Cambodia, ADB push TVET reform to match industry shift

PHNOM PENH, Feb 26, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have pledged to align technical and vocational education reforms with the country’s changing industrial base and labor market, officials said Wednesday.

Labour Minister Heng Sour met Nianshan Zhang, ADB’s Southeast Asia director general, to review progress and set priorities for expanding skills cooperation.

Officials said TVET reform is central to Cambodia’s economic transformation as it moves toward higher-value manufacturing, logistics and technology-driven industries. The ministry is modernizing curricula, strengthening industry links and expanding training near special economic zones to match real-time demand.

Sour said vocational training is key to upskilling Cambodia’s workforce, giving youth practical skills that lead to better jobs, higher incomes and poverty reduction. He noted rising enrollment and stronger government investment have improved public perception of TVET.

ADB reaffirmed its long-standing partnership and readiness to support reforms that boost competitiveness, institutional capacity and quality assurance in vocational systems.