As part of HoKa Skills Day 2026, held under the overarching theme “Skills for a Shared Future: Empowering Tourism Professionals through Lifelong Learning,” a discussion forum was convened under Topic 3, entitled “Strengthening Collaboration for a Skilled Workforce and Competitiveness in Tourism: Fostering Partnerships for Skills Development, Employment, and Sustainable Tourism Growth.” The discussion focused on strengthening partnerships among public institutions, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders to develop a skilled workforce whose competencies align with labour market demands and the evolving needs of the tourism industry.
The session was moderated by Ms. Saya Marata, Board Member of ATP Consultant Co., Ltd., and featured distinguished speakers with extensive professional experience and expertise representing public institutions, the national employment agency, and the private sector. The speakers included:
1. Mr. Sovatthethy Maliya, Director of the Pursat Provincial Department of Tourism.
2. Mr. Mom Pov, Head of Information Collection and Dissemination Section at the National Employment Agency (NEA).
3. Ms. Thov Sothea, Founder of Mlob Santepheap Café in Pursat Province.
4. Ms. Thay Dalin, Chief Executive Officer of Bayon Restaurant and RDTM Group.
5. Ms. Neak Rohany, Co-founder of Gourmet Beverage Solution.
During the discussion, the speakers shared their perspectives and practical experiences concerning labour market skills requirements, the alignment of jobseekers’ competencies with employers’ needs, and the creation of opportunities for professional capacity development among tourism sector employees. In particular, the discussion highlighted the critical role of the private sector in identifying skills requirements, providing internship opportunities and practical workplace experience, and supporting training programmes that respond to the operational needs of tourism enterprises and establishments.
Furthermore, strengthening collaboration among relevant institutions and promoting lifelong learning are essential to improving workforce productivity, service quality, and the competitiveness of Cambodia’s tourism workforce. Developing skills in line with evolving market trends and tourist expectations will help expand employment opportunities, foster business growth, and generate greater added value for local communities.
Through such collaborative efforts, HoKa Skills Day 2026 underscores the importance of coordinated action between the public and private sectors in building a competent, adaptable, and competitive tourism workforce, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Cambodia’s tourism industry.
