New Aviation University Set to Train Cambodia’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals
New Aviation University Set to Train Cambodia’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 5, 2026 — Cambodian conglomerate OCIC and World Citi Colleges International, Inc. (WCCI) signed an agreement on October 1, 2026, to establish WCC International Aero Tech University (WCC IATU) in Phnom Penh, expanding access to specialised aviation education and training for Cambodian students.
The new university is expected to prepare students for technical and operational careers in the aviation industry while bringing international aviation education and specialised training opportunities closer to students in Cambodia.
The agreement was signed by Oknha Dr. Pong Kharoline, vice-chairwoman of the OCIC Board of Directors and CEO of OCIC; Thierry Tea, vice-president of OCIC; and Raymond Patrick Guico, CEO of WCCI.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, in the presence of Ly Sovannarith, representing the Secretariat of Civil Aviation, as well as representatives from the embassies of Canada, the Philippines and France.
Three Aviation-Related Degree Programmes
During its initial phase, WCC IATU will offer three bachelor’s degree programmes:
- Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical & Avionics)
- Bachelor of Science in Airline Operations Management
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, with a Flight Attendant training programme
The programmes are designed to equip students with skills in aircraft and avionics-system maintenance, airline operations and aviation-related services.
By offering the programmes in Phnom Penh, the university aims to give Cambodian students access to specialised, internationally oriented aviation education without having to study abroad.
The initiative is also expected to create more opportunities for Cambodian technicians and engineers to build careers in aviation both domestically and internationally.
Growing Demand for Aviation Professionals
Students will also benefit from WCCI’s international network covering the Middle East, North America, Europe, North Asia and Australia.
According to Boeing projections cited by the companies, Southeast Asia is expected to require 258,000 pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew between 2026 and 2045, while global demand is projected to exceed 2.4 million aviation professionals over the same period.
Oknha Dr. Pong Kharoline said the aviation sector brings together professionals from a wide range of fields and that the partnership with WCCI aims to create more opportunities for Cambodian youth to enter the industry and turn their interests into careers.
Thierry Tea said the partnership reflects a vision of developing Cambodian aviation professionals to international standards.
He said investment in aviation and tourism skills development would help prepare the next generation, adding that Cambodian aviation engineers and technicians have opportunities to build careers both domestically and internationally.
Bringing Philippine Aviation Education Experience to Cambodia
WCCI is an aviation-focused educational institution in the Philippines and part of the World Citi Group, which has been involved in education since 1978.
According to WCCI, more than 100,000 students have graduated from its educational institutions and are now working in the Philippines and other countries around the world.
WCCI CEO Raymond Patrick Guico said the new university would provide Cambodian students with strong technical training in their chosen fields while helping them understand the skills and capabilities required by the aviation industry.
He said WCCI aims to help students develop the skills and confidence needed to build successful aviation careers.
Through the partnership, WCCI will bring its aviation education experience from the Philippines to Cambodia to support the development of specialised programmes at WCC IATU.
The university will combine WCCI’s specialised aviation education experience with OCIC’s experience in developing educational institutions and aviation-related infrastructure in Cambodia.
