hnom Penh (FN), Jun. 5 – There will be no controversy over a statement that human capital is one of the most important foundations to a sustainable economic growth and diversification. The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has long been emphasizing the importance of Human Capital Development, and it still remains as the first angle in the newly launched Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I. Amongst many qualifications, digital skills dealing with information and communication technology (ICT) are very crucial to individuals who seek opportunities in the job market especially in light of rapid advancement in digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, there still remain challenges in skill gaps between quality of training and job market demand. In this regard, how to minimize the gap is the question.
KOICA Cambodia Office has initiated various projects to tackle the challenge. The key approach is to integrate digital training aspects throughout the cycle of regular education and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET). Through project for “ICT Capacity Building of Lower Secondary Education in Cambodia,” a variety of capacity building trainings have been provided to teachers at lower secondary schools as well as candidate teachers at Regional Teacher Training Centers. Teaching materials such as textbooks on Python Programming have been developed for teachers’ use. Through a different project, “Establishment of Business Incubation System between University and Industry in Cambodia,” tech-startups and future entrepreneurs have been provided with capacity buildings on business development and technical assistance as well as with opportunities to network with potential investors and other enterprises. From secondary through tertiary(higher) education, digital training to equip students with ICT skills have been integrated within the projects.
* Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) ) is a bilateral grant aid agency of the government of Republic of Korea. Since its opening of Phnom Penh Office in 2003, KOICA Cambodia Office has implemented various development cooperation programs in education, health and rural development sectors.
In recent high-level dialogue between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol through joint statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Cambodia, it has been highlighted again that “cultivating the development of future generation equipped with industrial and digital skills to drive industrial transformation and innovation” is important. In the extension of this mutual consensus, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Skilled and Professional Talent Development Program has been signed on the occasion. Both countries will further cooperate on Human Capital Development.
Prior to this, KOICA has in fact started a project with Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) on “Building Capacity and Establishing Enabling Environment in ICT Majors of TVET in Cambodia” from 2023. This was also highlighted in the joint statement as below:
“Recognizing science, technology, and innovation (STI) as a critical and evolving sector pivotal for socio-economic advancement, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in this sector. … Both sides welcomed KOICA’s ongoing project in Cambodia, entitled “Building Capacity and Establishing Enabling Environment in ICT Majors of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”
Through this project, it is expected to enhance curriculum of ICT majors in TVET institutes to meet the private companies’ demand, to improve quality of delivery of training by teachers at TVET institutes, and to establish enabling environment for students by renovation of computer labs for programming learning. Especially, it is noteworthy that curriculum will be reviewed through consultations with private sectors, who are the potential employer of the students. This will boost the digital skills of Cambodian youth, and make the gap between capacity of workforce and job market’s requirement closer.
Public TVET institutes at provinces in Cambodia have applied to become the beneficiary schools of the project. The Project Steering Committee, chaired by the minister of MLVT and co-chaired by the country director of KOICA Cambodia Office, will be soon formalized and announce the result of selection on the twenty (20) beneficiary schools.
On behalf of the government of Republic of Korea, KOICA has committedly delivered the responsibilities to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and to bridge the people more closely, and will continue to do so.
=FRESH NEWS
