Cambodia Strengthens Capacity to Review and Revise National TVET Policy for 2025

The effort comes at a crucial moment as the country approaches the end of its current policy cycle and prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.

Officials from Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) have strengthened their capacity to carry out a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2017–2025. The effort comes at a crucial moment as the country approaches the end of its current policy cycle and prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.

Organized in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), a three-day training workshop was held from 26 to 28 November 2025 for more than 30 ministry officials. Participants included representatives from MLVT departments responsible for evaluating the existing TVET policy, as well as members of the working group drafting the next national TVET strategy.

Building Evidence-Based Policymaking Capacity

The training equipped officials with practical skills to:

• Identify and frame key policy questions

• Use evidence-based policymaking tools grounded in reliable data

• Assess and interpret diverse sources of evidence

• Communicate policy findings effectively

• Apply the results-chain methodology for policy evaluation

The workshop builds on technical assistance that the ILO has been providing since July 2025, ensuring the review process aligns with international best practices and national development goals.

A Critical Review at a Strategic Moment for Cambodia

The National TVET Policy 2017–2025, approved in 2017, serves as Cambodia’s roadmap to strengthen workforce skills, competitiveness, and lifelong learning. Its vision focuses on improving livelihoods, dignity, and employability through relevant skills and professional ethics.

With only months left in its current cycle, the review will inform a new policy that responds to:

• Shifting labour market demands

• Technological advancements

• Cambodia’s evolving economic structure

• The needs of youth and vulnerable groups

• The opportunities and pressures linked to LDC graduation

Thorng Samon, Deputy Director-General of TVET at MLVT, emphasized the importance of the review:

“Reviewing the National TVET Policy 2017–2025 is essential to ensuring our skills development system remains responsive to economic needs. This workshop strengthens our ability to conduct an independent, effective review that informs the next phase of TVET policy.”

ILO: Evidence-Based TVET Is Key for Future Growth

As Cambodia moves toward LDC graduation, a modern and inclusive TVET system will be critical for economic resilience.

Tun Sophorn, ILO National Coordinator for Cambodia, stated:

“A strong, evidence-based TVET system is vital for sustaining inclusive growth. The ILO remains committed to supporting decent work, lifelong learning, and gender-sensitive policies that prepare Cambodia’s workforce for the future of work.”

Practical Skills for Future Policymakers

Participants highlighted the value of the training for real-world policy analysis.

Nuon Sovannda, Chief of Policy and Strategy Office at MLVT, shared:

“The training gave me practical tools to identify data sources for key performance indicators and to formulate findings using the results-chain approach. These skills will directly strengthen our review report and help shape a forward-looking strategy for skills development.”

Supported by the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY) Project

The workshop and wider policy review were supported by the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY) Project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Since its launch in 2017, DEY has played a crucial role in:

• Strengthening Cambodia’s TVET system

• Enhancing youth employability

• Expanding decent work opportunities

• Supporting national policy reforms

As Cambodia positions itself for long-term economic transformation, strengthening TVET remains central to building a competitive, adaptable, and future-ready workforce.