Hong Kong’s Construction Squad Shines at WorldSkills

Hong Kong sent its largest construction team to the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, where nine young trainees showcased their trade skills across eight disciplines. The event highlighted the evolving nature of construction careers, blending traditional craftsmanship with emerging technologies.…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:21:05 GMT

Hong Kong’s construction industry has stepped onto the world stage, sending its biggest squad of nine trainees to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. The event, which gathered around 1,400 young competitors from 70 countries, tested participants in 64 different skills, including new entries such as cabinetmaking. The competition is a proving ground for the next generation of builders, offering a glimpse into how the profession is evolving.

From Training to International Competition

Executive Director Ir Albert Cheng Ting-ning of the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has long championed the idea that confidence and ambition are as valuable as medals. “If they come back more open, with confidence and a target, I count that as nine medals,” Cheng said. The CIC’s eight‑discipline roster—bricklaying, cabinetmaking, concrete construction, joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing and heating, wall and floor tiling, and welding—reflects the breadth of Hong Kong’s construction workforce.

Cheng, along with CIC Chairman Ir Prof. Thomas Ho On-sing and Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) Chairman Ir Dr. Lo Wai-kwok, traveled to Shanghai to support the team and exchange technical knowledge with international peers. Their presence underscored the council’s commitment to fostering global standards and local talent.

Career Paths That Defy Tradition

Not all competitors followed a straight line into construction. Joinery specialist Huang Tsz-ho, for example, paused his social science studies to pursue woodworking, discovering a passion that led him to the WorldSkills stage. He spent over ten hours a day honing his craft, learning to interpret technical drawings under time pressure—a skill that translates directly to on‑site efficiency.

Welding competitor Tse Yu‑lok, already seasoned in the trade, earned his spot through local selection. He highlighted the rigorous demands of pipe welding, noting that precision and technique are critical when welds undergo X‑ray inspection. His preparation included mock competitions, physical conditioning, and psychological coaching to build resilience.

Bridging Tradition and Technology

The WorldSkills Expo showcased how traditional skills intersect with cutting‑edge technology. The CIC unveiled an AI assistant for construction safety, MiC tracking systems, a remote‑controlled tower crane, a welding robot, and S960 ultra‑high‑strength steel. Cheng emphasized that robots can handle repetitive tasks, but skilled workers must guide and program these machines.

Over the next five years, Cheng envisions training a new breed of “special forces” who can blend manual craftsmanship with BIM modeling, robotics, and AI system knowledge. This hybrid skill set is seen as essential for a construction industry that increasingly relies on remote control and off‑site production.

Implications for the Future of Construction

Hong Kong’s participation in WorldSkills is more than a competition; it is a benchmark against international standards. Cheng has arranged discussions with vocational experts from Korea and Canada to bring back best practices that could reshape training pathways in Hong Kong. The event also signals a cultural shift: parents and young people are beginning to view skilled construction work as a viable, upward‑moving career rather than a purely manual occupation.

With seven Medallions for Excellence earned since 1997, including recent wins in joinery and welding, the CIC’s track record demonstrates the effectiveness of its “train‑by‑competing” approach. Competitors train in environments mirroring WorldSkills requirements, participate in warm‑up events across mainland China, and refine their skills through international exposure.

As the construction industry embraces automation and digital tools, the foundation remains the same: a solid, hands‑on skill set coupled with the ability to adapt to new technologies. Hong Kong’s young builders are stepping into that future, ready to lead the next wave of innovation in the built environment.

What Comes Next?

Following the competition, the CIC plans to integrate lessons learned into local training curricula, ensuring that future graduates are equipped to navigate a hybrid construction landscape. The experience also provides a platform for former competitors to become ambassadors, mentors, or entrepreneurs, further enriching the industry’s talent pool.

Key facts

Hong Kong sent nine trainees to WorldSkills in Shanghai, covering eight construction trades.
Competitors’ confidence and ambition are valued as highly as medals by CIC leadership.
Traditional skills like joinery and welding are being paired with AI, robotics, and BIM training.
The event signals a cultural shift, with families viewing skilled construction as a viable career.
Future training aims to produce workers who can operate both manual tools and advanced technology.

Why it matters

The article highlights how Hong Kong’s construction sector is modernizing, blending traditional trades with technology to create new career pathways for young workers.