Phnom penh: The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chambers of Commerce in Australia to strengthen skills exchange and provide Cambodian interns with training aligned to Australian standards. The MoU was signed on January 29 at the Ministry by H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training; Mr. Tan Sith Tee, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Representative Office in Melbourne; and Mr. Jeremy Crawford, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Geelong, Victoria.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the agreement focuses on cooperation in skills exchange, student training, and employment-oriented training, with the principal aim of establishing structured internship and practical training programmes that meet Australian benchmarks. The partnership will involve developing and implementing internship and apprenticeship programmes, facilitating the exchange of students and trainees for skills training, internships, and apprenticeships in Australia, and promoting networks and partnerships between training institutions in both countries.
The cooperation is also expected to pave the way for scholarship and exchange programmes. This will offer Cambodian trainees, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) instructors, and students the opportunity to participate in short-term and long-term courses that support cultural exchange and skills transfer.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E. Heng Sour welcomed the agreement, noting its importance in building high-quality human capital with "clear skills, standards and professional conscience" to meet labour market demand at home and abroad, particularly amid the rapid evolution of global digital technology. H.E. Heng Sour stated that the MoU reflects the strong and positive relationship between Cambodia and Australia, opening "a new and meaningful chapter" for Cambodia's vocational training sector.