AKP Phnom Penh, May 19, 2026 --

Cambodian Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Heng Sour, alongside Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, and Ms. Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Director for Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, visited the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) testing programme at the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT) on Monday afternoon.

The visit aimed to observe the practical implementation of the RPL programme, which helps former migrant workers convert their work experience into official certificates to secure better jobs and income.

This direct observation provided deep insights into the tangible, positive impact of the core RPL initiative.

The programme stands as a testament to the long-standing joint commitment between the Royal Government of Cambodia and its partners to build an inclusive economy.

Furthermore, it plays a vital role in bridging the gap between basic education and decent employment for Cambodian youth, particularly former migrant workers, out-of-school youth, and vulnerable groups.

H.E. Minister Heng Sour praised and congratulated the five worker speakers as well as the other certificate recipients.

This certification is expected to build greater trust with employers, potentially leading to increased compensation. For self-employed individuals, such as bakers, the certificate will enhance customer recognition and trust, thereby boosting their income.

The Minister added that beyond technical skills, the participants also acquired other essential soft skills, such as customer communication, citing that their success serves as a meaningful reminder that skills gained through hard work and practical experience are valuable assets that deserve full official recognition.

Ms. Xiaoyan Qian remarked that all the recipients are excellent role models who could become "RPL Goodwill Ambassadors" in their respective fields, particularly the women.

She expressed hope that employers would highly value this assessment and that both former migrant workers and other laborers would participate in the testing.

She strongly believes that under the leadership of H.E. Heng Sour, the programme will continue to grow, building confidence not only for former migrant workers but also for the next generation of youth.

By Phal Sophanith