Cambodia Strengthens Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Support at AUF Alumni Meet

The 5th Alumni Meet of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) in Cambodia was held in Phnom Penh, bringing together approximately 100 participants including alumni from AUF member universities and stakeholders. The event focused on fostering youth employment and entrepreneurship. Held at the Cambodia Institute of Technology (ITC), the gathering saw the presence of key figures such as Professor Nicolas MAÏNETTI, AUF Regional Director for Asia-Pacific; Ms. Élodie WYNAR, French Cooperation Attaché for the French language; Ms. Isabelle BOKHARI, Advisor to the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport; Mr. Bun LONG, Vice President of ITC; and Ms. Anh-Dao TRAN, Cooperation Attaché for Science and Universities, along with representatives from partner universities. During the event, certificates were awarded to over 70 students who successfully completed training courses on job search techniques and entrepreneurship. These programs were conducted in two phases for entrepreneurship (September-November 2025 and May-July 2026) and two for job search techniques (March-May 2026). Mr. Im KRAVONG, Representative of the AUF National Office in Cambodia, stated, "The certificates you receive today are not just documents. They represent your personal commitment, hard work, critical thinking, application, and perseverance. This is a significant step towards entering the job market with greater confidence, proactivity, and better preparation." Among the certificate recipients are individuals who have become successful business owners and professionals in various fields, generously sharing their time and expertise to mentor the next generation of youth. AUF representatives lauded these efforts and expressed gratitude to the French Embassy in Cambodia for financial support through the French Team Fund (FEF). This funding has enabled numerous activities to support entrepreneurship training and soft skills development, enhancing youth employability. Professor Nicolas MAÏNETTI emphasized that French should open doors to opportunities, including employment. He stated, "A degree alone is no longer sufficient. The certificates you will receive are not an endpoint. They are an invitation to dare: dare to apply for jobs, dare to start businesses, and sometimes, dare to accept failure to start again better. You are joining a French-speaking community that extends beyond Cambodia, and AUF will always be with you." Professor MAÏNETTI also took the opportunity to thank the Kingdom of Cambodia and its government for the warm welcome and confidence in hosting the AUF Regional Office for Asia-Pacific, which has recently been established in Cambodia. He specifically thanked ITC for providing office space, noting the honor and opportunity to work closely with the university, its faculty, and students. Throughout the year, various activities have been implemented with partner support, including workshops on entering the job market, entrepreneurship training, company visits, alumni meetings, and awareness seminars on entrepreneurship. Small career forums were also organized at several universities. The French Language Career Center (CEF) in Phnom Penh plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding youth. Its activities include career counseling and guidance, additional training to enhance general skills, professional skills recognition, and preparation for entrepreneurship projects, helping youth realize their business ideas. Through these diverse actions, CEF fully fulfills AUF's mission to support universities and French-speaking students in achieving success, strengthening their employability, and developing their capacity for creativity and innovation. By Phan Ratana © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018