Cambodian youth shine on international skills competition stage

A Cambodian trainee’s journey from local classrooms to international recognition shows how advanced skills training can open doors, transform careers, and inspire a new generation.

Standing on the international stage as a Bronze Medallist at the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition 2025 in the Philippines was a life-changing moment for a 21-year-old Seth Dara from Cambodia. 

Just a few years earlier, the former vocational student could hardly have imagined competing alongside the region’s most talented young professionals. His remarkable achievement was made possible through the support of International Labour Organization (ILO)-China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development, which gave Dara an opportunity to train in China for two weeks in 2025 at Zhejiang Construction Technician College, Zhejiang province.

“I studied building maintenance and graduated from the Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE) Institute in Phnom Penh in 2024,” said Dara. “While studying at PSE, I was selected to join the 9th National Skills Competition 2024. I won the first place and received the gold medal in wall and floor tiling skills.”

Following on from this success, Dara was selected in 2025 to represent Cambodia at the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition, which brought together nearly 300 competitors from 11 ASEAN countries across 32 skill areas. 

“I was worried about the competition,” Dara recalled. “We had limited techniques and equipment, and our work progressed slowly. But everything changed after the training,”

In China, under the guidance of expert instructors and using state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and learning facilities, Dara mastered modern tiling techniques, efficient installation methods, and innovative materials - skills that go far beyond what is currently available in Cambodia’s technical training system. 

“I gained skills in technical tiling. In fact, the training on each model was very thorough,” Dara said. “During the competition, I noticed that everyone who walked by always wondered about my cutting techniques. These techniques are new and unique, and attracted a lot of attention from spectators and competitors from other countries.”

The hands-on experience not only improved his technical expertise but also strengthened his discipline, confidence, and problem-solving mindset. His dedication paid off when he won the Bronze Medal in Wall and Floor Tiling, an achievement that brought pride to both him and Cambodia.

“It is a great honour for me to receive training and cutting equipment because the method that was presented to me is a method that I have never learned before. It is not only timesaving but also adds a beautiful aesthetic to the work,” said Dara.

Now working at one private company, Dara said his experience has transformed his outlook on life and career. He sees himself not only as a skilled technician, but also as a mentor and role model for other young Cambodians.

“I am committed to further improving these techniques and sharing them with the people around me,” he said. 

Implemented under the ILO South-South Cooperation Framework, with the financial support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, the project aims to strengthen skills development capacity-building for national experts and trainers in Cambodia, improve labour market efficiency and participation, reduce unemployment, and enhance linkages between job seekers and employers.