Cambodia Enhances Financial Talent with AI and Data Science Training; SDF and Canadia Bank Collaborate

Cambodia's Skills Development Fund (SDF) and Canadia Bank have taken a significant step towards enhancing digital capabilities within the financial sector. On September 23, 2026, in Phnom Penh, SDF and Canadia Bank's Lotus Academy jointly awarded completion certificates to 398 employees of Canadia Bank for the first phase of their digital capacity development program. The program, implemented through SDF's skills matching initiative, provided participants with advanced training in generative AI technology and data science and data literacy. Specifically, 298 trainees completed the Generative AI course, while 100 trainees finished the Data Science & Data Literacy course. SDF Executive Director H.E. Ki Sokkim praised Canadia Bank for viewing human resource development as a strategic investment. He noted that SDF's skills matching program facilitates businesses in accessing training that quickly meets their business needs, while also reducing the financial burden on employers. H.E. Ki Sokkim urged all trainees to embrace continuous learning, apply their skills in practice to boost productivity and data-driven decision-making, and utilize technology ethically and responsibly. Raymond Sia Say Guan, Managing Director of Canadia Investment Holding (CIH), expressed his deep gratitude to SDF and Lotus Academy. He emphasized that Canadia Bank will continue to invest in human capital and extend this partnership into a second phase, aiming to train approximately 930 additional employees to maintain its leading position in the banking sector. As of September 2026, SDF has approved digital skills training for a total of 17,859 trainees, with an investment of approximately $8.5 million USD, of which SDF contributed 68%, equivalent to $5.82 million USD. Through three projects with Lotus Academy under the skills matching program, SDF is supporting the training of 2,590 to 5,200 trainees to build Cambodia's workforce in response to the digital revolution. Source: AKP Khmer