Background
On 10 March 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training hosted an inter-ministerial meeting in Phnom Penh on the review and selection of target high schools for implementation of the vocational track for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The meeting was chaired by Chea Kosal, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and head of the sub-committee for curriculum development by specialization under the new education pathway framework. It was attended by Dr. Hong Kimcheang, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, serving as deputy chair, together with 17 members of the specialist sub-committee from the two ministries.
According to the meeting summary, the discussion followed earlier pilot implementation of the new education pathway at the upper secondary level during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Scope of Application
The discussion concerned the process for identifying and selecting target upper secondary schools to implement the vocational track under the new education pathway for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The process falls within joint administrative coordination between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, including technical review by their respective specialist teams.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The meeting reviewed the technical mechanism previously used to select target institutions for pilot implementation of the new education pathway.
Officials discussed additional inputs for improving the selection mechanism for schools that will implement the vocational track in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The chair instructed the expert teams of both ministries to continue close cooperation in reviewing and refining the selection inputs and mechanism so they can serve as a basis for future assessment of target schools.
The working group was also tasked with reviewing and preparing a list of new target educational institutions for subsequent consideration.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This update is relevant for organizations involved in education, skills development, and workforce planning because it indicates continued government coordination on a vocational pathway at the upper secondary level.
For training providers, employers, and development partners, the meeting signals that school selection for the vocational track is being governed through a formal inter-ministerial review process rather than ad hoc designation. The post, however, does not specify binding rules, compliance obligations, or final approved school lists.
Official Source
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Facebook post dated 10 March 2026.
