Two top German companies are taking their technical expertise to where it is needed the most – young Cambodian students.
Robert Bosch (Cambodia) Co., Ltd and Wuerth (Cambodia) Ltd. provided latest electrical machines to Polytechnic Institute of Banteay Meanchey Province to support vocational training.
The collaboration was to expose students to latest German state-of-the-art technologies that could help local graduates grasp proper skills in engineering to support the demands of Cambodia’s growing economy.
German’s GIZ Regional Economic Development Programme RED IV and the German Business Group Cambodia, initiated the cooperation to promote technical assistance between leading German companies and the local institution.
GIZ is a German body that promotes international cooperation.
“The sponsorship of tools by Würth and Bosch is an excellent example how German companies can pro-actively support vocational education in Cambodia.
“The economy is changing and so will the requirements for the TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] sector,” Stefan Hanselmann, Head of RED programme, said at the tools handover ceremony held last Thursday in the capital.
The collaboration comes at a time when there is a critical need for skilled workers to match the rising demand in the Kingdom’s labour market, which currently remains a low-skilled workforce.
The government is firm on developing the much-needed skilled human resources to support the growing economy and rolled out the ‘Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy 2017-2025’ — a guideline to implement the government’s strategies to develop a skilled workforce by engaging all stakeholders.
“Right now Cambodia is stable and its economy is growing but we must think how to sustain (this growth) in the future. The government’s policy is to develop the economy and we want to become an upper-middle income nation by 2030.
“This year [our focus is on] human resources development, it is very important and we need to start now. Human resources development is limited in some areas in the private sector and there are skills gap in the [labour] market,” Laov Him, General Director of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said at the handover ceremony.
At the event, Bosch and Würth presented tool machines, such as drilling machines, electric grinders and screwdrivers, to the polytechnic at Banteay Meanchey province.
In Cambodia, some of Bosch’s businesses include automotive parts and accessories, power tools for constructions, consumer electronics, thermotechnology, security systems and packaging technology.
“Bosch’s corporate philosophy of enhancing the quality of life extends beyond our business practices to social enrichment. We are delighted to support the Polytechnic Institute of Banteay Meanchey Province and hope that this could contribute to help make a difference in the development of skilled training in the respected province,” said Phirum Hay, Country Head of Bosch Cambodia.
On the other hand, in the local market, Würth focuses on three core sectors – auto, construction and metal (metalworking and metal processing industries). Its core products ranges from DIN fasteners, to electrical connectors, tools, to Würth line of chemicals.
“Education and skill training is one of the main drivers of development and improvement for people around the world. When we heard about the Polytechnic Institute of Banteay Meanchey Province project, we were convinced, that it will do exactly that for Cambodia’s young.
“We are very proud to contribute our share and participate in something great. By supporting the needed tools to unleash potential and paving the way for a better future,” said Tino Tep, MD of Würth Cambodia.