Chongqing - The upcoming Belt and Road International Skills Competition in late June generates buzz and anticipation among vocational education enthusiasts worldwide. As the host city, Chongqing is abuzz with preparations to welcome participants from various countries, promising an event filled with talent, innovation, and cultural exchange.

In an exclusive interview, Tian Feihong, a Chongqing Wuyi Polytechnic College student, shared his journey and aspirations as a seasoned competitor in national hairdressing competitions. With a commendable track record in domestic competitions, including the championship in the third Beauty and Hairdressing Industry Vocational Skills Competition, the gold medal in the first National Vocational Skills Competition for Rural Revitalization, and the silver medal in the second China National Vocational Skills Competition, Tian is poised to showcase his skills on the international stage.

Reflecting on his transformative journey, Tian revealed how he transitioned from laboring on construction sites to pursuing hairstyling as a livelihood. His decision was inspired by witnessing a video of local teachers draped in national flags at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition. 

"I realized that hairstyling could also lead to becoming a world champion. With a desire for success and a thirst for this skill, I enrolled at Chongqing Wuyi Polytechnic College," Tian added.

Tian said, "It has been six years since I worked at the construction site. It's a huge change in my entire life, from a small success to being able to compete and learn from skilled talents from various countries. I feel that as a child from the mountains, my entire life trajectory has changed significantly."

Tian extended a warm welcome to talents worldwide to his hometown, Chongqing. "I feel honored to exchange skills on the Belt and Road International Skills Competition stage. I also hope to meet more skilled talents and enrich experiences through this platform, contributing to the construction of skills in our country," he said.

Joining the conversation, Nie Feng, an expert in the Belt and Road International Skills Competition, shed light on Chongqing's strengths in cultivating hairstyling talents and offered valuable insights into the competition's dynamics. 

Highlighting Chongqing's legacy in hairdressing education, Nie noted the region's impressive record in nurturing skilled professionals. "Chongqing has established itself as a national-level educational base for hairdressing, producing two gold medalists, two silver medalists, and numerous skilled professionals," Nie said.

She emphasized the importance of platforms like the competition in showcasing the evolving prowess of Chongqing's hairdresser talents. "Our contestants represent the future of hairstyling in China, and their comprehensive skills continue to evolve year after year," said she.

Moreover, Nie underscored the supportive ecosystem provided by local authorities, which enables hairdressing professionals to thrive and contribute to Chongqing's development. "Chongqing's robust infrastructure and governmental support provide ample opportunities for hairdressing professionals to excel and innovate," she added.

Discussing the competition's requirements, Nie outlined the competition process, which spanned two days and comprised three modules. From fashion leisure hairstyles to classic men's hairstyles and elaborate banquet hairstyles for women, contestants are tasked with demonstrating their versatility and creativity.

"I hope the participants can enjoy this competition and make more friends through this stage. Through self-improvement and technical discussions, everyone can achieve improvement. Then bring the new technological intelligence and new concepts learned on this competition stage into their work and bring them to their own country," Nie said.

For the contestant Tian Feihong in this competition, Nie hoped that he could have a kingly demeanor on stage and interpret his knowledge calmly and comprehensively. "Maybe as a player, he represents not only himself but also the image of our entire Chinese youth and even the giants of our Chinese hairdressing industry," said she.