The third Vocational Skills Competition of Guangdong kicked off in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on May 18, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINADAILY.COM.CN)

The 3rd Vocational Skills Competition of Guangdong wrapped up in Shenzhen late on Sunday, with competitors from Macao Special Administrative Region grabbing four medals, including one silver and one bronze, plus two merits.

Macao was participating for the first time in the competition, which was organized by Guangdong provincial government. The Macao delegation comprised 11 competitors, who contested in nine categories, including electronic technique, hairdressing and beauty, and product display technology.

The competition, which is the largest and the highest level of its kind in Guangdong province, has 92 competitive categories. A total of 1,058 competitors took part in the final

The competition, which is the largest and the highest level of its kind in the province, has 92 competitive categories. A total of 1,058 competitors took part in the final.

Kuok In-hei, a grade three high school student at Macao’s Pui Va Middle School, won the silver award in the category of hairdressing.

“It is a valuable opportunity for me to take part in such a major competition. As the Macao market is relatively small, there are not so many skilled talents to make exchanges together,” he said.

“The competition has broadened my horizon. I enjoyed the atmosphere in the competition, which was totally different from that during my regular practice. And also, I learned more techniques,” he told reporters on Monday at a press conference in Shenzhen.

READ MORE: Shenzhen to boost convention and exhibition industry

Kuok added that he plans to pursue his undergraduate studies at a mainland university and learn design-related subjects to contribute his part to hairdressing and other segments in the creative design industry.

Wong Chi-hong, director of the Labour Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR, said Macao will continue to strengthen cooperation with Guangdong province in talent cultivation to turn the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a highland for high-quality talents.

ALSO READ: Shenzhen provides support measures for HK, Macao youths

According to official statistic, there are 18.5 million skilled talents in Guangdong, among whom 6.31 million are high-skilled talents.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region also dispatched a technical team to watch the competition.

Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com