PM Hun Manet Sees TVET as Key to Jobs and Income, Expands Skills Training for 1.5 Million Youth

PHNOM PENH, June 15, 2026 (KPT) — Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET), describing it as central to building a skilled workforce and supporting long‑term economic transformation.

Speaking at the 9th National TVET Day under the theme “TVET Provides Skills, Jobs and Income,” Samdech Thipadei  said the government aims to ensure every Cambodian acquires at least one lifelong skill. He called TVET a cornerstone of human capital development and a key pillar of the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, which prioritizes workforce training to meet labor market demands.

A flagship initiative launched in 2024 provides free vocational and technical training, along with financial support, to 1.5 million youth from poor and vulnerable households. The program targets ten priority sectors and is designed to improve employment prospects. As of April 2026, about 271,000 participants had received training, while in 2025 alone some 207,000 trainees, students and workers benefited from TVET and apprenticeship programs.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also announced new measures for returning migrant workers from Thailand, including free vocational courses, skills certification, pre‑employment training for the garment sector, and mobile training units to deliver education directly to communities. He said these efforts aim to help beneficiaries secure stable jobs, increase productivity, start businesses and reduce poverty.

The Prime Minister urged government institutions, private companies, development partners, training providers and parents to support TVET programs. He emphasized that skills development is essential for sustaining economic growth and achieving Cambodia’s ambition of becoming a high‑income country by 2050.

Samdech Thipadei  encouraged young people and returning workers to take advantage of training opportunities and skills‑recognition programs offered by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.