South-South Cooperation under the ILO/China Partnership Programme took center stage during Cambodia’s 8th National TVET Day 2025, as the country showcased its commitment to building a future-ready workforce through international partnerships. With the signing of new agreements between Cambodian and Chinese training institutions, the event highlighted how regional collaboration is accelerating skills development to create job opportunities and hope for youth.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (ILO News) – Cambodia’s 8th National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day, held on 15-16 June 2025 under the supported from ILO/China Partnership Programme, placed a strong spotlight on South-South Cooperation as a driver of skills transformation and inclusive workforce development. The event showcased how international partnerships, particularly between Cambodia and China, are strengthening the country’s capacity to deliver future-ready skills. The celebration, themed “TVET Creates Job Opportunities, Builds Hope for Youth”, brought together over 31, 688 participants (11, 798 women, and over 50 people with disabilities) from government agencies, employers, TVET institutions, international organizations, and the general public, reflecting a collective commitment to modernize Cambodia’s skills ecosystem.
A major highlight was the signing of three new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Cambodian and Chinese TVET institutions under the ILO–China South-South Cooperation Programme, namely Guangzhou Trade and Technician College with National Polytehnic Institute of Cambodia, Beijing Industrial Technician College with Industrial Technical Institute, and Dali Technician College with Preah Kossomak Polytechnic Institute. These agreements mark a new phase of collaboration aimed at enhancing institutional capacity, modernizing curricula, and promoting joint initiatives such as trainer development, student exchanges, and technology transfer in priority sectors like electric vehicles and green technology. Supported by the ILO-China Skills Programme, these partnerships reflect Cambodia’s strategy to align its TVET system with emerging technologies and global industry standards. H.E Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia visited the booths of the three Chinese Technician institutions, showing great interest in artifacts made by students and skills demo. He spoke with the presidents of the three technician colleges and encouraged them to further strengthen peer-to-peer cooperation between Cambodian and Chinese institutions.
The National TVET Day also featured extensive exhibitions with over 200 booths, including the booth of the three Chinese TVET institutes, displaying student innovations, advanced training equipment, and modern production processes from a wide range of institutions, companies, and development partners. Visitors, particularly youth, were introduced to cutting-edge technologies and career opportunities in emerging sectors. The vibrant participation and strong interest from youth highlighted growing awareness of the importance of technical and vocational skills for securing decent work and contributing to national development.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Mr. Tian Feng, ILO/China Partnership Programme Manager, stated: “The 2025 National TVET Day, supported by the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development, holds significant importance. It has clearly demonstrated how South-South Cooperation can serve as a powerful catalyst for skills transformation in Cambodia. Through our collaboration with Chinese TVET institutions under the framework of the ILO/China Project on Skills Development and South-South Cooperation, we are not only modernizing training systems and curricula but also creating meaningful opportunities for young people to acquire skills relevant to emerging industries. This partnership embodies our shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable development and the creation of a future-ready workforce.” As Cambodia continues its skills transformation journey, the National TVET Day 2025 stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.