July 04, 2025
The Philippines, through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), officially kicked off its hosting of the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 in a media launch held today in Pasay City, Signaling the country's readiness to welcome the region's top young talents in technical and vocational skills.
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez emphasized the broader mission of the international skills competition - to raise public awareness of technical vocational education and training
(TVET), promote youth employability, and strengthen the connections between education, industry, and the labor market.
"WorldSkills ASEAN showcases the high level of excellence among skilled talent. Thus, it has also become a movement that displays the true value of skills, and how skills can create economic opportunities and change lives," said Sec. Kiko.
"As host nation, the Philippines is proud to champion TVET and strengthen ASEAN's commitment to a future built on excellence and opportunity," added the TESDA chief.
During the media launch, TESDA unveiled the official logo and theme for the event, "ASEAN: Skilled for the Future", as well as TeePee, the robot mascot of WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025. The mascot's name stands for "Techno-Pinoy", symbolizing the country's focus on innovation.
The theme highlights the crucial role of skills in equipping the region's workforce for the demands of tomorrow, where adaptability, innovation, and digital proficiency are essential. It also reflects the shared vision of ASEAN member states to invest in human capital as the foundation for inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development.
The launch offered a preview of the 32 skill areas in which young professionals from the 11 ASEAN member states will compete, ranging from ICT, construction, creative arts, and manufacturing, among others.
More than 1,000 competitors, experts, and delegates from ASEAN member states are expected to participate in the WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 from August 26-28, making the event the region's largest showcase of technical excellence and vocational innovation for this year.
This marks only the second time that the Philippines will be hosting the WorldSkills ASEAN competition, the first being in 1996. With this year's edition, the country reaffirms its commitment to advancing a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready ASEAN.
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