Students take part in ADB’s “Skills for Competitiveness Project,” which promises strong employment prospects for graduates. Supplied
Cambodian youth are acquiring technical expertise in civil engineering, electrical engineering and electronics at Siem Reap’s National Polytechnic Institute of Angkor (NPIA) through the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) “Skills for Competitiveness Project”, which promises strong employment prospects for graduates.
During a December 11 visit with journalists organised by ADB, Cambodia country director Jyotsana Varma expressed her enthusiasm for seeing young Cambodians, both men and women, pursuing technical education in high-demand fields amid the country’s rapid economic growth.
Varma emphasised that ADB’s initiative offers substantial benefits to youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This project isn’t limited to Siem Reap. We have similar programmes in other provinces. Our aim is to enhance the quality of training institutions and create opportunities for underprivileged students who cannot afford to study in Phnom Penh,” she explained. “Investing in provincial institutions helps address the challenges faced by these students, enabling them to pursue technical skills and improve their livelihoods.”
The NPIA is among five institutions selected to become leading centres for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), aimed at providing high-quality technical training in priority sectors under ADB’s efforts to enhance national competitiveness.
Chan Vicheth, deputy director-general of the General Directorate of TVET, highlighted the institute’s focus on producing skilled graduates by improving curricula, fostering a conducive learning environment and building international partnerships. He said these initiatives aim to meet the demands of the country’s industrial and regional markets.
He noted that the institute offers advanced training in three key technical fields: civil engineering, electrical engineering and electronics, with programmes ranging from vocational certificates to advanced technical qualifications. Courses in soft skills and foreign languages are also integrated, equipping students with a blend of technical and interpersonal competencies.
The National Polytechnic Institute of Angkor (NPIA) in Siem Reap province. Supplied
“We prioritise the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication and workplace etiquette, alongside technical expertise,” Vicheth said. “Foreign language training is included to better prepare students for employment.”
He highlighted that the institute has partnered with 125 companies in the private sector to ensure high employment rates for its graduates. He added that efforts are made to connect students with job opportunities immediately after graduation, facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce.
NPIA graduate Din Chin shared how his two years of civil engineering studies prepared him for his current role as a volunteer land surveyor in Siem Reap’s Sotr Nikum district. He credited the institute’s practical training for equipping him with job-ready skills.
“The knowledge I gained was directly applicable to my work, especially in land surveying. The training made it easier to adapt and excel,” Chin said. “The institute provided scholarships, accommodation and resources, enabling me to succeed. Shortly after graduation, they helped me secure employment.”
The institute has also seen growing interest from women in technical fields. Chun Sopheap, an electrical engineering student, chose her field out of passion and an awareness of the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the country’s expanding infrastructure projects.
“By my second year, I expect to start working, since the institute has job placement programmes. The environment here promotes mutual respect and gender equity, creating a supportive atmosphere for all students,” Sopheap said.
ADB has invested $88.23 million in the project, with funding contributions of $60 million from ADB, nearly $20 million from the French Development Agency (AFD) and $8.31 million from the Cambodian government.
Running from June 2019 to October 2026, the initiative focuses on improving the quality of post-secondary TVET programmes in five institutions: NPIA, the Battambang Institute of Technology, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh, the Phnom Penh Vocational Training Centre and Techo Sen Polytechnic Institute of Svay Rieng.
The initiative addresses Cambodia’s skills gap by introducing innovative approaches such as work-based learning and a pilot skills development fund designed to encourage private sector investment in workforce development for industrial sectors.
