Phnom Penh:Cambodia has launched the Alumni Federation of Cambodia in Israel (ACI) and inaugurated the Shalom Club in Cambodia, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and human capital development. The initiatives were unveiled at a ceremony co-chaired by the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Heng Sour, and Mr. Rami Teplitskiy, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Israel, at the Himawari Hotel.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the event saw participation from ministry officials, representatives of the Israeli Embassy, the Honorary Consul of Israel, the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, and numerous alumni. The initiatives aim to connect former Cambodian students from various generations and professional backgrounds, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experience to bolster Cambodia-Israel cooperation in areas such as human capital development, innovation, agriculture, education, and vocational training.
During the ceremony, H.E. Heng Sour praised the collaborative efforts of the ACI, Israel's MASHAV Agency, the Israeli Embassy, the Honorary Consul of Israel in Cambodia, and the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce in organizing what he described as a historic event. He highlighted that the formal establishment of the ACI would transform individual skills into strategic assets for national development. He also noted that the Shalom Club would connect Cambodia to a global network promoting experience-sharing, knowledge exchange, and community-driven initiatives for sustainable socio-economic development.
H.E. Heng Sour emphasized that these initiatives align with Cambodia's vision of achieving high-income status by 2050. Building on a historic agreement signed in December 2025, it is anticipated that at least 2,000 Cambodian workers will have opportunities to participate in employment and training programmes in Israel, focusing on modern agriculture, irrigation systems, greenhouse technology, smart water management, and sustainable resource management.
He encouraged alumni to mentor younger generations and support Cambodian workers seeking opportunities in Israel by equipping them with technical skills, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge. He expressed confidence that the ACI and Shalom Club would drive innovation and professional excellence, further strengthening the friendship between Cambodia and Israel for long-term mutual benefit.
Mr. Rami Teplitskiy highlighted the initiatives' focus on developing future leaders, improving livelihoods, and contributing to Cambodia's social development. He underscored the significance of human capital, knowledge, innovation, and creativity as vital resources that have propelled Israel's advancements in agriculture, water management, and technology.