Cambodia, EU Launch NTTI BizConnect 2026 to Link TVET Institutions With Employers

PHNOM PENH — Oct. 14, 2026: The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the European Union have launched NTTI BizConnect Cambodia 2026, a programme connecting TVET institutions, employers and youth to strengthen skills and job opportunities in line with industry demand.

The event was co-chaired by H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, on the morning of Oct. 14, 2026, at the National Technical Training Institute. It drew more than 300 participants, including representatives of government institutions, international guests, companies, training institutions, teachers and students.

The programme aims to strengthen cooperation between technical and vocational education and training institutions and the private sector in advancing technical skills development, work-based learning and soft skills that respond to industry needs. It also provides a platform for government representatives, employers, TVET institutions and students to exchange information on labour market demands.

Speaking at the event, the Minister praised NTTI, the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education (SCOPE-HE), the private sector and relevant partners for organising the forum, noting Cambodia is the second country after Timor-Leste to host it.

He said the event continues efforts to connect TVET students with the private sector, particularly to fill gaps in skilled labour and qualifications that match industry needs, and to respond to the global context of green transition and digital transformation.

The Minister said successive Royal Governments have consistently prioritised developing a skilled, capable, productive and adaptable workforce to help Cambodia achieve sustainable economic growth, strengthen industrial competitiveness, attract investment and respond effectively to technological change. He noted the current government has placed "human capital" development at the core of the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1 and given high priority to transforming Cambodia's industrial structure from labour-intensive to skills-based, value-added and technology-driven industries.

He said the Ministry has modernised TVET curricula and strengthened partnerships with the private sector, which he described as central to TVET success. He encouraged companies and training institutions to clearly define areas of cooperation and urged the organising committee to consolidate partnership opportunities and follow-up activities into an action plan.

To students, he said the forum should be treated as an opportunity to learn from employers, understand career paths and industry expectations, and build professional networks. To the private sector, he encouraged guidance for students on preparation, especially soft skills, and said investment in staff skills and internship opportunities is an investment in their own companies.

H.E. Igor Driesmans said the BizConnect project is part of the EU's regional cooperation with ASEAN, aimed at promoting higher education and bringing together training institutions, businesses and students to better understand the skills employers need and create practical cooperation benefiting all parties.

He said the EU wants to see Cambodian youth build their futures through the skills they are developing, and hopes the business sector will recognise the importance of investing in human resources. He added that the EU is proud to work with Cambodia to build a greener, more digital and more inclusive future for all.

BizConnect is a key capacity-building initiative supported by the EU under the SCOPE-HE programme. NTTI BizConnect Cambodia 2026 is expected to serve as a foundation for building sustainable partnerships benefiting students, companies and training institutions, with graduates better prepared to enter the labour market and contribute to Cambodia's economic development.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training

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Reported by The Khmer Today