PM Hun Manet Celebrates PSE's 30th Anniversary, Praises Contribution to Human Capital Development

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia stated on July 2, 2026, that the organization Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE) has provided significant benefits to Cambodian society, and the Cambodian government will continue to support PSE. He praised PSE for having a "long-term vision, a clear mission, and correct values," stating that it acts as a compass and beacon to guide the organization to continuous success. Prime Minister Hun Manet made these remarks on the morning of July 2, 2026, while presiding over the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the organization Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), along with his wife, Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet. During the event, degrees were awarded to 500 students (319 female) who completed their studies from 2021-2024, in Technical Bachelor, Higher Technical Diploma, and Technical and Vocational Training Level 3 (C3) categories. Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted that PSE has trained approximately 15,000 Cambodian students. Of these, over 8,000 have graduated and secured employment opportunities, with more than 90% finding jobs. This has transformed the lives of many young people, enabling them to earn a living and support their families. He emphasized that the youth trained at PSE are empowered to determine their own destinies, particularly transitioning from a lack of opportunity to seizing it. He further pointed out that these 8,000 graduates will become parents, generating hundreds of thousands of human resources, starting with the first generation that had the opportunity. These young individuals are actively contributing to their family economies and the national economy. In addition, Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that when Cambodian youth possess skills and knowledge, they are not a burden to the state but rather a national asset. Similarly, healthy citizens are valuable resources contributing to the government's efforts. "Two individuals with vision, heart, and high commitment started 30 years ago and have provided so many benefits to the nation and to each individual. This is something that makes me very happy, and the government will continue to support PSE to continue helping children of citizens who lack opportunities and to help the nation as much as possible," Prime Minister Hun Manet said. On this meaningful occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet also expressed great admiration for PSE's significant role in rescuing and developing human resources in Cambodia over the past three decades. He reiterated that PSE's long-term vision, clear mission, and correct values serve as a strong compass and beacon, guiding the organization to continued success in building a bright future for Cambodian children and youth. The awarding of degrees to the students at this event serves as testimony to PSE's diligent efforts in enhancing educational quality and nurturing capable and ethical human resources. The graduating students are valuable "young bamboo shoots" who will become a significant driving force for Cambodia's economic and social progress. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hun Manet urged all graduating students to continue their studies diligently, enhance their knowledge, and develop themselves into responsible citizens who actively contribute to the nation's development. Prime Minister Hun Manet conveyed his profound gratitude to PSE, development partners, and all philanthropists for their active participation and support for the organization's humanitarian mission. He expressed strong hope that PSE will continue to expand its activities to assist even more Cambodian children and youth in achieving their dreams and building brilliant futures. PSE was established with the objective of providing education, nutrition, and healthcare to impoverished and vulnerable children in Cambodia. Over the past 30 years, the organization has significantly expanded its activities, not only offering general education but also providing vocational training to thousands of young people, enabling them to contribute to national development and achieve financial stability. These successes stem from the high commitment of its founders, leaders, staff, teachers, and all volunteers who have dedicated their physical and mental efforts to this noble cause.