PHNOM PENH, The Korea Software HRD Center celebrated the official
opening of the ITE 14th Generation Advanced Course at Cambodia-Korea Cooperation
Center, welcoming 45 students who had just completed the Basic ICT training. This
marks the start of a four-month journey in the KB ICT Advanced Course, a key
component of the five-year KB Cambodia IT Academy Project (2023–2027), supported
by KB Kookmin Bank. Over the past three years (2023–2025), the project has delivered
three training cohorts, equipping 165 Cambodian youth with industry-ready software
skills. These graduates are now working in technical roles across sectors, contributing
to Cambodia's digital economy.

The curriculum of the ITE 14th Generation Advanced Course has been carefully
developed to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly
amid the rise of artificial intelligence. This reflects the Center's new ambition to become
an AX (AI Transformation) Specialist Professional Training Center for the ASEAN
region. This year, the Korea Software HRD Center has introduced a newly enhanced
curriculum focused on AI Engineering. Students will undergo intensive training designed
to build practical skills in AI development, data analytics, the Spring Framework,
DevOps, and cybersecurity, along with Korean language classes, special lectures, and
seminars.
Through this project, Cambodian youth are empowered not only through full-fund
scholarship training, but also through soft-skills development, including teamwork,
creative problem-solving, and responsible technology use, as well as career support
such as job placement, networking opportunities with senior tech professionals, and
scholarships to continue their education and professional development. As Cambodia
continues its transition toward a digital economy, developing digital talent has become a
national priority. This training initiative model has proven to be an effective bridge
between education and employment, with over 95 percent of graduates securing jobs in
the tech and IT field over the past three years.

Since its first year, this project has been powered by strong collaboration among
multiple stakeholders. Beyond developing tech talent, it stands as a clear example of
what can be achieved when organizations work together toward a shared goal,
including KB Kookmin Bank, the Republic of Korea as donor, and in-country
implementing partners such as Good Neighbors Cambodia, KB PRASAC Bank, and the
Korea Software HRD Center, of the Korea Software Global Aid Foundation, with the
endorsement of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the Ministry of
Education, Youth and Sport.

As they begin this new chapter, the students of the 14th Generation are not only
developing advanced technical skills but also preparing to become the digital
professionals who will help sustain Cambodia's economic growth, attract further foreign
investment in technology-intensive industries, and keep the country competitive in the
global digital landscape.

About KB Kookmin Bank in Cambodia: Through KB PRASAC Bank, KB Kookmin
Bank provides financial services to individuals and businesses across Cambodia. The
bank is also proud to give back to the country through a range of community-focused
CSR programs.
About Korea Software HRD Center: The Korea Software HRD Center is a training
academy for software professionals, established in April 2013 in Phnom Penh in
cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and WebCash.
About Good Neighbors Cambodia: Good Neighbors Cambodia is an international
development and humanitarian organization that has been working in Cambodia for
more than 20 years, empowering people and transforming communities through
programs in education, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, economic empowerment,
and humanitarian assistance.