Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has taken disciplinary action against two foreign managers following complaints about inappropriate language and behaviour toward Cambodian workers. The case, involving managers at companies in Kandal and Kampong Speu provinces, highlights an important message for foreign professionals working in Cambodia: professional conduct, respect for local laws and cultural norms are not optional. The ministry required both managers to publicly apologise to workers and sign written commitments promising not to repeat the misconduct, while warning that repeated violations could result in the revocation of their foreign work permits and deportation from Cambodia.

The action, announced by the ministry on Wednesday, followed an investigation that considered workers’ complaints, security camera footage, audio recordings, witness statements and admissions from the two managers. For foreign investors, business owners, executives and managers operating in Cambodia, the case serves as a practical reminder that workplace conduct can have consequences beyond internal company disciplinary procedures. The authorities are making it clear that maintaining respectful and harmonious workplaces is part of operating responsibly in Cambodia.

Cambodia Is Sending a Clear Message to Foreign Managers

According to the ministry, one of the managers involved works at Justin Allen (Cambodia) Garment Manufacturing Co Ltd in Kandal province, while the other is employed by Ming Yang Industry (Cambodia) Co Ltd in Kampong Speu province. The cases concerned inappropriate language and improper behaviour toward Cambodian employees.

Ministry spokesman Sun Mesa said the action followed complaints involving managers, supervisors, section heads and interpreters who allegedly used inappropriate language or behaved improperly toward workers. The ministry’s response shows that workplace authority does not give managers the right to disregard standards of professional behaviour or the dignity of employees.

“The ministry welcomes and encourages investors, managers and foreign professionals who come to work in Cambodia and contribute to the country’s economic development. However, everyone must respect the law, proper conduct, Cambodian culture and, above all, the dignity of Cambodian workers,” Mesa said.

For companies employing foreign managers, this is an important management lesson. Strong operational performance is not enough if leadership practices create conflict, disrespect employees or undermine workplace relations. Foreign executives are expected to understand that their responsibilities extend beyond meeting business targets to creating a professional environment where employees are treated with respect.

Public Apologies and Written Commitments Were Required

As part of the action, the Ministry of Labour required the two managers to publicly apologise to the affected workers and sign written commitments promising not to use inappropriate language or engage in behaviour that could undermine the dignity of Cambodian employees.

The measures are significant because they place accountability directly on the individuals involved while also sending a wider warning to other managers and employers. Workplace disputes involving foreign supervisors should not be viewed simply as internal human resources matters when the conduct may violate Cambodian laws, workplace standards or accepted social norms.

“The workplace must be a place of mutual respect. It must not be a place for insulting language or disrespectful behaviour. Our goal is to build enterprises into peaceful communities, in line with the guidance of the head of the Royal Government and the principles upheld by the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training,” he added.

For business leaders, the message is straightforward. A respectful workplace is not only important for employee morale and productivity but also for maintaining stable operations and avoiding regulatory problems. Companies that employ foreign managers should therefore make workplace conduct, communication and cultural awareness part of their management practices.

Repeated Misconduct Could Put Work Permits at Risk

The ministry issued a particularly strong warning about repeat violations. Sun Mesa said foreign nationals who engage in similar misconduct again could have their foreign work permits revoked and could face deportation from Cambodia.

This raises the stakes for foreign professionals working in Cambodia. A workplace incident that might otherwise be treated as an internal disciplinary issue can become a serious regulatory matter when authorities become involved and determine that misconduct has occurred.

Foreign managers should therefore understand that holding a senior position in a Cambodian company comes with responsibility. Respecting employees, following labour regulations and maintaining appropriate professional behaviour are essential parts of working legally and successfully in the country.

Cultural Awareness Matters for Foreign Professionals

The ministry also reminded managers, supervisors and interpreters at enterprises, companies and factories, particularly foreign nationals, to respect Cambodian social norms, culture, traditions and customs. They were also urged to strictly avoid inappropriate language and behaviour in the workplace.

For foreign executives and investors, cultural awareness should be treated as part of effective business management in Cambodia. Communication styles, workplace expectations and approaches to authority can vary across cultures. A management approach that may be considered normal in one country could be perceived differently by Cambodian employees.

Foreign professionals can reduce unnecessary workplace tensions by learning about Cambodian workplace culture, communicating respectfully and ensuring that supervisors and managers understand local expectations before taking leadership roles. This is particularly important for companies employing large numbers of Cambodian workers.

What Foreign Managers Working in Cambodia Should Learn From This Case

The first lesson is that professional authority comes with accountability. Managers have influence over employees and workplace conditions, so inappropriate language, humiliation or disrespectful behaviour can quickly damage trust and create wider problems for the company.

The second lesson is that local knowledge matters. Foreign professionals working in Cambodia should take time to understand Cambodian laws, labour regulations, culture, traditions and workplace expectations. Companies can support this by providing clear codes of conduct, management training and cultural orientation for foreign employees.

The third lesson is that companies should have effective internal complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms. Managers should not wait until a workplace problem reaches government authorities before addressing it. Clear reporting channels, proper investigations and fair internal procedures can help businesses identify problems early and maintain a healthier working environment.

Workers Have Channels to Report Workplace Concerns

The Ministry of Labour said it will continue monitoring complaints from workers and take action in accordance with the law when violations are identified. The stated objective is to promote harmonious workplaces based on mutual respect.

Workers who experience or witness inappropriate language or behaviour, or who encounter problems involving working conditions, can report their concerns to labour inspectors through the ministry’s anonymous complaint system or by calling the 1286 hotline.

For employers, this reinforces the importance of taking employee complaints seriously. Ignoring concerns can allow workplace problems to escalate and potentially attract regulatory attention. Businesses should have accessible mechanisms for employees to raise concerns and should ensure that complaints are handled professionally and without retaliation.

What This Means for Businesses and Investors in Cambodia?

For investors and business owners, the case should not be interpreted as a warning against employing foreign professionals. On the contrary, the ministry explicitly stated that it welcomes foreign investors, managers and professionals who contribute to Cambodia’s economic development.

The broader message is that foreign expertise must operate within Cambodia’s legal and social framework. Companies that invest in strong human resource policies, management training and workplace standards are better positioned to build stable teams, protect their reputation and maintain productive relationships with employees.

For senior executives and entrepreneurs, this case also demonstrates why compliance should extend beyond financial and operational matters. Labour relations, workplace behaviour and cultural understanding are increasingly important elements of responsible business management in Cambodia.

Conclusion

The action against the two foreign managers is a timely reminder that working and doing business in Cambodia requires more than professional expertise. Foreign managers, executives and investors must understand and respect Cambodian laws, workplace standards, culture and the dignity of local employees.

The ministry’s warning is particularly important: repeated misconduct could result in the loss of a foreign work permit and deportation. For businesses operating in Cambodia, the practical lesson is clear. Build a workplace based on respect, train managers to understand local expectations, respond seriously to employee concerns and ensure that foreign professionals understand their responsibilities from the beginning. Doing so can protect employees, strengthen business operations and help companies build a sustainable presence in Cambodia.

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The two day Upper Secondary School Examination, or Baccalaureate, for the 2025 to 2026 academic year began across Cambodia at 244 examination centres, bringing together 151,238 Grade 12 candidates, including 84,735 female students. Held nationwide over two days, the examination is a major milestone for students seeking to complete secondary education and continue to university. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has also placed strong emphasis on fairness, discipline and transparency, with around 5,000 observers monitoring the process.

The scale of this year’s examination shows just how important the Baccalaureate remains for Cambodia’s young people and the country’s education system. Students are divided between science and social science streams, while authorities, observers and examination officials work together to ensure the process runs according to established rules.

More Than 150,000 Students Take Part

Of the 151,238 registered candidates, 37,445 are taking the science stream, including 22,193 females. Another 113,793 students, including 62,542 females, are sitting for the social science stream. The figures highlight the large number of young Cambodians reaching an important transition point in their education.

The examination is being conducted in 6,104 rooms across the 244 centres. For many students, the results will influence their next step, particularly those planning to enter university or pursue further professional education.

A National Effort to Protect Exam Integrity

The government has mobilised around 5,000 observers to help monitor the examination process. They include representatives from the Anti Corruption Unit, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, local authorities and volunteers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many, Phnom Penh Governor Khuon Sreng and representatives of the Anti Corruption Unit attended the opening ceremony at Preah Sisowath High School in Phnom Penh.

The ministry has also reminded students that examination rules must be followed strictly. “Candidates are strictly prohibited from bringing any documents or electronic devices into the testing centres or rooms,” Hang Chuon Naron said. “Anyone found cheating automatically fails.”

The strong monitoring system sends a clear message that academic achievement should be earned through preparation and knowledge rather than dishonest practices.

What Students Are Being Tested On

The examination covers different subjects depending on the student’s chosen stream. On the first day, science students sit for history, biology, chemistry and a foreign language, while social science students take geology and environment, history, geography and a foreign language.

The second day focuses on another set of core subjects. Science students take Khmer literature, physics and mathematics, while social science students sit for mathematics, morality and civics, and Khmer literature.

The two day structure means students need more than subject knowledge. They also need concentration, time management and the ability to remain calm under pressure throughout the examination period.

The Results Will Take Several Weeks

Although the written examinations finish after two days, the assessment process continues afterward. Marking is scheduled to begin on Thursday, followed by computerised score processing and verification from August 20 to 30.

The results are scheduled to be printed on September 1 and officially announced nationwide on September 2. This process is designed to provide time for scores to be processed and verified before the final results are released.

Last Year’s Results Offer Some Perspective

The previous examination provides an indication of the scale of the challenge facing students. In the 2024 to 2025 academic year, 122,473 students passed the Grade 12 national examination, representing about 84.5 percent of the 144,848 candidates who sat the test.

Among those who passed, 3,003 students received Grade A, 9,901 received Grade B, 28,801 received Grade C, 45,859 received Grade D and 34,909 received Grade E.

These figures show that success does not necessarily mean achieving the highest grade. For many students, passing the Baccalaureate represents an important achievement that opens the door to university, vocational training or employment opportunities.

What Can You Learn From the 2026 National Examination?

The 2026 examination offers lessons that extend beyond the classroom. First, preparation matters. With more than 150,000 students sitting for the same national examination, consistent study and a clear understanding of the subjects remain essential.

Second, integrity matters. The ministry’s strict rules and large monitoring operation demonstrate that academic credentials depend not only on knowledge but also on honesty and responsibility. Cheating may appear to offer a shortcut, but the consequences can immediately undermine a student’s results and future opportunities.

The examination also highlights the importance of discipline and time management. Students must manage several subjects within a tightly organised two day schedule, while maintaining concentration under significant pressure. These are skills that remain valuable well beyond school and can help young people prepare for university, careers and professional life.

Finally, the examination reflects the importance of education in Cambodia’s future workforce. The more than 151,000 candidates are not simply sitting for a test. They represent a new generation preparing to enter higher education, the labour market and, eventually, leadership roles across Cambodia’s economy and society.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s 2026 national high school examination is more than a two day academic test. It is a major national education exercise involving 151,238 students, thousands of examination rooms and around 5,000 observers. For students, the biggest lessons are clear: prepare seriously, follow the rules, maintain integrity and stay focused under pressure. Those qualities can matter just as much as the final grade when students begin the next chapter of their lives.

Source: The story is based on information provided from Khmer Times and Xinhua, with examination details attributed to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

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