AKP Phnom Penh, October 15, 2026 —

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia, in partnership with the European Union, hosted the NTTI BizConnect Cambodia 2026 forum on Wednesday to bridge the gap between technical and vocational education institutions, employers, and young job seekers amid shifting industry demands.

Co-chaired by Minister of Labour and Vocational Training H.E. Heng Sour and EU Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Igor Driesmans, the opening ceremony at the National Technical Training Institute (NTTI) gathered over 300 stakeholders, including Royal Government officials, international dignitaries, corporate representatives, educators, and students.

The initiative aims to deepen collaboration between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and the private sector. It focuses on enhancing technical skills, work-based learning, and soft skills tailored to modern industry standards, while offering a platform for direct dialogue on labour market requirements.

Speaking at the event, Minister H.E. Heng Sour highlighted that Cambodia is only the second nation, after Timor-Leste, to roll out the initiative supported by the Sustainable Connectivity Package Higher Education Action (SCOPE-HE).

He emphasised that bridging skill gaps and modernising qualifications are crucial to navigating global shifts toward green transitions and digital transformation.

"The Royal Government has consistently prioritised building a skilled, capable, productive, and adaptable workforce to drive sustainable economic growth, bolster industrial competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and adapt to rapid technological change," H.E. Heng Sour stated.

He noted that human capital development forms the core of Stage 1 of the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which seeks to transform Cambodia's economic structure from a labour-intensive economy into a skill-based, high-value, and technology-driven industrial hub. Modernising TVET curricula and expanding private-sector partnerships remain central to achieving these objectives.

Encouraging ongoing collaboration, the minister urged businesses and TVET institutions to map out clear operational roadmaps, advising students to leverage the platform to gain career insights and professional networks. He also called on the private sector to view internships and workforce upskilling as long-term investments in their own productivity.

For his part, EU Ambassador H.E. Igor Driesmans affirmed that BizConnect serves as a pivotal regional initiative under the ASEAN-EU SCOPE-HE framework.

"The EU wishes to see Cambodian youth build their futures through relevant skill development, and we hope the business community recognises the immense value of investing in human capital," H.E. Driesmans said. "We are proud to partner with Cambodia toward a greener, more digital, and inclusive future."

Supported by the EU, NTTI BizConnect Cambodia 2026 sets the groundwork for sustainable public-private partnerships designed to better prepare graduates for the evolving labour market and contribute to the country's broader economic development.

By K. Rithy Reak