Phnom Penh, January 19, 2026 – A significant step towards empowering Cambodia’s informal economy was taken with the official launch of the national “Skills Card for the Informal Economy” program. This landmark initiative, themed “Increase Skills, Increase Opportunities, and Increase Income,” is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Skills Development Fund (SDF), in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), and the Digital Economy and Business Committee.
The grand launch ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. Held at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, the event gathered approximately 300 participants, including esteemed representatives from various ministries, relevant institutions, the private sector, as well as national and international development partners, underscoring the broad support for this crucial program.
During the event, Dr. Phan Phalla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Skills Development Fund, elaborated on the core objectives of the Skills Card program. He stated that its primary aim is to provide vital opportunities for workers within the informal economy, as well as Cambodian citizens returning from overseas, to access essential technical and soft skills training. These training courses are meticulously designed to align with current labor market demands, thereby strengthening their capabilities and enhancing their competitiveness in both employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Phan Phalla further detailed that each Skills Card, valued at 600,000 Riel or approximately 150 US dollars, will be issued to informal economy workers who have successfully registered on the Cam-IE digital platform. This card will enable beneficiaries to enroll in training courses that have been rigorously evaluated and pre-selected by the Skills Development Fund, ensuring their relevance, high quality, and excellent value for money.
In his address at the program’s inauguration, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth emphasized the critical role of the informal economy in Cambodia’s current socio-economic landscape. He highlighted that this sector serves as a vital pillar of the national economy, responsible for generating over 85% of the total employment opportunities for Cambodian citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister asserted that this new national program is designed to significantly enhance the capacity, knowledge, skills, and productivity of informal economy workers. This empowerment aims to foster their growth, resilience, and strength, aligning perfectly with the overarching National Strategy on Informal Economy Development for the years 2023-2028. Furthermore, Dr. Pornmoniroth extended his commendation to the Skills Development Fund and all collaborating partners for their diligent efforts and close cooperation in bringing this significant initiative to fruition.
It is important to underscore that the Skills Card transcends a mere piece of paper; it represents a valuable passport for informal economy workers and returning overseas citizens. This initiative is set to unlock new opportunities and facilitate access to additional, sustainable income streams. The underlying philosophy, encapsulated in the slogan “High Skills, High Income,” reflects the program’s commitment to fostering a more skilled, competitive, and prosperous workforce within Cambodia’s informal sector.
