The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has encouraged high school students to consider pursuing a digital skills major when they move on to higher education, noting that this is a key priority area of phase one of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy.

The appeal came ahead of the high school diploma examinations, set to take place on October 8.

In an announcement released today, the ministry highlighted the importance of digital technology skills, adding that they play a crucial role in everyday life, business operations and the delivery of efficient public services.

“We urge and encourage all students to consider acquiring digital skills, in line with the context of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution. They will help them aim to secure better job opportunities and higher income, which can help improve their own and their families’ livelihoods,” it said.

It added that embracing digital skills would contribute to the country’s development in alignment with phase one of the seventh-mandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy, which prioritises “digital technology” as its fifth key factor after “people, roads, water and electricity”.

The ministry also outlined several key policies, such as the Digital Skills Development Roadmap 2024-2035, which was approved by the government earlier this year. The roadmap presents a digital competency framework with 63 high-demand key occupations that offer excellent job opportunities.

According to the ministry, these professions include digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, software and applications, data and artificial intelligence, digital communication, sales and marketing, and digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

"We are confident that, after successfully completing their studies, students will actively contribute to Cambodia’s development, achieving long-term goals and transforming the country into a developed nation in the future,” it noted.