TVET Powers Cambodia’s Economic Future
Cambodia is strengthening its investment in technical and vocational education as part of a broader strategy to create jobs, improve incomes, and drive long term economic growth. Speaking at the 9th National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Day 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that developing skilled human resources remains one of the Royal Government’s highest priorities. The event, held at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh on June 15 and 16, brought together government institutions, educators, businesses, and development partners to highlight the role of TVET in shaping the country’s future.
Under the theme “TVET Provides Skills, Jobs and Income,” the two day event showcased Cambodia’s commitment to building a workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. As the country works toward its ambition of becoming a high income nation, leaders believe that equipping people with practical skills and career opportunities will be essential for sustainable and inclusive development.
Human Capital at the Heart of National Development
Prime Minister Hun Manet stressed that the Royal Government continues to view human capital as the foundation of social progress and economic transformation. According to him, investing in people is just as important as investing in infrastructure or industry because skilled citizens create stronger communities and a more competitive economy.
He explained that the government’s long term vision is to transform Cambodian people into valuable human resources capable of supporting national development across every sector. This approach is designed not only to generate economic growth but also to improve living standards, reduce inequality, and strengthen a society built on peace, solidarity, and justice.
“The Royal Government has always considered human capital as the lifeblood of national socio economic progress. Transforming Cambodian people into true human capital is comparable to polishing a diamond into something brilliant and invaluable for the existence of a civilised society in Cambodia,” he said.
Three Priorities for Cambodia’s Workforce Strategy
The Prime Minister highlighted that Cambodia’s human resource development strategy is built around three key priorities: health, knowledge and skills, and employment and careers. Together, these pillars are intended to prepare citizens for future opportunities while supporting long term economic resilience.
He noted that maintaining peace, political stability, social security, and public order has created an environment where businesses can invest with confidence. At the same time, the government has focused on preserving macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, promoting international trade, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
“The government has continued to maintain peace, political stability, social security and public order, while preserving macroeconomic stability, strengthening public financial resilience, supporting international trade growth and attracting both domestic and foreign investment — factors that underpin job creation, job retention and sustainable market access for Cambodian products and agricultural goods,” said Mr Hun Manet.
The Prime Minister added that Cambodia’s economy grew by around 5.3 percent in 2025, outperforming expectations. He credited low inflation, exchange rate stability between the riel and the US dollar, strong exports, and healthy international reserves for supporting this positive performance.
Expanding Skills Training for Industrial Growth
As Cambodia’s industrial sector continues to expand, the government is working to ensure that education and training systems match the needs of employers. During the event, Hun Manet announced that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training are evaluating five additional schools located near special economic zones.
These schools are situated across Kandal, Svay Rieng, Pursat, and Kampong Speu provinces and are expected to play an important role in preparing students for careers linked directly to industrial demand. By connecting education with the labour market, the government hopes to strengthen workforce readiness and improve employment outcomes.
The Prime Minister also called on businesses, development partners, and civil society organisations to work more closely with the government in advancing Cambodia’s human capital agenda. He encouraged greater investment in education and workplace training while promoting the idea that “every workplace should become a training ground.”
TVET Opens Doors to Employment Opportunities
Labour Minister Heng Sour said technical and vocational education is a powerful tool for developing a skilled and adaptable workforce. He explained that TVET equips learners with practical knowledge, technical expertise, and workplace readiness, helping them secure jobs more quickly.
According to the minister, the importance of vocational training continues to grow as economies evolve and technology reshapes labour markets. Skilled workers are increasingly needed to support industrial development and maintain economic competitiveness.
“TVET strengthens our workforce resilience amid changing economic structures, labour market shifts and technological advancement, while helping young people access employment opportunities more quickly, reducing unemployment and contributing more broadly to national socio economic development,” Sour said.
Kampong Speu Emerges as an Industrial Hub
The importance of vocational education was also highlighted in Kampong Speu province, where local authorities celebrated the 9th National TVET Day alongside government officials, company representatives, teachers, and more than 200 students.
Governor Cheam Chan Sophorn described technical and vocational skills as a major driver of the province’s economic growth. He noted that Kampong Speu has become one of Cambodia’s fastest growing industrial and manufacturing centres, creating new opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
According to the governor, students are well positioned to benefit from the province’s continued economic expansion because industries require workers with practical skills and technical expertise. This development is expected to improve access to stable employment and competitive incomes after graduation.
A National Platform for Skills and Innovation
This year’s National TVET Day featured 108 participating units across 261 exhibition booths representing 12 different subsectors at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center. The event gave visitors an opportunity to explore training programmes, technological innovations, and career pathways available through Cambodia’s vocational education system.
The exhibition also welcomed 10 leading TVET institutions from China, representing six major regions including Beijing, Guangxi, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shandong, and Hubei. Their participation reflects the growing international cooperation supporting the development and expansion of Cambodia’s TVET sector.
Cambodia officially established National TVET Day in 2017 and has observed the event annually on June 15 as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen skills development and workforce competitiveness.
For additional details, readers may refer to the original report published by Khmer Times.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s continued investment in technical and vocational education reflects a clear vision for the future. By strengthening human capital, expanding skills training, and creating closer links between education and industry, the country is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and higher quality employment. As TVET programmes continue to evolve, they are expected to play an even greater role in helping Cambodia achieve its long term development goals and its ambition of becoming a high income nation.