous world.
Mr David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, spoke briefly about the importance and impact of the WorldSkills movement from a global perspective and then addressed the Competitors. “Across the world, our young skilled Champions have told us that their Competition experience is 'just the beginning'. Skills are often quoted as the new global currency. To all Competitors – you should be so proud of your achievements to be here – you have an amazing opportunity and this is just the beginning for you. Work hard, strive to always do your best, commit to excellence/not mediocrity, continue to learn and your future is assured. Not only is your future assured but you will be an important contributor to the economic future of your company, your region and your country.”
Mr. Hoey acknowledged and thanked the important stakeholders of skills development and promotion: “… Vietnam Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, WorldSkills ASEAN leadership team, to industry who are critical to these events and driving the economy, to the educators who commit countless hours to teach and mentor students, to the volunteers, and to all the youth who are here and also the tens of thousands who are part of WorldSkills in this region but not here this week. Take pride that you are not just part of WorldSkills ASEAN, but part of a global movement. We have the utmost respect for what you all do to make your world and our world a better place.” He concluded by inviting everyone to come to WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 in Brazil in August 2015 – the world’s greatest showcase of skills excellence.
The ASEAN Skills Competition runs 24-27 October with the Closing Ceremony on 28 October.