Cambodia, EU Connect TVET Students With Employers at BizConnect 2026

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 14, 2026: Cambodia and the European Union have launched NTTI BizConnect Cambodia 2026, a forum linking TVET institutions, employers and students to strengthen skills and job opportunities.

The event was co-chaired by Labour Minister H.E. Heng Sour and EU Ambassador H.E. Igor Driesmans on Oct. 14, 2026, at the National Technical Training Institute, with more than 300 participants including government officials, companies, training institutions, teachers and students.

The programme, supported by the EU under the SCOPE-HE initiative, aims to strengthen cooperation between technical and vocational training institutions and the private sector, promote work-based learning and soft skills, and match training with industry needs.

H.E. Heng Sour said Cambodia is the second country after Timor-Leste to host the forum, which continues efforts to connect TVET students with employers and fill gaps in skilled labour. He noted the government has placed human capital at the core of the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 and is working to shift Cambodia's industrial structure toward skills-based, value-added and technology-driven industries.

He encouraged companies and training institutions to define clear areas of cooperation and urged students to use the forum to learn about career paths and build professional networks. He said private sector investment in staff skills and internships is an investment in their own companies.


H.E. Igor Driesmans said the BizConnect project is part of EU regional cooperation with ASEAN, aimed at promoting higher education and practical collaboration between training institutions, businesses and students. He said the EU wants Cambodian youth to build their futures through skills development and is proud to work with Cambodia toward a greener, more digital and inclusive future.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training


Reported by The Khmer Daily Network