September 07, 2025
The Philippines has set a new benchmark after successfully hosting the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, showcasing the country’s strong commitment to advancing technical and vocational skills in the region.
Speaking at the competition’s opening ceremony, WorldSkills Board Member for Strategic Development, Heng Guan Teck, lauded the Philippines for organizing the largest-ever edition of WorldSkills ASEAN.
“With 32 skills competitions, you have set the bar high for future hosts of the competition,” Heng said, commending the Philippines for its dedication to showcasing skills excellence and driving regional collaboration.
Since its launch, WorldSkills ASEAN has continued to grow, with each host nation building on the achievements of the last. The competition began in Malaysia in 1995 with just six skill areas, and has steadily expanded over the years. More recently, Singapore showcased 22 skill areas in 2023. This year, the Philippines set a new milestone by staging the largest WorldSkills ASEAN to date with 32 skill areas.
The WorldSkills board member also emphasized that the Philippines’ hosting demonstrates its dedication to advancing skills development across ASEAN.
“This is an important platform for members of ASEAN to come together to share skills development with each other. We are not just here for the competition but to share best practices, learn from each other, and build people-to-people ties,” Heng Guan Teck emphasized.
Meanwhile, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Kiko Benitez, who chairs the National Organizing Committee for WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, stressed that the event is testament to the region’s thrust in building a future where skills form the foundation of dignity, inclusivity, and economic progress.
“WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 is not just a competition, it is a celebration of talent, innovation, and regional collaboration. By hosting this event, the Philippines proudly showcases its commitment to equipping our youth with world-class skills and building stronger partnerships across ASEAN,” TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said.
This year’s competition coincides with the 75th anniversary of WorldSkills International, a global movement that has championed skills excellence and recognition for young professionals worldwide. WorldSkills has served as a platform to highlight the critical role of skills in driving economic growth, shaping personal success, and fostering stronger communities.
The Philippines emerged as one of the top-performing nations at WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025, winning 10 gold medals, including three in demonstration skill areas, marking its first gold medal victories since 2004. The host country also secured 7 silver, 8 bronze medals, and 5 Medallions for Excellence. Malaysia led the medal tally with 13 golds, 4 silvers, 3 bronzes, and 2 Medallions for Excellence, followed by Indonesia with 9 golds, 1 silver, 8 bronzes, and 8 Medallions for Excellence.
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