Germany: With the high-level authorization of H.E. HUOT Hak, Minister of Tourism, from 30 September to 2 October 2026, Dr. Chuob Rattana, Director of Tourism Professional Training Department, shared Cambodia’s experiences and practices in linking education and vocational skills training with the world of work during the International UNESCO Chair Conference 2026, held in Dortmund, Federal Republic of Germany, under the theme “International Cooperation in Higher Education and TVET – Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice.”
The presentation focused on Cambodia’s implementation of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) in the tourism sector, which serve as important mechanisms for bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application through competency-based training, workplace-based practical learning, and collaboration among educational institutions, training institutions, the public sector, and the private sector.
These practices are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework and the ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals (ACCSTP), as well as the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA-TP). These frameworks and mechanisms contribute to promoting the alignment of standards, training, assessment, and recognition of professional competencies across ASEAN Member States. The application of ASEAN standards and tools, together with Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBT/A) and work-based learning approaches, can further strengthen the linkage between TVET, industry, and the labour market, while enhancing the mobility of skilled tourism professionals across the region.
In particular, Dr. Chuob Rattana highlighted the implementation of the Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa) Programme and the Professional Industry Placement (PIP) Programme, which provide young people and learners with opportunities to acquire theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical workplace experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The implementation of WIL and WBL also contributes to the development of a skilled and competent tourism workforce that is better prepared to meet evolving labour market demands. At the same time, these approaches promote international cooperation and partnerships among higher education institutions, TVET institutions, and the tourism industry.
This experience-sharing provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and good practices with educational and training institutions from different countries. Such cooperation contributes to reducing the gap between “Theory and Practice”, while strengthening the quality and relevance of vocational skills to better respond to the evolving needs of the world of work and the future labour market.
