Running into its 12th year, the National Vocational Students Skills Competition 2019 kicked off on May 5 in Tianjin and 21 other cities across China, with nearly 100 enterprises and 18,000 contestants taking part.

Focusing on the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence, this year’s competition has added several new disciplines to its program, including big data, cloud computing, smart logistics and smart homes. 40% of the disciplines featured in the competition closely relate to the country’s strategic industries, such as information technology, smart manufacturing and new energy.

Initiated by the Ministry of Education and jointly organized by the State Council, trade associations and local governments, the National Vocational Students Skills Competition has become a platform where students from vocational schools can learn from each other and give free reign to their potential, where enterprises and vocational schools can join forces to explore new ways to promote vocational education, and which serves as an springboard for the next generation of highly qualified professionals.