ASEAN SKILLS COMPETITION A PLATFORM FOR ASEAN TO WORK TOGETHER

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The Asean Skills Competition (ASC) can
play a relevant role in providing a ready platform for Asean members to work
together to develop a new generation of competent world-class workers, said
Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed.


"It is through such participation that Asean countries show their
commitment and courage to contribute positively in the realm of multilateral
cooperation," he said in his speech during the launching of the 7th ASC 2008
here Wednesday.

His speech was read out by the Deputy Works Minister Yong Khoon
Seng.

Mohd Zin said Asean has to ensure that its products remained competitive
and relevant in the market by improving productivity and quality.

"We need to develop a workforce that is highly skilled and disciplined to
be able to complement the strategies we adopt," he said.

He said the standard of the competition had been maintained to be on par
with that of the World Skills Competition.

Mohd Zin said this would be the second time that Malaysia was hosting the
competition. The first was in 1995.

Some 600 participants and officials from all Asean member nations are
attending this year's competition.

The participants will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 19
categories like bricklaying, welding, wall and floor tiling, plumbing, computer
aided design and drafting, joinery, graphic design technology, industrial
electronics, electrical installation, automobile technology, cabinet making,
mechatronics, web design, refrigeration, beauty therapy, restaurant service,
ladies' dressmaking and cooking.

There will also be medals for excellence and best country awards.
-- BERNAMA