Sumitomo Electric Supports China’s 3rd Vocational Skills Competition as Official Sponsor
Sumitomo Electric has announced its continued commitment to advancing vocational education and technical skills development by once again serving as an official sponsor of the 3rd Vocational Skills Competition of the People’s Republic of China. The event, hosted by the Chinese government, has become one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the country dedicated to showcasing and strengthening professional expertise among young workers.
The competition is designed to foster a strong foundation in vocational training and to elevate the role of technicians in China’s rapidly modernizing economy. It brings together young skilled workers from across the nation, each demonstrating their capabilities in highly specialized fields. Over the years, the competition has grown into a nationally celebrated platform that draws significant attention from industry, academia, and policymakers. The upcoming edition is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, including senior government officials, educators, and representatives from leading enterprises.
For Sumitomo Electric, this sponsorship is not new. The company has proudly supported the competition since its inception, having participated as an official sponsor in both the first and second editions. This year’s involvement marks the third consecutive time the company has lent its name and resources to this prestigious event, underscoring its deep-rooted belief in the value of skill cultivation for the future of industry and society.
The 2025 competition, which will run from September 20 to September 22 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, is expected to be the largest yet. It will feature more than 3,500 top competitors drawn from all over China. Participants will compete in 106 vocational categories, reflecting the breadth of professional fields that drive the country’s development. This year’s theme, “Skills Illuminate the Future,” highlights how technical excellence and human expertise remain central to China’s vision of innovation-led growth.
Among the competition’s highlights is the opportunity for top performers to represent China on the global stage. Winners in 66 different events will go on to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to take place in Shanghai in 2026. For many young participants, this represents a chance to test their skills against international peers while gaining valuable exposure in their chosen professions.
Sumitomo Electric’s Longstanding Global Involvement
Sumitomo Electric is no stranger to global skill competitions. Since the 42nd WorldSkills Competition held in Leipzig, Germany, in 2013, the company has acted as an official sponsor for six consecutive terms. In each edition, Sumitomo Electric has contributed not only sponsorship but also advanced equipment and technical expertise, ensuring that competitors have access to world-class resources.
Some of the notable competitions supported by the company include:
- 2013: 42nd WorldSkills Competition (Leipzig, Germany)
- 2015: 43rd WorldSkills Competition (São Paulo, Brazil)
- 2017: 44th WorldSkills Competition (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
- 2019: 45th WorldSkills Competition (Kazan, Russia)
- 2020: 1st Vocational Skills Competition of the People’s Republic of China (Guangzhou, China)
- 2022: 46th WorldSkills Competition Special Edition (Kyoto, Japan)
- 2023: 2nd Vocational Skills Competition of the People’s Republic of China (Tianjin, China)
- 2024: 2nd Belt and Road International Skills Competition (Chongqing, China)
- 2024: 47th WorldSkills Competition (Lyon, France)
Through these contributions, Sumitomo Electric has reinforced its position as a key supporter of global vocational training initiatives. The company’s participation in these international and national events reflects its philosophy that the development of skilled human resources is just as important as technological innovation in building a sustainable society.
Commitment to Technology and Human Development
Looking ahead, Sumitomo Electric has emphasized that it will continue to focus on developing cutting-edge products and technology, particularly in the fields of information and communications. At the same time, the company intends to nurture skilled professionals capable of advancing these technologies into real-world applications.
By balancing innovation with investment in people, Sumitomo Electric aims to make lasting contributions to the creation of a highly digitalized society. The company sees events like the Vocational Skills Competition as an essential part of this mission, helping to identify, encourage, and support the next generation of technicians and specialists.
Event Details at a Glance
- Venue: Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center & Zhengzhou Olympic Sports Center, Henan Province, China
- Opening Ceremony: September 19, 2025 (Friday)
- Competition Dates: September 20 – 22, 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
- Closing Ceremony: September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
By serving once again as an official sponsor of the 3rd Vocational Skills Competition in China, Sumitomo Electric is reaffirming its role as both a technology leader and a partner in human development. As the company looks to the future, its dedication to advancing technical skills and supporting educational initiatives will remain central to its mission of contributing to society.
