A Turning Point for Cambodia’s Workforce
Cambodia is entering a critical moment where the future of its workforce depends on how quickly it can adapt to new technologies and evolving job demands. At the EuroCham HR Forum 2026, held on April 3 at Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, leaders from government, education, business, and the tech sector came together to tackle one central question: how to prepare people for a rapidly changing world of work. The strong turnout reflected a shared urgency among stakeholders to rethink human resource strategies, strengthen skills development, and introduce practical learning pathways that align with real business needs. The conversation made one thing clear that Cambodia cannot rely on traditional education alone and must accelerate work based learning and smart adoption of artificial intelligence to stay competitive.
Leadership Calls for Stronger Collaboration
Opening the forum, Tassilo Brinzer, Chairperson of EuroCham, highlighted the growing responsibility of HR leaders to guide organizations through digital transformation while ensuring employees continue to build relevant skills. He stressed that collaboration across sectors is no longer optional but essential to create a workforce that is adaptable, competitive, and inclusive. Government representatives reinforced this direction, with Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, outlining key labour policies and priorities for skills development as Cambodia responds to technological shifts. This was followed by insights from Som Chamnan, Secretary of State, who shared upcoming regulatory changes that will impact employers and workforce planning in the near future.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
A major focus of the forum was the disconnect between what students learn and what employers actually need. Riccardo Corrado, EuroCham Board Member and Associate Professor at CamEd Business School, emphasized the importance of structured apprenticeships and stronger partnerships between universities and companies. These programs give students hands on experience while helping businesses develop job ready talent. He explained, “The HR Forum was a great opportunity to connect HR representatives, educators and government stakeholders, bringing together both the supply side and the demand side, in the presence of government representatives. The discussions focused on how AI is changing the game,” he said. His message highlighted that collaboration is the key to building a more effective talent pipeline in Cambodia.
AI Is an Opportunity Not a Threat
Artificial intelligence was another central theme, with experts urging businesses and workers to see it as a tool rather than a risk. Corrado noted, “AI should not be seen as a threat, as it is actually a tool that can significantly enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. However, if it is not properly understood, it may be feared. The fear of job loss should not be the focus; rather, we need to recognise that the way we live and work is changing at an increasingly fast pace due to technology, and we must adapt accordingly.’’ This perspective reflects a broader shift in mindset where success depends on understanding and using AI effectively rather than resisting it.
Practical Learning and Real World Skills Matter More Than Ever
Panel discussions throughout the day reinforced the importance of work based learning and apprenticeships in preparing young people for employment. Experts from both public and private sectors shared progress and challenges, noting that while Cambodia has made strides, more structured and scalable programs are needed. Narath Chheav, Chairperson of EuroCham HR Committee, explained: “The EuroCham HR Forum 2026 reminded us that work-based learning and apprenticeships are powerful tools to better connect education with the realities of business and give young people practical experience and relevant skills, while helping employers develop talent that is better prepared for the workplace. He also added, “We also saw that AI can bring real benefits to HR and education by making work faster and more efficient, but there are still important concerns around data privacy, ethics, and the limited understanding of how to use these tools correctly.” These insights highlight both the potential and the challenges that Cambodia must address moving forward.
Balancing Innovation With Responsibility
As AI becomes more integrated into HR functions such as recruitment, skills assessment, and workforce management, experts stressed the importance of balancing efficiency with human judgment. The discussions pointed to the need for ethical frameworks, data protection, and better awareness of how AI tools should be used. Chheav emphasized that stronger cooperation between the private sector, educational institutions, and government bodies is essential to align efforts and build a future ready workforce. This includes ensuring that innovation does not outpace understanding and that people remain at the center of decision making.
Conclusion
The EuroCham HR Forum 2026 highlighted a clear and urgent message that Cambodia must act now to prepare its workforce for the future. Expanding work based learning, strengthening partnerships between education and industry, and embracing AI in a responsible way are no longer optional steps but necessary priorities. With the right collaboration and forward thinking policies, Cambodia has the opportunity to build a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and ready to thrive in the digital economy.