Cambodia Investment Review
OCIC and World Citi Colleges International, Inc. (WCCI) signed an agreement on 1 October 2026 to establish WCC International Aero Tech University (WCC IATU) in Phnom Penh. The university will expand access to specialised aviation education in Cambodia, preparing students for technical and operational careers in the sector.
The agreement was signed by Oknha Dr Carolyne Pung, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of OCIC; Thierry Tea, Vice-President of OCIC; and Raymond Patrick Guico, CEO of WCCI. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, in the presence of H.E. Ly Sovannarith, Representative of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, and representatives of the Embassies of Canada, the Philippines, and France.
Aviation Education Closer to Home
At launch, WCC IATU will offer three bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical & Avionics)
- Bachelor of Science in Airline Operations Management
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management with Flight Attendant program
These programmes will prepare students to maintain aircraft and their electronic systems, coordinate airline operations, and support the safe and efficient delivery of aviation services. Offering these courses in Phnom Penh will give Cambodian students access to specialized and international training closer to home. It will also create more opportunities for Cambodian technicians and engineers to build careers in the aviation industry, both in Cambodia and abroad.
Students will benefit from an established international network extending across the Middle East, North America, Europe, North Asia and Australia. According to Boeing, between 2026 and 2045, Southeast Asia is projected to need 258,000 new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew, with global demand exceeding 2.4 million
“Aviation brings together people from many different disciplines,” said Oknha Dr Carolyne Pung, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of OCIC. “Through our partnership with WCCI, we want to open the door for more young Cambodians to find their place in this industry and turn their passion into a profession.”
“Our vision is to build world class Cambodian aviators. This is why we invest in capacity building in Aviation and Tourism for the next generation. As I reflect from my career in the aviation industry, I strongly believe Cambodian aeronautical engineers and mechanics have a great future both locally and internationally,” said Thierry Tea, Vice-President of OCIC.
Bringing Philippine Aviation Education Experience to Cambodia
WCCI, a leading aviation institution in the Philippines, is part of World Citi Group, whose educational roots date back to 1978. More than 100,000 students have graduated from the Group’s institutions and work in the Philippines and internationally.
“This new university will provide Cambodian students with solid training in their chosen fields and a clear understanding of what the industry expects,” said Raymond Patrick Guico, CEO of WCCI. “We want to help them develop the skills and confidence to build rewarding careers in aviation.”
Through the partnership, WCCI will bring its Philippine aviation education experience to Cambodia, supporting the development of WCC IATU’s specialised programmes. The university will combine this expertise with OCIC’s experience in developing educational institutions and aviation infrastructure in Cambodia.
