The 48th WorldSkills Competition concluded in Shanghai on Sept 27, with international competitors and experts praising its organization, professional standards, and opportunities for cultural exchange.

A total of 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions took part in 64 skill competitions at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Sept 23 to 26.

For Yuliia Batrak, who represented the United Kingdom in Restaurant Service, one of the most memorable moments came at the end of her final task, when cheers and applause from the crowd brought her to tears after four days of competition.

Batrak praised the meticulous organization of the Shanghai event, from airport assistance and transportation to catering and venue operations. She was particularly impressed by the opening ceremony. "The opening ceremony was so grand. I've never seen anything like this before," Batrak said.

Batrak was not alone in praising the arrangements. Laura Tristante Soler, Spain's expert for Fashion Technology, said the event was well coordinated and expressed hope that future competitions would maintain the same standard of organization.

Soler said that, unlike the previous competition in Lyon, where competitors knew in advance which garments they would need to make and could practice repeatedly, the Shanghai competition disclosed only that five garments would be required, without providing all task details beforehand.

She said the format tested competitors' ability to analyze unfamiliar requirements and apply soft skills alongside technical knowledge. Releasing the details to all competitors simultaneously also provided a fairer assessment of their overall abilities, she added. Spain's Juan Garcia Ortiz won bronze in Fashion Technology.

Gabriel Carneiro Silva, an interpreter with Brazil's Autobody Repair team, highlighted the equipment, tools, volunteers, and competition spaces. He also described the competition process as fair and transparent.

Finland's Vaino Miettinen received a Medallion for Excellence in Cooking. Sami Puumalainen, Finland's expert for the skill, praised the venue for providing ample space and resources, adding that the competition had operated smoothly.

He was also impressed by the opening ceremony's music, Shanghai's greenery, and the city's sense of safety. He said he had been surprised to find so many trees and parks, adding that Shanghai was not a concrete jungle.

Beyond the competition, each skill competition area had an adjacent Try-a-Skill stand, where visitors could assemble components, operate robots, and make small items to gain hands-on insight into different professions.

International media representatives could join similar activities at the media center, alongside Chinese intangible cultural heritage demonstrations led by heritage artisans and former WorldSkills medalists.

WorldSkills Global Dream Ambassadors Rachel Crawford of Australia and Leyla Valiyeva of Azerbaijan also took part in a mooncake-making activity, combining hands-on skills with an introduction to Chinese festival traditions.

Crawford, who received a Medallion for Excellence in Bakery at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, also visited a TVET school in Shanghai through the One School One Member program. She interacted with students and was impressed by the school's advanced facilities and the enthusiasm of its students and faculty.

Shanghai's diverse culinary culture also left an impression on Crawford. She said the variety of restaurants and flavors she encountered while walking through the city provided fresh inspiration. Dumplings, particularly xiaolongbao, were among her favorites. "I cannot wait to get home and experiment," she said.