Cambodia partners with Daikin to boost skilled workforce

PHNOM PENH, April 10, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has launched a new partnership with Japan’s Daikin to strengthen its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system, aiming to raise standards and expand the country’s skilled workforce, officials said Thursday.

Labour Minister Heng Sour and Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi presided over the opening of the Daikin Dojo Training Center at the Industrial Technical Institute in Phnom Penh. The facility integrates Japanese training methodologies and industry expertise into Cambodia’s skills development framework, marking a step toward aligning TVET with international standards.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with Daikin Airconditioning Cambodia, reflects a growing model of public-private partnership to meet industry demands. Sour said the program brings Japanese innovation and high-quality standards into workforce development, particularly in air-conditioning systems and sustainable energy solutions.

Students will gain practical skills in installation and maintenance, combining classroom learning with hands-on industrial experience. The program also supports Cambodia’s broader human capital agenda, which aims to train 1.5 million people in technical and vocational skills.

Ambassador Ueno said Cambodia’s rapid economic growth is driving demand for high-quality infrastructure and energy solutions, and the training center will help equip young Cambodians with specialized skills while opening new employment pathways.

The project builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025, which includes investment in modern equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and plans to expand the number of trainers to 10 by 2029. Daikin has already trained more than 1,800 individuals in Cambodia since 2024, contributing to a more competitive workforce.