Cambodia, Australia Deepen Commitment to Vocational Training and Internships

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.07, 2025) — Cambodia and Australia have reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing vocational education through a new bilateral agreement signed on Nov. 4, aimed at expanding training and internship opportunities for Cambodian students.

The agreement was signed by Heng Sour, Cambodia’s Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, and Cameron Baker, Head of the South Australian Skills Commission.

It enables Cambodian students pursuing Certificates I–III in technical and vocational education to continue their studies at Australian institutions and participate in two-year internships at workshops, construction sites, and farms across South Australia.

The initiative is designed to strengthen Cambodia’s human resource development while supplying skilled labor to South Australia’s private sector. It also includes teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and the integration of Australian teaching standards.

Baker said a dedicated implementation team will be formed, with Cambodian students expected to begin internships in 2026 in fields such as automotive engineering, electric vehicles, and electronics. Additional sectors may be added in 2027.

The agreement follows strategic guidance from Prime Minister Hun Manet during the May 2025 visit of South Australian Governor Frances Adamson to Cambodia. That visit included tours of vocational institutions in Adelaide, reinforcing mutual interest in long-term cooperation.

Officials from both countries expressed confidence that the partnership will elevate Cambodia’s technical workforce and deepen bilateral ties in education.