Cambodia has called for ASEAN to establish a regional education and skills development framework tailored for the future labour force, with a particular focus on expanding access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The recommendation was made by Neak Chandarith, director of the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, during the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council High-Level Interface with ASCC Eminent Persons. The meeting was part of the discussions on the development of the ASCC’s post-2025 strategic plan, held on August 12 in Vientiane, Laos.

“These factors will ensure that our human capital remains competitive in the evolving global economy,” he said.

As an eminent representative of ASCC Cambodia, Chandarith urged the promotion of people-to-people exchanges through the expansion of student and youth exchange programmes, vocational mobility and increased civil society participation.

“This will strengthen our shared understanding of the identity and the ASEAN community,” he noted.

He also called on ASEAN to strengthen ASCC decision-making processes and ensure that the national development plans align with the regional agenda, saying this would increase the ASCC’s agility in responding to emerging challenges and ensure consistency within the ASEAN community.

Kim Sethany, permanent secretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, reiterated the country’s support for investing in human capital, particularly through high-quality education from childhood to higher education. 

She emphasised the importance of focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and TVET by creating skills development frameworks and programmes to strengthen and adapt the skills of young people.

Chandarith also recommended the establishment of a comprehensive social protection system that would include universal healthcare, pensions for the elderly and assistance for vulnerable populations. 

“This will address the demographic challenges posed by the aging population and socio-economic inequality,” he said.

He urged ASEAN to implement a regional climate action plan with clearly defined emissions reduction goals, a transition toward renewable energy and adaptation measures. He emphasised the need for the ASCC to use its power to mobilise financing and technical assistance from ASEAN member states and external partners to achieve these goals.

Additionally, Chandarith advocated for accelerating the digital transformation of public services and private enterprises, bridging the urban-rural divide and empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He stressed that strategic investments in digital infrastructure and skills enhancement initiatives are crucial to achieving these objectives.

In an August 13 social media post, the IISPP highlighted its leading role in pioneering ASEAN studies in Cambodia, contributing through various initiatives such as the Model ASEAN Meeting, ASEAN festivals, ASEAN Plus Three (APT) festivals and the establishment of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), which conducts research on the 10 ASEAN member states and the bloc’s institutions and processes.

"Today, IISPP is contributing ideas to shape the future of ASEAN community building, demonstrating its commitment to advancing regional integration and development for the benefit of all ASEAN peoples," the post stated.