Japan Representatives for the 'Water Technology' Skill Category at the 48th WorldSkills Competition Promote Their Participation at Various Organizations / Suido Kiko AM

The Japanese representatives (competitor and expert) for the 'Water Technology' skill category at the 48th WorldSkills Competition (to be held in Shanghai, China), who are affiliated with Suido Kiko AM Co., Ltd. (President: Takao Ishikawa; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), a group company of Suido Kiko Co., Ltd., visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Japan Sewage Works Association, and other organizations on March 23–24. These visits were part of an effort to promote understanding of the competition and the specific skill category, as well as to express their enthusiasm for participating in the event.

[Image Captions] - Support poster for the Japan representative in the 'Water Technology' category of the 48th WorldSkills Competition, distributed to various locations. - At the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Water and Disaster Management Bureau. From left: Seiji Tsutsui, Director of Water Supply Division; Keisuke Mizutani (Suido Kiko AM), 'Water Technology' Expert; Kimiya Misawa (Suido Kiko AM), Japan Representative Competitor; Takatoshi Wakako, Water and Sewerage Business Coordinator, Water and Sewerage Planning Division; Ryuhei Fukuda, Assistant Director, Water Supply Division. - At the Japan Sewage Works Association. Center: Hiroshi Okahisa, Chairman. - The competitor personally explained the competition category. - At the Tokyo Technical College, a member of the Water Technology Skill Subcommittee*. Center: Masanori Shirai, Principal.

*Other visits included the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's 2028 WorldSkills Competition Preparation Office, the Japan Organizing Committee for the 2028 WorldSkills Competition, the Japan Water Works Association, the Japan Sewage Facilities Operation and Maintenance Association, the Japan Water Works Association (Suidanren), the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association, and the Japan Water Research Center.

*Water Technology Skill Subcommittee Members: Suido Kiko AM Co., Ltd., Japan Water Works Association (Suidanren), Festo Co., Ltd., Koyama Gakuen Educational Foundation Tokyo Technical College (in no particular order).

[Comments from the Japan Representatives (Competitor and Expert)] I realized that many people outside our company are paying attention to and supporting us. At the same time, I felt the weight of the responsibility and pride that comes with being selected as a Japanese representative. To live up to everyone's expectations, I will continue to absorb the teachings of our expert and coaching team, while also learning and thinking for myself. I will polish not only the technical skills related to the competition but also my mental strength. Although I will be competing against rivals from 15 countries, I will give my all until the very end on the day of the competition so that I have no regrets. I ask for your continued support. (Competitor: Misawa)

'Water Technology' is a competition that tests world-class skills essential for operational tasks. Through participation in this competition and coaching the competitor, we were able to promote at various locations how this contributes to the development of next-generation talent who will support water infrastructure such as water supply and sewerage systems. We received words of encouragement and high expectations from many people. I look forward to supporting the competitor alongside our coaching team so that he can demonstrate his full potential on the day of the international competition and meet everyone's expectations. (Expert: Mizutani)

[Overview of the WorldSkills Competition] A biennial competition where top-tier young skilled professionals from around the world, having won their respective national qualifiers, gather to compete in their honed skills. The goal is to promote vocational training and international friendship among youth. The first competition was held in 1950 between Spain and Portugal, and Japan has been participating since 1962. The event serves as an excellent opportunity for young technicians and students to observe and experience superior skills, providing a perfect venue for vocational education.

[About the 'Water Technology' Category] 1. Overview: Adopted as a new competition category starting from the 45th Kazan, Russia competition (August 2019). Japan first participated in the 46th competition, where our group employee won a bronze medal. A group employee also participated in the 47th competition. 2. Age Eligibility: 25 years old or younger (most other categories are 22 or younger). This restriction exists because one of the goals of the WorldSkills Competition is to improve the skills of young people. 3. Scope of Skills: Covers water supply, sewerage, and the treatment of sludge generated from these processes. It encompasses a wide range of water-related areas, from the proper operation and maintenance of treatment facilities to the management of treated water quality. The competition tests knowledge and skills in various areas, such as maintaining pumps used for sludge transfer, responding to fluctuations in inflow volume due to weather, and analyzing the water quality of raw and treated water.

[Results and Effects of Participating in the WorldSkills Competition] - Benchmark as a Water Treatment Plant Technician: The competition is closely related to the operation and management of water treatment plants, covering a wide range of water quality, electrical, and mechanical tasks. Demonstrating high-level, well-rounded skills serves as a benchmark for young technicians. - Improvement of Coaching Level: Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young technicians, it is also a competition for the coaches. It helps organize the knowledge and skills to be mastered, leading to the 'visualization' of technical expertise. - Contribution to Society and the Global Environment: Through global perspectives gained from international experience and interaction with young technicians from around the world, participants develop a heightened awareness of their contribution to society and the environment, aligning with SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). - Industry Development through Youth Training: Developing technicians is a common challenge across all industries. By leveraging the experience of participants and coaches, we can develop systems to train conscious young people who have hope for the future, leading to the sustainable development of various industries.

The Suido Kiko Group will continue to contribute to protecting Japan's world-class water infrastructure by fostering the next generation of field technicians and instructors through our challenge in the 'Water Technology' category of the WorldSkills Competition.