AKP Phnom Penh, May 21, 2025 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has issued a new sub-decree allowing the recruitment of qualified personnel in the education and health sectors as technical contract officers.

This initiative was announced by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, during the inauguration of the National Institute of Education (NIE)’s reform achievements and its graduation ceremony held this morning at NIE.

The Prime Minister stated that he had signed the sub-decree on May 20. He explained that the purpose of the new regulation is to address shortages and improve both the quantity and quality of human resources in education and health services at the grassroots level.

“We are looking to hire qualified individuals under a new technical contract system,” he said. “These contracts will offer a salary and benefits package comparable to traditional civil service positions, but without the standard regulatory restrictions. This flexibility allows us to consider candidates over the age of 30, provided they possess the necessary skills.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that the goal is not only to meet the demand for skilled professionals but also to elevate the public education system’s ability to compete with the private sector.

“This can only be achieved if the state is capable of attracting high-potential talent to participate,” he added.

The Premier further noted that if the pilot programme in the education and health sectors proves successful, the Royal Government will revise or supplement the sub-decree to support the selection of contract officials in other sectors.

By Chea Vannak