Hun Manet Reaffirms Human Capital as Cambodia’s Top Priority
Hun Manet Reaffirms Human Capital as Cambodia’s Top Priority
PHNOM PENH, June 15, 2026 — Prime Minister Hun Manet on Monday reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to developing human capital, describing it as the “breath of national socio-economic progress” and a cornerstone of Cambodia’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking at the 9th National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day under the theme “TVET Provides Skills, Jobs and Income,” Hun Manet said the annual event reflects the government’s strong commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic growth.
The Prime Minister stressed that human capital development remains a central pillar of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, particularly through strengthening both technical and soft skills to create more employment opportunities for Cambodian citizens, especially young people.
Hun Manet highlighted the government’s nationwide skills-training programme for youths from poor and vulnerable households, noting that more than 1.5 million beneficiaries are eligible to receive free vocational training at public institutions, along with monthly financial support. The programme forms part of the government’s six priority policy measures launched in 2023.
He said Cambodia is working to build a flexible and accessible TVET system that equips citizens with practical skills, professional ethics and workplace discipline while responding to labour market needs and the realities faced by youth and workers in the informal economy.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s goal of ensuring that every Cambodian possesses at least one lifelong skill, emphasizing that “no citizen should be left without a skill.”
Hun Manet also recalled his directive for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour to establish a new education pathway system comprising science, social science and vocational tracks. The vocational pathway is intended to provide alternative opportunities for students who do not follow the conventional academic route, enabling them to gain recognized qualifications and job-ready skills.
In addition, he underscored the importance of mobile vocational training programmes designed to bring skills development directly to communities across the country, in line with the Ministry of Labour’s policy of delivering training opportunities closer to citizens.
The Prime Minister further emphasized the growing importance of soft skills, saying they help shape mindset, self-motivation and adaptability, which are increasingly essential in modern workplaces.
Concluding his remarks, Hun Manet reaffirmed that the government has not reduced spending on education and healthcare, stressing that both sectors are fundamental to building quality human capital and ensuring Cambodia’s long-term national development.
