Groups of talented youths from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau and Chengdu will battle it out to become champions at the biennial Youth Skills Competition on October 31.
This year, Hong Kong is hosting the contest and is being represented by 15 young talents, including a fashion designer and a computer programmer.
Passion for fashion
Alan Chan is representing the city in the fashion design and technology section and the challenge is to create a wedding dress. The 20-year-old with a passion for fashion has been training for the competition for six months.
Mr Chan is not sure if he can win, since fashion is subjective. He compared designing to a penchant for durian – many people have a love-hate relationship with the exotic fruit.
The young designer struggled with patterns for his initial jellyfish theme and ended up with a flower motif, instead. He said the material organically led him to the final design and he hopes the judges like it.
Compatible pair
Another contestant is Esther Tso, who is competing in the mobile robotics competition. The 19-year-old needs to be able to write computer programs quickly and accurately. She believes the ability to adapt is the key to winning.
For the contest, Ms Tso and her partner must work together closely. She is responsible for writing the main program, while his job is to check everything.
The robotics challenge is not easy. The team has only one shot. If their robot hits an obstacle, they cannot go on.
Multiple challenges
During the two-day competition, youths will compete in one of five sectors: beauty therapy, computer animation, fashion design and technology, intelligent home appliances installation, and mobile robotics. The idea is to provide a platform for talented youths from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau and Chengdu to show off their skills and exchange technical know-how.
The competition is held every two years, and the four places take turns hosting it. Since 1998, Hong Kong has won 16 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals, and one Medallion for Excellence.
To capitalise on Hong Kong hosting the youth skills competition, a series of Skills Connect DIY activities are also planned at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. To help people get in the spirit of the competition, visitors can try their hand at several skillsets including photography, 3D napkin folding and wheel changing.
