PHNOM PENH: USAID and the University of California at Berkeley have announced the launch of a new US $15 million USAID-funded initiative to equip young Cambodians with the skills to compete in the digital economy, on Wednesday, 23 February. The project was launched by the US Ambassador to Cambodia, W. Patrick Murphey, and the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, in Phnom Penh.

According to a press release issued by USAID, the five-year project titled “USAID Digital Workforce Development Project” will be implemented by the University of California at Berkeley with other Cambodian partner institutions.

The press released states, “The project will improve the digital skills of Cambodia’s youth and professionals so the country will improve its competitiveness in a global economy that is increasingly technology-reliant and requires a digitally skilled labor force.”

Additionally, for the implementation of the project, Cambodian higher education institutions will be involved to strengthen courses and programs for students in the area of information and communication technology. The project is also intended to help those institutions meet recognized educational standards so that employers can recruit Cambodian graduates with confidence.

The press release includes that scholarships and networking opportunities will be made a priority for the project so that Cambodian students and youth can build their skills and find job opportunities that match their education. This entails bridging Cambodia’s private sector and local universities, by creating job opportunities through internships in collaboration with the private sector.

Finally, the press release states that “The project will put a high priority on inclusivity, to ensure that youth from all backgrounds can access the opportunities it will offer.”