The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, has unequivocally voiced the significance of human resource development as a core pillar for enhancing the resilience and sustainable growth of Cambodia. Addressing graduates at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) in Phnom Penh, he emphasized the government’s dedicated efforts in advancing national education to foster a skilled workforce capable of steering the country’s progress in various sectors.
During his address, Prime Minister Hun Manet pointed out that the strengthening of internal fortitudes—knowledge, skills, and understanding—is pivotal to the nation’s ability to prosper, especially when faced with external adversities. He identified the post-war era, particularly the last 25 years, as a phase where accelerated growth was closely tied to earlier education-focused policies established in the 1980s. This focus on education, according to the Prime Minister, was instrumental in nurturing individuals to live independently and sustainably.
The Cambodian head of government also took the moment to underscore his administration’s commitment to education across all its mandates, with increased emphasis planned for the sector in the seventh mandate. He acknowledged the need for continuous investment in education as a driver for national competitiveness and adaptability—an imperative that will empower Cambodia to keep pace with global growth and seize emerging opportunities.
Prime Minister Manet also highlighted the extensive achievements of his countrymen and women, particularly during his dialogues with international representatives at the Peace Palace, which serves as an emblem of Cambodian engineering prowess. He shed light on the nation’s journey toward self-sufficiency, recalling how dependency on foreign expertise in fields like construction and education had been a norm. Over the years, the capability of Cambodian professionals, be they engineers or university lecturers, has grown, enabling them to take charge of significant projects and become leaders in technological advancements and project management across national and local levels.
The Cambodian leader further acknowledged the resilience displayed by his nation in the fight against challenges like COVID-19, where local healthcare professionals demonstrated their ability to effectively manage a crisis independently.
Moreover, while addressing the freshly graduated cohort, the Prime Minister conveyed a message of relentless self-improvement and innovation as key ingredients for success. He urged the students to aim higher than the academic standards, suggesting that consistent enhancement of their knowledge and skills is crucial for notable achievements in the practical world. He encouraged them to contribute to the creation of a digital society and to support the establishment of a new paradigm of growth that relies on skills, technology, and innovation.
Discussing the broader regional scenario, the Prime Minister elucidated the rationale behind the ASEAN mechanism CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam), aimed at bridging the development gap between the new and longer-standing ASEAN members. This initiative, established in 2000, fosters cooperation with the ultimate goal of ensuring the equitable growth of all ASEAN states, reminiscent of European integration efforts.
Lastly, Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the Chip Mong Group and various government entities including the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for their efficient organization of the Gumball 3000 event, which was yet another showcase of Cambodia’s growing capacity to host international events that contribute to the cultural and tourism sectors.
Through sustained efforts in nurturing human capital, fostering national pride through self-reliance, encouraging a culture of continuous learning, and strengthening regional cooperation, Cambodia seeks to chart a robust course towards enduring stability and prosperity.
Source: Fresh News
