Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Mutallib (left) and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin (right) having a light moment with Airul after win the Bronze medal in Hairdressing during the closing ceremony and prize giving World Skills Sao Paulo 2015 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paolo. — Bernama photo
SAO PAULO: Malaysia’s 22-year wait for a medal at the World Skills Competition (WSC) finally ended when Airul Firham Che Amran won a bronze medal in hairdressing.
The student of the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Peretak became the first Malaysian to go up the podium in the country’s 12th attempt at WSC since 1993.
Airul Firham, 21, won the medal jointly with participants from South Korea and Chinese Taipei for the event in which China’s contestant won the gold medal while a French participant took the silver medal.
She was also named as the recipient of the ‘Best of Nation’ which recognised the best participant for each competing country.
Airul Firham was also among 12 participants to receive the medallion of Excellence after collecting more than 500 points in their respective fields.
Among the fields in competition are IT software solution; welding; plumbing and heating; electronics; joinery; electrical installations; cabinet making; beauty therapy; fashion technology; cooking and refrigeration.
Malaysia’s participation in WSC in Sao Paulo, Brazil is the best outing so far, an improvement from the attempt at Leipzig, Germany, two years ago with a collection of nine excellence medals.
Malaysia’s team of 20 participants took part in 19 skill fields in the competition held for the first time in Latin America.
The competition in Brazil which began on Aug 11 to 16, saw 1,200 participants from more than 60 countries contesting in 50 fields of skills.
Airul Firham under the guidance of national expert, Khaljaksa Khalil was elated to be the first Malaysian to win a medal at the competition which is akin to an olympic in skills. — Bernama