Cambodia Encourages Youth Union to Promote TVET Programs for Workforce Development

Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, delivered a keynote speech at a workshop titled 'Transformation of Cambodia's Workforce to Achieve the 2030 and 2050 Visions' held on July 27, 2026, at the National Technical Training Institute (NTTI). Addressing over 1,000 participants, the Minister highlighted that building upon a strong economic foundation and political stability, the 7th mandate government has launched the 'Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1' to pursue growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability. This initiative aims to lay the groundwork for transforming Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050, with a particular focus on enhancing the quality of both hard and soft skills for youth and creating more employment opportunities in terms of both quantity and quality. The government is implementing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs for 1.5 million young people from poor and vulnerable families. This program not only equips them with practical vocational skills but also provides opportunities for employment and income to improve their families' livelihoods. TVET serves as a bridge for youth to quickly enter the labor market and is a significant driving force in implementing the principle of 'One citizen, at least one lifelong skill.' This aims to transform Cambodia's labor force structure from labor-intensive to one based on skills and technology, enabling competitiveness both regionally and globally. The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, along with its partners, is reforming and modernizing the TVET system, with a strong emphasis on higher technical diplomas and associate degrees supporting sectors such as construction, agriculture-industry, and services. Furthermore, foundational skills, digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), automation and robotics, as well as soft skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, discipline, and adaptability to the work environment, are being mandated across all study programs. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the ministry is piloting a 'new educational pathway' that includes vocational streams in high schools located near special economic zones or industrial areas. The Ministry of Labour is also studying and publishing job outlooks and survey reports, and continuously strengthening the implementation of mechanisms for the scope and efficiency of employment services. This is to better respond to the demands of the labor market and service users, particularly through the National Employment Agency (NEA). Responding to detailed questions from the youth regarding the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, TVET programs, and the labor market, the Minister stated that these achievements are due to the participation of all stakeholders, especially the Cambodian Youth Union Federation (S.S.Y.K.), which plays a crucial role and serves as a model in disseminating government policies and encouraging youth participation in national development. He encouraged the youth of S.S.Y.K. to become influential and effective promoters of TVET programs among their friends, siblings, and other young people, thereby helping more Cambodian youth acquire skills, gain employment, and earn income, contributing to the realization of this important national vision. He also advised the youth to make informed decisions about their studies or chosen skills based on their family's actual situation, their surrounding environment, and their prior education, but to avoid simply following others. Source: AKP Khmer