The Philippines, through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), was voted as the vice-chair of the Organizing Committee for the 13th WorldSkills ASEAN 2023 (WS ASEAN 2023) skills competition.
Delegates from 10 ASEAN member-countries elected Bruce Poh, head of the Singapore delegation, and TESDA Deputy Director General Aniceto “John” Bertiz III as its chairperson and vice-chairperson for next year’s WorldSkills contest, respectively during the first virtual OCM last week.
Bertiz said the competition is an excellent opportunity to inspire talented ASEAN youths, to encourage them to take ownership of their learning, and develop their passion into skills mastery.
“The competition is indeed meaningful as it embodies our commitment to skills development,” he said in a statement.
The 13th WorldSkills ASEAN will be held on July 23 to 25, 2023 in Singapore. It was postponed last year due to Covid-19 pandemic that hit the region and the rest of the world.
Bertiz said his election as vice-chairperson will give the Philippines valuable insights into managing the international skills competition as the country itself prepares to host the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN in 2025.
“Our hosting, as well as participation in these international competitions, will also help improve TESDA’s readiness in facing the changes being brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution and enhance the country’s global competitiveness,” he said.
The 1st Technical Committee Meeting and 2nd Organizing Committee Meeting for the 13th WS ASEAN 2023 will be held on Nov. 21 to 24, 2022.
For the WS ASEAN 2023, the Philippines is currently preparing its competitors to participate in 22 Skill Areas, which include IT Network System Administration; Information Network Cabling; Web Technologies; IT Software Solutions for Business; Internet of things; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning; CNC Maintenance; Industrial Automation; Electrical Installation; Mobile Robotics; Electronics; Mechanical Engineering CAD; Mechatronics; Industrial Control; Cooking; Restaurant Service; Hairdressing; Beauty Therapy; Fashion Technology; Graphic Design Technology; Automobile Technology; and, Rapid Transit System.