Indonesian vocational high school (SMK) graduates were named the grand champions at the WorldSkills Asia (WSA) 2018 after securing six gold and three silver medals.
Held biannually, WSA aims to increase competitive skills and good relations among Asian countries. This year's event was held on Nov. 24 to 29 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and participated in by 19 countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Egypt, Russia, Belarus, Germany, India, Belgium, the United States, Finland and Brazil.
"We are very proud of this accomplishment. They brought home six gold and three silver medals and were the overall number champion out of 19 participating countries; exceeding our target of securing three gold medals," said Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy in a statement as quoted by kompas.com.
Among the six graduates who received gold medals were Luki Centuri in the Web Design category, Firli Rizki for Electrical Installation, Rizki Muhammad for IT Network System Administration, Hengky Sanjaya for IT Software Solution for Business, Isnaeni Wulandari for Fashion Technology and A. Nur Fatkhul Cholbi for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Meanwhile the silver medals were given to Salyan Alqosomi for Welding, Mustaqim for Automobile Technology and M. Khairul Abdulloh for Electronics.
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The Indonesian delegation members were graduates of SMK 3 Boyolangu, SMK 2 Kendal, SMK 4 Surakarta, SMK Bandung, SMK 2 Banyumas, SMK 2 Kota Serang, SMK 2 Sukohardjo, SMK PGRI 3 Malang and SMK Immanuel.
"I had been preparing for this competition since 2017. It was a very fun experience as I was able to meet young people from various countries. My toughest competitors were from South Korea, since they worked very fast and meticulously," said Luki, who brought home a gold medal.
Following the recognition, the ministry gave the winners placards as well as Rp 27 million for gold medalists and Rp 22 million for silver medalists. They will also receive scholarships to continue their education in the country or abroad, depending on their skills. (kes)