Speaking at the opening ceremony of WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) stressed that while AI is developing rapidly and data can be computed and goods mass-produced, nothing replaces the human touch. 

The event marks the 3rd WorldSkills Asia Competition and will be held through Saturday at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. This year’s competition features 44 skill categories, with 321 participants from various countries and a total delegation of more than 1,000 people.

The president noted that it has been 32 years since Taiwan last hosted an international-level skills competition. During that time, the country has transformed from a labor-intensive manufacturing hub into a key pillar of the global semiconductor industry. He said that hosting this event not only reflects international recognition of Taiwan’s technical capabilities but also marks an important milestone in showcasing Taiwan’s vocational training achievements to the world.

Lai emphasized that while Taiwan plays a central role in the global semiconductor supply chain, its economic strength also comes from a strong technical and vocational ecosystem. Taiwan leads global markets across various industries thanks to generations of skilled professionals dedicated to craftsmanship and excellence.

This year’s competition spans diverse fields such as carpentry, welding, culinary arts, and floral design. The president encouraged all competitors to embrace the challenge and invited everyone to enjoy their time in Taiwan.