AKP Phnom Penh, June 16, 2026 --

Cambodia and Singapore have opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation on workforce development through the establishment of a training and competency assessment centre for construction workers in Cambodia.

The initiative was formalised on June 16 at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, where Cambodian Minister of Labour and Vocational Training H.E. Heng Sour and Singapore’s Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Steven Pang Chee Wee witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SG Aston LLP and the Cambodia Institute of Technology and Agriculture (CITA).

The agreement provides for the establishment of the CITA-SGA Training and Testing Centre (CITA-SGA TTC), aimed at delivering training and competency assessment for trainees in the construction sector and creating a new framework for skills cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Heng Sour expressed appreciation to Singapore and its Embassy in Cambodia for their continued support in strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in labour and skills development. He said the MoU reflects the strong relationship, technical collaboration, and mutual trust built between both sides.

The Minister noted that the partnership goes beyond a formal agreement and represents an important milestone in expanding international cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), workforce preparation, and human resource development.

Highlighting Singapore as a promising destination for skilled workers, H.E. Heng Sour said the initiative will create clearer pathways for Cambodian workers to understand and meet Singapore’s standards, especially in workplace safety, skills certification, and worker welfare.

He added that the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to investing in people, skills, and future opportunities, while recognising education and training as powerful tools to improve livelihoods and support sustainable economic growth.

With SG Aston LLP’s decades of experience and the commitment of both parties, the Minister expressed confidence that the first group of Cambodian construction workers would successfully meet Singapore’s qualification requirements and pave the way for broader labour cooperation in the future.

In response, Ambassador Steven Pang Chee Wee described the initiative as meaningful not only for the participating institutions but also for workers, whose safety and well-being remain central to the partnership. He said the agreement reflects the close relationship between Cambodia and Singapore and their shared commitment to delivering practical benefits.

According to the Ministry, the centre will initially provide training aligned with industry standards and labour market demands, focusing on rebar and formwork construction skills, with plans to expand into additional technical fields.

Through collaboration with a recognised Singaporean institution, the centre is expected to equip Cambodian workers with internationally recognised practical skills for employment opportunities at home and abroad.

By C. Nika