AKP Phnom Penh, July 10, 2026 -- The Skills Development Fund (SDF) has signed strategic partnership agreements with four major associations and industry federation including Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA), Cambodia Automotive Industry Federation (CAIF), Cashew nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), and Cambodia Electronics and Technology Association (CETA). 

This initiative aims to strengthen public-private partnerships in developing a high-quality workforce that aligns the demands of the labour market and industries.

This event, held on July 9 was presided over by H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Chairman of the SDF Board of Directors, and H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and Vice-Chairman of the SDF Board of Directors. 

The event also brought together representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the French Development Agency (AFD), and other distinguished guests approximately 120.

H.E. Ky Sokkim, CEO of SDF, highlighted that this strategic partnership will focus on three key pillars – demand identification, SDF operational model, and Public-Private Partnership. 

SDF will work closely with various associations and industry federation to establish skills frameworks and sectors-based training programmes, he said. 

During the event, H.E. Dr. Phan Phalla expressed strong confidence that these strategic partnership agreements will serve as a solid foundation for developing a skilled workforce. 

“This will build a competitive advantage for both the private sector and the nation, in alignment with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy,” he said. 

To date, SDF has supported skills training for approximately 93,000 trainees and achieved exceptional metrics including 96 percent graduation rate, 88 percent employment rate, 85 percent employer satisfaction rate, and 89 percent of enterprises reporting an increase in labour productivity.

This new partnership stands as a testament to moving forward together with a proactive spirit and a high sense of responsibility to ensure high-quality human resource development that meets actual industry needs.

By Chea Vannak