RAC, MLVT pledge closer ties to address Cambodia's Skilled Labour Gap

Ben Sokhean | Khmer Times

CAMBODIA. Khmer Times (07 August 2026) - The Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to raise public awareness of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and promote employment opportunities as Cambodia seeks to develop a more skilled workforce.

The commitment was made during a meeting on Thursday between RAC President Academician Sok Touch and a delegation from the General Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training led by Nguy Rith, Secretary of State at the MLVT.

During the meeting, Rith praised the achievements of the Royal Academy under Touch’s leadership and briefed him on the work of the General Department, particularly its efforts to expand vocational skills training and promote employment opportunities for young people and the wider public.

Touch said vocational skills training plays a vital role in advancing Cambodia’s economic and social development, noting that many young people tend to pursue specialised university degrees rather than vocational education.

He said sustainable national development requires strengthening both specialised academic education and vocational training, starting from the basic education level by nurturing children’s talents and aptitudes.

Touch also highlighted Cambodia’s growing demand for skilled vocational workers, stressing the need to expand both short-term and long-term vocational training programmes to meet the country’s economic development needs.

The two sides also exchanged views on the development of vocational education in Cambodia.

Rith proposed closer cooperation between the RAC and the MLVT to strengthen public awareness of TVET and expand the dissemination of information on employment opportunities.

Touch welcomed the proposal, saying the RAC would work closely with the ministry to broaden public understanding of the importance of vocational skills and support efforts to promote employment opportunities nationwide.

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