Sour: Studies should be based on job market

MINISTER of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour has offered career advice to students, recommending that they consider the demands of the job market when selecting their study majors. By so doing, they are more likely to achieve their dreams and bring success to their families, as well as wider society.

He delivered the remarks while addressing a February 20 employment forum and workshop, held at the ACLEDA Institute of Business (AIB) in Phnom Penh. Organised in collaboration with the National Employment Agency (NEA), the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) and other 20 private companies, the event aimed to share knowledge and experience that could help students prepare for the job market, according to the ministry.

“This workshop offers insights into how to select a career path, based on the experiences of experts and the demands of the private sector. This will help the youngest members of the Kingdom’s workforce to achieve their dreams, and aligns with the ministry’s five-year strategic labour plan,” Sour was quoted as saying.

“We are implementing the seventhmandate government’s Pentagonal Strategy, with the goal of ensuring that the general public, especially the youth, have enough detailed information to make wise choices,” he added.

Chheng Theary, an NEA official, said on February 21 that the forum had attracted a lot of attention and active participation from many students, and had made them much more aware about the job market.

“Following the success of the event, the NEA is planning to organise similar forums and workshops next month. Held at several universities, they will share knowledge and experiences with students,” she added.

“These events will help prepare students to enter the job market in the digital age, both now and in the future,” she explained.

Labour ministry secretary of state Ngoy Rith, while addressing a recent training course for construction workers who are set to work in Thailand, suggested that in addition to focussing on the income they can earn, they should take the opportunity to learn new skills.

The course was run in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN Advance Mission in Cambodia, the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF), the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECOT), the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA) and K Cement.