A student from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), who won the bronze medal, described the result as a historic achievement and dedicated it to his family, mentors, institution and country. Speaking to Bernama, he said he felt proud, happy and grateful to everyone who had supported him.
Another 13 Malaysians received Medals of Excellence for meeting high international benchmarks in their respective disciplines. They included 22-year-old electrical installation competitor Muhammad Haziq Lailla Zamri, from Batu Pahat, Johor, who finished eighth among 36 international competitors. His 22-year-old compatriot Muhamad Nashrul Zulkifli, representing digital construction from Ayer Hitam, Johor, called the award an unforgettable experience after competing against leading young talent from around the world.
The award recipients also included 20-year-old bakery competitor Herman Wong Xiu Hong of Miri, Sarawak, and 21-year-old refrigeration and air-conditioning competitor Muhammad Amir Fitri Mohd Sefulrizam of Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Electronics competitor Amirul Sharif Sharifudin, 22, from Selangor, said he was satisfied with his performance during the four-day event and hoped to continue his studies and work as an electronics engineer.
Other Malaysians receiving Medals of Excellence were Angellin Ai Pian in beauty therapy; Grace Ong Yi Mei in cooking; Wan Nur Amilya Wan Zolkarnaini in hairdressing; Muhammad Huzairy Mohamad Thes in mechanical engineering CAD; Muhammad Ammar Azli in welding; Lam Kar Chun in 3D digital game art; Nadratulliyana Ab Malek in fashion technology; and Wan Hamiz Ozai Wan Hamidzi in rail vehicle technology.
At the 48th WorldSkills event, Malaysia fielded 22 competitors across 21 skill segments. The delegation was overseen by the Department of Skills Development and the Ministry of Works. Overall, the competition featured 1,400 skilled young professionals from more than 65 countries and regions across 64 skill areas.