Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 13 January 2026 – Mr Iqbolmirzo Abdusamadov is one of 30 DataVolt sponsored engineering students at Shirin College, Uzbekistan. He is currently studying a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and recently had the opportunity to compete in the renowned World Skills event in Taiwan. Iqbol competed in the event alongside a number of other students as part of the Al-Jabr program sponsored by the Energy & Water Academy in Saudi Arabia.

This international competition brings together more than 300 participants from 29 member and guest countries across the world, to compete in real world, hands on challenges in multiple technical skills and to recognize the importance of vocational training.

Iqbol’s hard work and training paid off as, after 14 gruelling hours of challenges in electrical installation, he was named Best of Nation, a prize reserved for the top-performing competitor from each country. In this interview, Iqbol share mores about his experience at World Skills and how he hopes to contribute to Uzbekistan’s digital transformation.

1. Why did you choose to pursue a career in electrical engineering?

I wanted to study a subject that combines both theory and practical work. In particular I enjoy working with power systems and installations, so electrical engineering was a natural fit for me.  In today’s world electrical systems are an important part of the infrastructure behind all our digital interactions.

2. What attracted you to join the DataVolt training program?

Electrical systems are fundamental to the safety and reliability of data centers, so the opportunity to study electrical engineering in partnership with a leading data center company was an obvious choice for me. DataVolt is also a fast growing, dynamic business and I am excited about the opportunity to learn and work with some of the best in their field.

3. What have you enjoyed most during your studies at Shirin College?

I enjoy the practical and technical aspects of my training the most. While theory is important, you can’t beat those hands-on sessions where we get to put our skills to the test. Whether we are wiring up a panel or trouble shooting real-world issues, these are the most challenging and enjoyable parts of my studies.

4. What was it like to compete in WorldSkills?

I was honored to represent my country at the WorldSkills competition.  This was my first time competing and it was both exciting and a little nerve wracking to be part of such a large, international event.

We had a total of 14 hours over 2 days to complete a complicated electrical installation task. The time pressure was intense and we also had to ensure we maintained electrical safety throughout. However it was all worthwhile when I heard my name announced as the winner of the Best of Nation Medal.

I also enjoyed visiting Taipei for the first time and trying some of the local food, although some of it was a bit too fishy for me!

5. Why do you think the data center industry is important to Uzbekistan’s future?

Uzbekistan has set digitization as a priority and the country has worked hard in recent years to improve various aspects of our digital economy. Underpinning all of this is the need for more and higher quality digital infrastructure; this is vital to support the modern AI agenda. I am proud to be able to be part of this journey through DataVolt and look forward to seeing the country’s progress.

6. What one thing would you like to share to other students considering joining the DataVolt engineering training program at Shirin?

The DataVolt program at Shirin college is highly demanding yet it prepares you for real world, industry challenges. That kind of experience is not easy to come by and sets you up for success in your future career. I would encourage any young students interested in the program to reach out for more information.   

7. Finally, what’s next for you?

This competition has been tremendously motivating for me and has encouraged me to work harder and continue to grow professionally. We have another competition coming up next year so the work doesn’t stop, and we will continue to train for that. 

I would particularly like to thank my classmates, my teachers and family for all their support, as well of course to the DataVolt and ACWA Power management team, without whom, none of this would have been possible.

Looking ahead to the future, I hope that in 5 years time I will be working as an engineer in a data center. My ambition is to be a trail blazer in this new, yet fast growing industry in Uzbekistan and to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation.