New energy, new confidence: South–South Cooperation prepares Cambodia’s electric vehicle trainers

© ILO

© ILO

Phnom Penh (ILO News) - When Pen Savandit joined the ILO-supported New Energy Vehicle (NEV) inspection, maintenance and repair training in China, he carried with him a clear professional challenge: Cambodia’s vehicle technology was changing faster than his own teaching resources and technical exposure.

As a teacher from a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institute in Battambang, the Battambang Institute of Technology, he had limited experience in electric vehicle repair. “I was not yet confident in identifying the structure of NEVs, preparing a safe repair environment, selecting the right tools and equipment, or diagnosing technical problems in NEV systems,” recalled Savandit.

The training, organized in November 2025, with support from the ILO-China Partnership Programme on Skills Development through South-South Cooperation and the Skills Development Fund (SDF), became his turning point.

“During the two-weeks training at the Beijing Industrial Technician College, I gained practical knowledge that directly respond to the gaps I faced in my work. I have learned how to prepare a safe workplace for NEV repair, identify the necessary tools, materials and equipment, and use scan tools to analyse NEV faults,” said Savandit.

For Savandit, the training did not end when he returned to Cambodia. “I continue exchanges with Chinese technicians via WeChat, I am able to access more lesson materials, seek technical advice, and maintain professional learning links across borders,” he added.

Tian Feng, ILO/China Project Manager, highlighted: “This reflects the practical value of South–South Cooperation, knowledge is not transferred as a one-time activity, but built through relationships, peer exchange and continued support.”

After completing the training, Savandit began applying his new skills by compiling documents and preparing materials for future training sessions. Additionally, he has organized a knowledge-sharing session for some other technical teachers in his institutes, helping to pass on what he learned to colleagues in Cambodia.

Implemented with the financial support from the government of China through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skills Development through South-South Cooperation project aims to strengthen skills development capacity-building for national experts and trainers in Cambodia, improve labour market efficiency and participation, reduce unemployment, and enhance linkages between job seekers and employers.