This is the first time Viet Nam has had an independent organisation bringing together vocational skills experts who have taken part and achieved high results in national, regional and world competitions.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Department of Vocational and Continuing Education (Ministry of Education and Training, MOET), including Mr Nguyễn Chí Trường, Head of the Vocational Skills Division, and Mr Đào Trọng Độ, Head of the Vocational Education Division, together with leaders of provincial departments and sectors, vocational schools and more than 30 vocational skills experts from across the country.
Dr. Phan Sỹ Nghĩa, President of the Viet Nam Association for Vocational Education, Training and Social Work, presents the Decision establishing the Viet Nam Vocational Skills Experts Club to MSc. Đặng Minh Sự, Principal of Toan Cau Polytechnic Secondary Vocational School, as Chair of the Club.
On behalf of the Viet Nam Association for Vocational Education, Training and Social Work (VAVET&SOW), the ceremony was attended by Dr. Phan Sỹ Nghĩa, President of the Association, and the heads of its specialised boards. Many colleges, secondary vocational schools, vocational training experts and enterprise representatives were also present to offer congratulations and build cooperation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Phan Sỹ Nghĩa emphasised that the establishment of the Club is an important milestone for Viet Nam's vocational education system. "The Viet Nam Vocational Skills Experts Club embodies the dedication, intellect and aspiration to raise the country's vocational skills. It will be the core for training and coaching competitors for major skills competitions, while promoting knowledge sharing and spreading the value of vocations in society."
Immediately after the speech, the Organising Committee announced the Decision establishing the Club and appointed its five-member Executive Board. Accordingly, Mr Đặng Minh Sự (Principal of Toan Cau Polytechnic Secondary Vocational School) serves as Chair; Mr Hoàng Quốc Long (Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary Vocational School) serves as Vice Chair; and Mr Tô Huỳnh Thiên Trường (Vice Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary Vocational School) serves as Secretary.
The Club's Executive Board is tasked with connecting experts, developing the Club's operating regulations, and organising training and coaching programmes and vocational skills competitions in many fields.
At the ceremony, Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary Vocational School and Toan Cau Polytechnic Secondary Vocational School presented sponsorship to support the Club in its initial phase of operation. On behalf of the Executive Board, a representative expressed appreciation for this support and pledged to use the resources transparently and effectively for activities to improve professional quality.
Launch of the "Fashion Design" vocational skills competition – towards WorldSkills 2026
A key highlight of the programme was the launch of the Fashion Technology vocational skills competition, with the organisational plan announced by Mr Tô Huỳnh Thiên Trường, Secretary of the Club.
The competition aims to find and select outstanding competitors to represent Viet Nam at the World Skills Competition – WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Expert Hoàng Quốc Long, representing the Fashion Technology skill, said that the competition will be designed according to international standards, focusing on creativity, design thinking and practical technical skills.
This will also be the Club's first flagship activity, promoting the skills competition movement among students and strengthening in-depth coaching capacity in line with international standards.
Directions for vocational skills development in the coming period
The representative of the Department of Vocational and Continuing Education, MOET, highly appreciated the establishment of the Club and affirmed that Viet Nam's vocational skills experts have been helping to demonstrate Viet Nam's standing in ASEAN and world competitions.
According to Mr Nguyễn Chí Trường, Viet Nam is entering a period of strong transformation that requires a skilled workforce able to compete internationally. Therefore, strengthening the pool of experts, renewing coaching methods and enhancing linkages between schools, enterprises and experts are key tasks.