Competitors from ASEAN member countries are expected to compete in 23 skill and two performing areas.

The information was revealed at a conference in HCM City on December 9-10 to examine preparations for the event.

The first competition of this kind was held in 1995 and it has since taken place every two years, aiming to raise regional vocational skills to global levels.

The age limit for ASEAN entrants is a maximum of 22 years.

The scale and quality of the competition has improved significantly over the years, from only six skill areas in 1995 to 22 last year.

Nguyen Ngoc Phi, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs expressed hope hosting the event will provide an excellent chance for Vietnam to demonstrate its skills, achievements and quality of human resources.

When Vietnam last hosted the event in 2004, it ranked first with 13 out of a possible 18 gold medals. Last year, in Indonesia, Vietnam came in second with 44 contestants competing in 22 areas.