ILO–China South-South Cooperation strengthens Cambodian trainers' industrial robotics skills

PHNOM PENH (ILO News) - Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) instructors and in-company trainers in Cambodia strengthened their expertise in industrial robotics through an advanced training programme, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the ILO/China Partnership Programme.

Twenty-six participants from TVET instructors, private training providers and enterprises participated in advanced industrial robotics training at Beijing Industrial Technician College (BITC) from 19 to 31 July 2026. The training forms part of the ILO/China Partnership Programme's continued support to Cambodia in building a skilled workforce capable of responding to technological change and the increasing adoption of automation in manufacturing.

Participants completed intensive practical training in the installation, programming, operation and troubleshooting of industrial robot workstations. The programme combined classroom learning with hands-on exercises, technical demonstrations, field visits, competency assessments and cultural exchange, providing participants with practical experience aligned with modern industrial technology.

The initiative aimed to strengthen the quality and relevance of skills training, enabling participants to transfer knowledge and practical competencies to future generations of learners across Cambodia.

Keo Sothim, a participant from National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, highlighted the growing importance of industrial automation in Cambodia's manufacturing sector.

"This training will not only strengthen my technical skills in industrial robotics but also enable me to share this knowledge with my students and colleagues, helping prepare them for the future of work," said Sothim. "When I return to Cambodia, I hope to integrate these practical skills into my teaching so that more young people can benefit from industry-relevant training."

Tian Feng, the ILO/China Partnership Programme Manager highlighted, "This programme demonstrates the important role of the ILO in advancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening institutional capacity. With the support of the ILO/China Partnership Programme, the training enhances participants' professional competencies and the capacity of relevant TVET institutions. This contributes to sustainable skills development, youth employment and decent work."

The training is jointly funded by Beijing Industrial Technician College, the Skills Development Fund (SDF) and the ILO/China Partnership Programme under the South-South Cooperation Skills Development Network. Since its establishment, the programme has supported partnerships between TVET institutions across Cambodia and China through training exchanges, curriculum modernization, skills competitions and institutional capacity building.