The University of South-East Asia Career Center launch and career fair was held on April 28, 2023, in Siem Reap town, marking the fourth career center that has been implemented by the USAID Digital Workforce Development project so far.
USEA Career Centre is built under the five-year project of USAID Digital Workforce Development, which is in collaboration with University of California Berkeley made possible with the generous support from the American people through USAID Cambodia.
The project aims to equip students with skills ranging from writing to soft skills, thereby improving their employability and building their confidence before engaging with their employers. The career centers will act as a bridge with employers who will use them to scout for talents in the country.
Presided over the event was Mrs Morn Ny Raingsey, deputy governor of Siem Reap; Mr. Pen Chanda, Chief of Party of USAID DWD; and Dr. Mean Sothy, Rector of University of South-East Asia.
Ms. Morn Ny Raingsey applauded the efforts from USAID DWD to create such a career center at the university. She believes that the career center is a central point where three sectors meet, namely civil society, government sector, and private sector.
“For a country to improve and prosper, human capital development is so important,” she said. “This career center brings together civil society, government sector as well as private sector in order to help improve our human capital.”
Mr. Pen Chenda spoke about the importance of building more career centers as a sustainability mechanism to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce. He emphasized that the career centers will not only improve the employability of students but also act as a bridge between employers and students, allowing employers to scout for talent in the country.
“The first step is to strengthen the targeted ICT certification, short-term courses, non-degree, and degree programs provided by Cambodian higher education institutions,” he said. “The second step is to improve Cambodian higher education institutions (HEI) and their ability to meet accreditation requirements.”
Mr. Chanda also mentioned that the most pertinent goal of the event is to increase scholarship, internship, and networking opportunities to encourage the development of practical skills and connections that young Cambodians need in the job market.