In the early morning of September 16th, Beijing time, exciting news came from Lyon, France: at the 47th World Skills Competition, Huang Bolin, an outstanding 2019 graduate of Dongguan Light Industry School and currently a teacher at Guangzhou Technician College of Light Industry, won the gold medal in the Fine Woodworking category, surpassing his competitors from around the world.

The World Skills Competition, held every two years, is the world's most prestigious and large-scale vocational skills event, often referred to as the "Skills Olympics." It represents the highest level of vocational skill development worldwide.

As the countdown reached the final five minutes of the competition, Huang entered the assembly and finishing phase. "In a short time, I had to control the craftsmanship error of each woodblock to within a few tenths of a millimeter while achieving a surface finish that meets global standards. It was tense, but I had to stay composed! My only thought was: I want to stand on the world championship podium wrapped in our national flag," Huang recalled, quickly adjusting his mindset and focusing entirely on the task at hand.

The 47th World Skills Competition was held in Lyon, France, from September 10 to 15. The Chinese delegation won 36 gold, 9 silver, and 4 bronze medals across 59 events, securing first place in the gold medal count, overall standings, and total team score..

Studying in Dongguan, Carrying Forward the Practical Spirit of Dongguan's Furniture Industry

Born in 2003, Huang Bolin grew up around his parents, who ran a furniture store, developing a natural affinity for woodworking. After graduating from junior high school in 2016, despite his parents encouraging him to study automotive repair, he firmly chose to major in Furniture Design and Manufacturing at Dongguan Light Industry School.

"My three years in vocational school had a profound impact on me, and I am very grateful for that time. Traditional Chinese wooden furniture and craftsmanship are an important part of our cultural heritage. Promoting and preserving these skills is a significant responsibility for the new generation of woodworking craftsmen," said Huang.

Over the years, Dongguan's furniture industry has developed into a comprehensive ecosystem—from upstream suppliers of hardware, materials, and accessories to downstream custom furniture design and manufacturing, along with talent training, management models, and integrated exhibition and trade services. Becoming part of Dongguan's furniture industry makes perfect sense, as the city is not only the cradle of modern Chinese furniture development but also a grounded "Furniture Capital."