Cambodia, Singapore expand TVET partnership to boost skills, overseas jobs

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Singapore have expanded cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), aiming to raise workforce skills and open new job opportunities abroad.

The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and Singapore’s ITE Education Services (ITEES) signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday to strengthen collaboration in building a more competitive, industry-ready workforce.

The deal targets upgrades in infrastructure, curriculum, institutional capacity and training quality, alongside stronger certification and licensing standards.

Labor Minister Heng Sour said the partnership reflects “strong mutual trust and a shared commitment to preparing Cambodian youth for the evolving demands of global industries.”

“This cooperation will help equip our workforce with practical skills and competencies needed to compete internationally, while also opening more opportunities for Cambodian workers to access jobs in Singapore,” he said.

ITEES CEO Suresh Natarajan welcomed the agreement, saying it would raise training standards and support workforce mobility. “We are proud to support Cambodia in developing a skilled and adaptable workforce. This collaboration will help create meaningful job opportunities and strengthen long-term economic ties between our two countries,” he said.

Both sides also discussed expanding workplace-based training programs and extending employment contracts for Cambodian workers in Singapore to up to three years.

More than 6,000 Cambodian trainers and officials have already benefited from ITEES-supported programs, contributing to improved teaching quality, institutional management and workforce competitiveness.