The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and six higher education institutions have officially launched the Digital Skills Development Programme. The programme aims to strengthen cooperation in advancing digital education in Cambodia.

The ministry announced the initiative – alongside the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) – on October 2 to promote digital skills development, in collaboration with the educational institutions.

The launch event, and the signing of the MoU, was presided over by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth and representatives from the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), the National University of Management (NUM), the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP) and Paragon International University (PIU).

Polyne Hean, undersecretary of state at the ministry, outlined the programme’s three key training objectives. They include the active implementation of the government’s Cambodian digital policies, the elevation of educational standards in digital technology fields and support for human capital development. Funding allocation will facilitate skills advancement, as well as the use of technology in education.

During the ceremony, Vandeth reiterated that in line with the government’s phase I of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, the establishment of a digital government, economy, society and citizenry necessitates the substantial development of human resources.

“The advancement of digital human resources plays a pivotal role in Cambodia’s journey towards becoming a nation with a highly efficient digital economy and administration, he explained.

He noted that the collaboration represents a significant step forward in the ministry’s efforts to cultivate human resources in the realm of digital technology.

“This programme will allow students who cannot afford tuition to apply for interest-free loans to study for a bachelor’s degree in digital technology at one of the participating higher education institutions,” said an announcement from the ministry.

Students are required to contribute 20 per cent of their monthly earnings upon entering employment with a salary exceeding $500. This contribution will serve to ensure the sustainability of the programme for future generations of students.

The ministry anticipates that this initiative will emerge as a pivotal component of its mission in driving the nation’s digital transformation. It is expected to contribute significantly to harnessing the advantages associated with digital human capital.