Cambodia is positioning itself to take a leading role in the digital economy with the help of key international partnerships and an emphasis on workforce development. 

USAID’s Digital Workforce Development (DWD) project, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), recently celebrated the graduation of 113 students from its international cloud computing certification programme, Cloud4Cambodia.

The courses were not only aimed at training students but also empowering educators by integrating cloud computing skills into their curriculum. This ensures that future generations of students are prepared to enter the workforce with relevant and practical skills.

“Out of the 113 students who graduated, 34 successfully passed the AWS certification exam, becoming certified cloud practitioners,” said USAID Cambodia. 

These students now posess the skills necessary to meet the demands of the fast-growing global cloud market, empowering them to tap into a wide range of opportunities in Cambodia and beyond. 

Developed by USAID DWD, the certificate programme is an example of private-sector-led development aimed at preparing the country’s youth for the future.

Funded by USAID through the University of California, Berkeley, the five-year DWD project (2021-2026) aims to equip Cambodian students with key information and communication technology (ICT) skills, including cloud computing, while also fostering private-sector partnerships that provide internships, scholarships and access to globally recognised certifications.

As businesses worldwide shift towards remote solutions and off-site data management, cloud computing has become an integral part of digital infrastructure. 

Cloud computing allows companies to store, manage and process data on remote servers via the internet, offering flexibility, security and cost savings. 

Instead of relying on physical data centres and servers, cloud computing enables organisations to scale their IT resources on a pay-as-you-go model, making it a highly sought-after skill in today’s economy.

“USAID is committed to supporting Cambodia’s digital future by investing in the development of its workforce,” said USAID Cambodia mission director Kerry Pelzman during the graduation ceremony on September 6 in Phnom Penh. 

“By providing Cambodian students with cutting-edge skills in cloud computing, we are empowering youth, responding to the needs of the private sector and contributing to Cambodia’s broader economic growth,” she added.

Meeting global market demand

The DWD project is designed to help the country meet the demands of the global cloud market, which is expected to grow from $626.4 billion in 2023 to over $1.2 trillion by 2028. 

The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, is projected to lead this growth, presenting a unique opportunity for Cambodia to enhance its digital economy.

Under the programme, students participated in a three-week hybrid learning course at three of the country’s leading universities: the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the National University of Management and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. 

The internationally recognised certification gives Cambodian students a competitive edge in the job market, particularly as the demand for cloud computing skills continues to rise globally.

The success of the programme demonstrates how collaboration between the public and private sectors can drive workforce development. 

“Global corporations like AWS, META and Coca-Cola, alongside local businesses, have supported the DWD project, which focuses on providing young Cambodians with practical skills that directly link to employment opportunities,” according to USAID Cambodia. 

The partnership highlights the growing importance of private sector involvement in Cambodia’s digital transformation.

Cloud services are crucial for industries worldwide, providing businesses with scalable, secure, and efficient ways to manage data. 

“For Cambodia, cloud computing offers a pathway to participating in the global digital economy, especially for its youth,” USAID Cambodia said. 

With digital transformation sweeping through sectors like banking, healthcare and retail, the demand for professionals skilled in cloud computing is only set to grow.

By equipping Cambodia’s youth with these in-demand skills, the project aims to integrate the country’s workforce into national, regional and international digital platforms. 

Beyond technical skills, the project also fosters practical experience through internships and scholarships, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

In addition to benefiting individual students, the Cloud4Cambodia initiative strengthens the country’s higher education institutions by helping them meet accreditation standards and enhance their ICT offerings.