The first graduates of programs delivered through the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) Cambodia have been recognised in the first significant milestone for a partnership helping build the country’s automotive workforce.

Of the latest graduates, 97 completed a work readiness program and 17 vocational educators completed a trainer development program.

For Kangan Institute, the achievement highlights the power of skills to create opportunities for individuals while strengthening workforce capability more broadly. Supported by the Victorian Government's Yes to International Students Fund through Global Victoria, trainer uplift remains a key focus, helping lay the foundations for long-term quality across Cambodia's vocational education and training sector.

Opened earlier this year, ACE Cambodia brings together the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, RMA Cambodia and Kangan Institute to deliver industry-led training informed by the expertise and training systems developed at Kangan Institute's Automotive Centre of Excellence in Docklands.

As Cambodia's automotive sector continues to evolve and create demand for new skills, the partnership focuses on stronger training pathways and a workforce ready for emerging technologies.

Beyond the graduation ceremony, Kangan Institute representatives met with the Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and automotive industry leaders to share lessons from Australia's vocational education system. 

Drawing on Kangan Institute’s expertise, discussions explored how training systems can support industry growth, electric vehicle capability, emissions testing and a safer, more skilled workforce.

Quote attributable to Kangan Institute CEO Laura Macpherson

"Today is about celebrating people and their achievements, but it's also about recognising the ripple effect skills can create."

"When a trainer develops new capability, that knowledge is passed on to future learners. When a student gains industry-relevant skills, it creates new opportunities for them, their family and their community. That's why this graduation is such an important milestone, not just for the graduates themselves, but for Cambodia's future workforce."

"We're proud to see curriculum developed right here in Victoria supporting high-quality vocational education and training, both at home and abroad."