AKP Phnom Penh, June 15, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key driver of human capital development, employment creation, and sustainable economic growth in Cambodia.

In a message marking the 9th National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Day, celebrated on June 15 under the theme “TVET Provides Skills, Jobs and Income,” Samdech Thipadei highlighted the government’s continued focus on equipping Cambodians with practical skills to achieve the goal of “one citizen with at least one lifelong skill.”

The Prime Minister said the annual observance aims to raise awareness of the value and reputation of TVET and encourage students, youth, parents, workers, employers, the private sector and the wider public to participate in developing a skilled workforce that meets labour market demands at home and abroad.

Samdech Thipadei noted that technical and vocational training has remained a national priority since the post-1979 reconstruction period and continues to play a central role in Cambodia’s development strategy. He underlined that under the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, human capital development is identified as a top priority, with technical skills training serving as a key pillar.

The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s flagship programme to provide free vocational and technical training with allowances to 1.5 million youth from poor and vulnerable families nationwide, while also opening opportunities for workers and people in both formal and informal sectors to access training.

According to the message, Cambodia trained approximately 207,000 trainees, students and workers in technical and vocational skills in 2025. Since the launch of the 1.5 million youth training initiative in 2024 through April 2026, about 271,000 participants have enrolled, including around 229,000 trained through public TVET institutions and 42,000 supported through the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

The Premier also highlighted additional support measures for returning migrant workers from Thailand, including technical diploma programmes, short-term community training, skills recognition assessments and mobile training units designed to expand access to vocational education in local communities.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that TVET provides practical pathways for youth and workers to secure employment, create businesses, improve income, strengthen productivity and reduce poverty and vulnerability.

He called on ministries, local authorities, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector and families to continue supporting and promoting vocational training and to encourage greater participation among Cambodian youth.

The Prime Minister also urged enterprises and factories to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training by offering internships, practical training opportunities and skills upgrading programmes to better prepare the workforce for future economic demands.

By C. Nika