Cambodia Pushes Skills Reform to Meet ASEAN Labor Mobility Goals

PHNOM PENH, April 29, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is accelerating reforms to modernize its skills development system in line with ASEAN labor mobility goals, officials said Tuesday.

Labour Minister Heng Sour, speaking at the ASEAN–Swiss Skills Initiative meeting, highlighted progress in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including the rollout of Work Based Learning programs to bridge education and industry needs.

The reforms aim to build a more integrated, data driven TVET system, improve quality assurance, and support the transition to a digital and green economy. Cambodia is also promoting Recognition of Prior Learning to certify workers’ skills, boosting employability and mobility across borders.

Officials stressed that aligning standards and qualifications across ASEAN is critical to enabling free and non discriminatory labor movement. The initiative is backed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and GIZ, under efforts to strengthen workforce competitiveness and regional integration.

Authorities say the reforms will help Cambodia build a more skilled, adaptable workforce while contributing to a cohesive and competitive ASEAN labor market.