Cambodia Investment Review
Panasonic has officially inaugurated its new Air Conditioner Training Center at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), reinforcing its long-standing commitment to advancing engineering education and technical skills development in Cambodia. The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Panasonic and ITC, marking a significant step toward enhancing technology infrastructure and youth empowerment in the country.
The partnership serves as a model of effective public-private collaboration aimed at driving Cambodia’s economic growth through education and workforce development. The new training center, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, will enable ITC students to gain practical experience and industry-standard training in air conditioning technologies.
Supporting Cambodia’s Industrial and Economic Growth
Presiding over the inauguration, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, praised the initiative for providing students with access to modern facilities and practical skills essential for Cambodia’s industrial expansion.
“By providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard training, we are equipping our students with the skills necessary to drive our nation’s industrial and economic growth,” he said. He also acknowledged Panasonic’s continued support, including the donation of air conditioning equipment, training programs, and educational resources.
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Japan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Atsushi Ueno, also commended the project, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the already robust economic ties between Japan and Cambodia.
“I hope that the ITC engineering graduates, who are being supported jointly by the Japanese public and private sectors, will play active roles in many Japanese companies in the future,” he said. “Their contributions will be crucial to strengthening the economic ties between Japan and Cambodia, and they will help foster deeper collaboration and continued growth in relations between our two nations.”
He added that the collaboration would help elevate ITC as a leading engineering institution in Cambodia while preparing Cambodian youth for the global job market.
Advancing Industry-Academia Collaboration
Mr. Hisakazu Maeda, Chief Representative of Panasonic Asia Pacific in Cambodia, highlighted the importance of this partnership in shaping Cambodia’s future workforce.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our shared mission to prepare Cambodia’s youth for the future,” he said. “As technology advances rapidly, it is essential that the education system evolves to ensure students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This initiative is not just about launching a training facility; it is a strategic investment in Cambodia’s workforce and economic development.”
Echoing these sentiments, H.E. Professor Dr. Po Kimtho, Director General of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, emphasized the longstanding relationship between ITC and Panasonic.
“The collaboration between Panasonic and ITC represents a strong industry-academia partnership and demonstrates the close friendship between Cambodia and Japan,” he said. “Panasonic’s support through advanced training programs, scholarships, internships, and workshops is instrumental in shaping the future of our students and contributing to Cambodia’s industrial progress.
Expanding Opportunities for Cambodian Youth
Panasonic’s engagement with ITC began in 2019 through scholarships designed to support students financially as they pursue their education. In addition to scholarships, Panasonic has facilitated internship programs for final-year students in the mechanical engineering department, offering practical work experience and a pathway into the technology industry.
Many ITC graduates have transitioned into careers with Panasonic and other leading companies, showcasing the success of these initiatives in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
With the new MoU, Panasonic has expanded its support further by organizing technical seminars focused on the latest air conditioning technologies. These sessions provide students with insights into market trends and innovations, enhancing ITC’s curriculum and ensuring Cambodian engineers are equipped with the skills needed to support the country’s industrial growth.
The Panasonic-ITC collaboration stands as a model for how private corporations and educational institutions can work together to boost Cambodia’s technical capacity and economic development. The Air Conditioner Training Center is set to play a key role in producing skilled engineers ready to meet the demands of the global market.
