Battambang: Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, Ms. Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Director for Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, and representatives of other development partners visited the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program at the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT) on May 18, 2026 to observe the practical implementation of RPL for former workers in converting experience into certificates to get better jobs and income, as well as the challenges during implementation.
Today’s first-hand observations provide a deeper understanding of the tangible positive impacts of the core initiatives of the RPL program, which are a testament to the long-standing shared commitment between the Royal Government and partners to build a modern economy, as the program plays a key role in bridging the gap between basic education and decent work for Cambodian youth, especially former workers, out-of-school youth, and vulnerable groups.
Nearly 100 former Thai workers (7 women) have received certificates from the RPL program at BIT Institute since its official implementation recently, of which 5 workers came forward to share their experiences and express their joy at receiving certificates confirming their abilities and skills that they never imagined in the past. They claim that this certificate is very important and beneficial both now and in the future because it makes them more confident in their own work, especially with the opportunity to earn higher wages. On behalf of the certificate recipients, they thanked the Royal Government, the Ministry of Labor, and all development partners who initiated the program and requested that it be expanded further.
On this occasion, Minister Heng Sour praised and congratulated the five young people As well as those who have received other certificates, he observed that after receiving the certificate, the students seem to have more confidence in themselves. This certificate may make the workplace more trustworthy and consider giving them additional remuneration. Meanwhile, those who have a certificate and go into business for themselves, such as baking, will also make customers more recognized, trusted, and earn more income. He said that in addition, the students also have the opportunity to learn other skills, such as customer relationship skills. Their success is a meaningful reminder that skills that come from hard work and practical experience are valuable assets that deserve full official recognition.
Mr. Heng Sour encouraged the students to continue to help spread the word to their neighbors and fellow former workers to apply for the program’s certification exam. This free RPL is sponsored by His Excellency President Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, because you are the ones who are most qualified and skilled in helping to broadcast effectively. In addition, the ministry has also considered simplifying the application requirements, especially encouraging more female former workers to apply.
The UN representative in Cambodia, the ILO, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) all expressed their congratulations to all the certificate recipients Especially the sharing of the experiences of the five young people. Ms. Xiaoyan Qian said that all the young people are really good role models who can become “goodwill ambassadors for RPL” in the various fields they are working in, especially women. She hopes that their employers will value the test and that both former workers and other workers can also participate in the test. She strongly believes that under the leadership of Mr. Heng Sour, in the future, this program will grow further, which will help build confidence not only for former workers, but also for the next generation of young people.
During the visit, there were discussions, exchanges of ideas, and lively input from relevant participants and suggestions. To make the RPL application process smoother and more likely to receive higher registrations and certificates.
