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The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in collaboration with relevant partners, organized the 2nd National Conference on Labour Economics 2025. Held on the morning of December 15, 2025, at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the event was themed “Shaping the Future of Work in Cambodia: Skills, Occupations, Employment, and Social Protection for a Resilient Labour Market.” It took place under the chairmanship of Mr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.
On this occasion, Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, highlighted the significance of the forum, noting that it serves as an opportunity to foster cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, with the aim of aligning the vision for the future of work with socio-economic developments. Furthermore, the Minister of Labour highlighted four primary objectives of this conference: to promote inclusive and sustainable labour market solutions by fostering evidence-based dialogue; to identify policy options and strategies for accelerating skills development in response to new economic trends; to determine policy options and strategies for strengthening social security systems; and to bolster multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance cooperation. Furthermore, he stated that the Ministry is implementing strategic measures to modernize the labor market. These include reforms to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), with a focus on skills relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolutionโsuch as those for the circular economy (e.g., repair and remanufacturing). Other initiatives encompass migration management, legal reforms, social security, and the formalization of the informal economyโsupported by the “Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition” (2024โ2028). Additionally, efforts are underway to improve worker transport vehicles and their technical safety inspections. The Ministry is also committed to eliminating gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace, with the ultimate goal of enhancing productivity and the quality of work. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth stated that the event plays a crucial role in improving the formulation and alignment of national policies, while enhancing synergy in their implementation within the “dynamic of a unified labor market ecosystem.” Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and all partners in working together to achieve these goals, in line with the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1, which prioritizes “People” as the first key priority.
Aun Pornmoniroth advised focusing on creating synergy and integrating a “foresight” perspective into key national pillars, such as employment and labor, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and labor migration. He also emphasized that Cambodia must continue its efforts to transform its labor structureโshifting toward a reliance on medium- and high-skilled workersโto strengthen competitiveness and diversify the economy. This is essential for building labor market resilience, particularly in preparation for Cambodiaโs graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029.
It should be noted that this national conference was attended by approximately 350 participants, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, various embassies, the ASEAN Secretariat, national and international organizations, development partners, employers, and employees, as well as professors and researchers.