New Requirements Set for Journalists and Digital Content Producers in Cambodia.

Government Issues Proclamation on Professional Standards

On November 27, 2025, the Ministry of Information released a new proclamation outlining the qualification and professional requirements for individuals working in the fields of information and audiovisual communication. This announcement marks a significant step toward formalizing and improving professional standards within Cambodia’s media landscape. According to the proclamation, independent journalists, online content producers, and public personalities must now obtain a certificate of professional education in journalism and audiovisual studies. This certificate must be issued either by the Ministry of Information or by a training institution officially recognized by the Ministry. The move aims to ensure that all individuals producing public information meet a minimum standard of professional competence.

Elevating Media Quality and Public Information Safety

The Ministry emphasized that these measures are intended to build a more responsible and professional press environment. By establishing clear qualifications for practitioners, the government aims to strengthen journalistic discipline, enhance the credibility of information, and ensure greater public safety in the digital age. The proclamation stresses that the rapid growth of online media and social platforms makes it increasingly important to protect the public from misinformation, unethical reporting, and harmful content. In essence, the new regulations are designed to reinforce journalism as a respected profession and to promote higher-quality information for citizens.

Educational and Professional Criteria for Journalists

According to the Ministry of Information, individuals seeking to work professionally as journalists must meet several conditions. They must be at least 20 years old, hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, and possess a certificate of professional education in journalism and audiovisual studies granted or recognized by the Ministry. Beyond academic requirements, applicants must have completed at least one full year of experience as a reporter, evidenced by a recognition letter from the media organization where they previously worked or a valid employment contract. These criteria ensure that new journalists not only understand the theory of journalism but also demonstrate practical experience in the field.

Additional Requirements for Ethical and Professional Compliance

The proclamation adds further criteria to strengthen ethical standards within the profession. Applicants must have produced news articles for at least three recognized media organizations, proving a consistent track record of journalistic activity. They are also required to provide a residence and conduct letter from their local commune-sangkat along with an official health certificate. Importantly, applicants must have no prior record of publishing articles, videos, images, or content that violate the professional code of ethics, particularly regarding Cambodian culture, social standards, literature, or the Khmer language. This requirement underscores the Ministry’s intention to encourage responsible reporting and uphold national values.

Cambodia’s public schools have a low educational standard when compared to international standards. The Khmer language is used to teach, which is a substantial obstacle for most non-natives, and expat children are rarely allowed to attend public schools. As a result, the vast majority of expats in Phnom Penh prefer to send their children to an international school.

• Indictus International is centrally located in Phnom Penh and is equipped with modern learning facilities and trained educators with professional experience comprehensive English curricula to international students. From Reception to Cambridge A-Levels, other languages such as French, Chinese, and Khmer are available. The school offers age from 3 year to 18-year-old.
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• Northbridge International School Cambodia is a school for international students and provide a high quality to Cambodia students and international student that are living in Cambodia. NISC teach 11 languages, including English, French, and Mandarin, and our curriculum includes the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. Our students graduate from Northbridge International School Cambodia with a command of foreign languages and qualifications valued by the world’s most prestigious universities. All of the information about our school, including fees, curriculum, and teaching positions
• East-West International School Established in 2006 which is centrally located in BKK3, and offers lessons from Nursery to Grade 12. In Secondary, students can study the MOEYS-approved Khmer National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum, the International Middle Years Curriculum, and a comprehensive Cambridge program of IGCSE, AS, and A level classes.
• The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS) is the only school in Cambodia that is annually evaluated for accreditation by a foreign ministry. Every 3-5 years, schools are examined for accreditation renewal. Certified French and Mandarin bilingual programs are available at CIS, providing students with authentic exposure to the target language.