06 August 2026
Sumitomo Electric Selected as a Gold Partner of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China —Supporting Skilled Workforce Development with World-Class Optical Communication Technology—
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has been selected for the first time as a Gold Partner of the 48th WorldSkills Competition, to be held in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
The WorldSkills Competition (hereinafter the Competition) is an international event held every two years, bringing together young skilled technicians from around the world to compete at the highest level. Often referred to as the "Skills Olympics," the Competition plays a vital role in developing skilled talent, facilitating skills succession, and promoting international exchange.
Since the 2013 Competition in Leipzig, Germany, Sumitomo Electric has served as an official sponsor for six consecutive Competitions.*¹ Sumitomo Electric has now been selected as a Gold Partner for the first time in comprehensive recognition of its long-standing support of the Competition; its optical wiring products and world-class optical communications technologies that underpin global communications infrastructure; and its continued commitment to developing skilled talent.
At the Competition, Sumitomo Electric will provide optical wiring products, including optical fiber fusion splicers, fiber optic ribbon cables, and multi-fiber connectors, for the "ICT Network Infrastructure" skill category. These products and technologies are essential to building communications networks, including data centers, and are widely deployed in communications infrastructure worldwide.
Looking ahead, Sumitomo Electric will continue to support the advancement of communications infrastructure, including data centers, by providing cutting-edge optical wiring technologies and high-quality products. Sumitomo Electric will also continue its commitment to fostering the world-class skilled professionals who will help shape the future of industry worldwide.
■Outline of the Competition
| Host City | Shanghai, China |
| Event Dates | September 22 – 27, 2026 |
| Competition Dates | September 23 – 26, 2026 |
| Competition Venue | National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) |
| Official Website | https://worldskills2026.com |
*1 Sumitomo Electric has served as an official sponsor of the following WorldSkills Competitions:
2013 - 42nd WorldSkills Competition (Leipzig, Germany)
2015 - 43rd WorldSkills Competition (São Paulo, Brazil)
2017 - 44th WorldSkills Competition (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
2019 - 45th WorldSkills Competition (Kazan, Russia)
2022 - 46th WorldSkills Competition Special Edition (Kyoto, Japan)
2024 - 47th WorldSkills Competition (Lyon, France)