Samsung announced as Overall Event Presenter for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

On 11 April 2025, the WorldSkills community celebrated the announcement that Samsung would be Overall Event Presenter for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. It is the seventh consecutive time a WorldSkills Competition has benefitted from the global technology giant’s generous support as Overall Event Presenter.

The news was announced at a signing ceremony in Shanghai with leaders from Samsung, WorldSkills China, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, and WorldSkills International in front of the Skill Competition Managers and Workshop Managers who will help deliver the 48th WorldSkills Competition.

Mr Chanshik Won, Secretary-General of Samsung Skills, Vice President and Centre Leader of Value Innovation Programme Centre, Global Technology Research for Samsung Electronics, spoke at the signing. He said, “It is a great honour and privilege for Samsung to be the Overall Event Presenter for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and the Global Premium Partners of WorldSkills International.”

He continued, “Samsung will closely cooperate with WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau to prepare and make the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai a memorable milestone for all. I am certain that it will be a great success!”

His words reinforced the incredible partnership that has grown between Samsung and WorldSkills over the last 18 years, since Samsung first became a Global Partner in 2007. Both partners have been able to combine their resources, expertise, and global footprints to help more young people to thrive through skills and increase the overall impact of the skills movement.

Mr Francis Hourant, the President of WorldSkills, expressed his deep thanks to Samsung for all its support and for making this commitment once again, saying, “I am immensely proud of our partnership, and I am delighted that you have agreed to be the Overall Event Presenter for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Quite simply, your commitment makes our international Competitions possible.”

Speaking directly to Mr Chanshik Won, he said, “It is no exaggeration to say that Samsung has changed how people around the world value Technical and Vocational Education and Training. You go above and beyond other organizations in finding and nurturing talent.”

“Today, we stand 529 days away from the opening of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026,” said Mr Yulin Lyu – Director General, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. “Together with Samsung, the Overall Event Presenter, WorldSkills International, and other stakeholders, China will strive to deliver an innovative and influential WorldSkills Competition. We aim to contribute Chinese wisdom to advance the WorldSkills movement and jointly create a bright future with skills.”

“The WorldSkills Competition provides a stage for young people from around the world to showcase their talents, which aligns perfectly with Samsung’s vision of attaching great importance to the cultivation and development of skilled people,” said Mr Dustin Lee, President & CEO, Samsung China.

With Samsung’s support, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is ready to welcome the skills community in September 2026. “This renewed collaboration is a testament to Samsung’s unwavering commitment to its social responsibility, cultivating skilled youth and driving innovation. As a world-leading technology company, Samsung has always adhered to its principle of “working together to create a better tomorrow and empowering people,” said Mr Youlin Tan, Director General of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau.

After the agreements were signed, Mr David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, reflected on the invaluable support Samsung has provided over almost two decades, most notably when it stepped in to ensure WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition could take place.

He ended by recognizing the shared sense of excitement and anticipation in the room, saying, “WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 promises to be a spectacular event, held in the world’s largest exhibition centre. Thanks to your support, it will be even more wonderful.”

Plans are already underway for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, which will take place from 22 to 27 September 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), Shanghai, China.