Cambodia Celebrates Over 16,000 TVET Graduates, Empowering Future Workforce

TA KEO: Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, presided over the graduation ceremony for students at Techo Sen Takao Polytechnic Institute on August 1, 2026. A total of 16,041 students (277 female) from the 2014-2025 academic year received their degrees, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificates at levels 1, 2, and 3, advanced technical diplomas, and technical bachelor's degrees. Addressing over 800 attendees, the Minister congratulated the graduating students and highly commended the institute's achievements. He emphasized that TVET serves as a bridge for building the future of families and the nation, contributing to changing the "mindset" of the general public. He highlighted that TVET, particularly the "1.5 Million Program," is a smart choice because it offers short, flexible study durations, allows for early income generation to support families, meets labor demands, and attracts investment. The Minister noted that the institute's accomplishments stem from the legacy of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who has prioritized education since 1979. Currently, TVET is a priority in human capital development for the seventh mandate government under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, aiming to ensure a decent standard of living for citizens and achieve the goal of "one citizen, at least one lifelong skill." Prime Minister Hun Manet has recently affirmed that TVET is not a second-tier education but a valuable and appropriate skill that truly meets the demands of the labor market both domestically and internationally. Minister Heng Sour encouraged the graduates to continue developing themselves beyond obtaining certificates or jobs, aiming for higher positions and better salaries. He urged them to keep learning in the workplace, society, and technological spheres, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance work efficiency and contribute to the vision of Cambodia becoming a high-income country by 2050. He also stressed the importance of strengthening soft skills such as teamwork, communication, coordination, and management, and learning from leaders and colleagues to increase capacity and achieve further success. The Minister called on all stakeholders to further strengthen cooperation, enhance understanding of the importance of TVET, and promote the broader and more effective implementation of TVET programs to build quality human capital and support investment and socio-economic development in Cambodia. He added that the institute's leadership and instructors must continue to improve educational quality by updating curricula to meet skilled labor demands and expand partnerships with the private sector, which will transform the institute into a hub for study tours and sharing successful experiences. Om Sophea, Deputy Governor of Takeo Province, stated that the institute plays a crucial role in providing practical skills and employment opportunities to youth, helping to meet the province's labor needs, improve family livelihoods, and reduce rural migration, especially with the increasing number of factories and enterprises. Thoo Sopheap, Director of Techo Sen Takao Polytechnic Institute, pledged to continue strengthening training quality, expanding partnerships, increasing enrollment at all levels, and developing curricula in line with technological advancements and the actual needs of the evolving industrial sector.