Non-profit organisation LEAGIS plans to start a new land and real estate course in a bid to balance out the sector’s rapid developments that are outpacing the availability of human resources, especially in Phnom Penh.

Dr Vann Varth, chairman of LEAGIS, said that while Cambodia’s real estate sector is progressively advancing, the country is facing a serious lack of human resources which impedes proper and knowledgeable development.

LEAGIS’ intention to set up a training course is to help those who are willing to study and upgrade their skills and capabilities.

This short-term programme is divided into two parts, each part being three months long, with an examination to be held at the end of the second part in order to obtain an official certificate.

The fee for part one of the skill-training programme is $100 for students, and $120 for agencies who partner with LEAGIS, while part two’s fee is $160 for all interested candidates. Students from less fortunate families, however, can receive a discount after the NGO has thoroughly assessed their family background.

Varth continued that the programme’s first part focuses on basic real estate analysis, map drawing, Geographical Information System (GIS) operations, topography, and structure-building methodologies. After having completed part one, pupils will be able to understand the fundamentals of real estate evaluation, which includes land, housing and buildings in general. In addition, they will also acquire knowledge of how to create and manage maps using the GIS, and how to make use of the connection among GIS, GPS and Google Earth.

The second part of the programme focuses on advanced real estate analysis that includes the land and property market. After having completed the whole course, pupils can evaluate more specific developments like residential projects, hotels and resorts, industrial projects, and commercial space. Moreover, they will know how to conduct business with real estate services, gain skills in real estate buy-and-sell negotiation methods, and be able to forecast the life cycle of the real estate market.

To sum it up, Varth said that pupils of the programme stand to gain valuable knowledge of the entire real estate industry in the Kingdom in line with the international market, as well as in the context of the ASEAN Economic Integration.

Chrek Soknhim, CEO of Century 21 Mekong, said that Cambodia needs more of this type of affordable training programmes, echoing Varth’s statement that the sector is in dire need of skilled and trained agents and professionals. Therefore, he said, if LEAGIS is able to provide such quality training with a clear structure, it could become a popular destination for those concerned about construction and real estate.

Nevertheless, Kim Heang, president of CVEA said that this type of training programme would only gain support if the organisations behind them have the necessary expertise and certifications, as well as a genuine interest in instilling knowledge.