(Pursat): On November 27, 2025, under the high authorization of H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, H.E. Pak Sokhom, Secretary of State and Chairman of the HoKa Project Management Committee, presided over the meeting to summarize the second semester of 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Nyek Ban Khen, Deputy Governor of Pursat Province, and Mr. Subas Subedi, Program Manager of the Skills Development Program (SDP). Attendees included representatives from Swisscontact, the Head of the Secretariat, directors of Provincial Departments of Tourism from 12 target provinces, master trainers, and private sector representatives, totaling 70 participants.
The meeting reviewed reports from the Pursat Provincial Department of Tourism regarding the Tourism Development Plan 2026–2028, which prioritizes human resource development. Through the HoKa (Hospitality Kampuchea) program, the Pursat Provincial Department of Tourism successfully trained 60 participants (including 37 women) in 2025, focusing on Front Office operations, Food and Beverage services, basic Barista skills, and Community Tour Guiding.
Mr. Chhoup Ratana, Director of the Department of Tourism Professional Training and Head of the HoKa Secretariat, presented the progress report for the second semester of 2025. Key highlights included:
1. Organizing the first quarterly HoKa meeting of 2025.
2. Expanding the scope of the HoKa program.
3. Strengthening collaboration with tourism vocational schools.
4. Developing the DEY III joint program.
5. Establishing National Tourism Professional Qualifications (Level C1) for Front Office skills.
6. Implementing the "Green HoKa" initiative.
7. Reviewing competency frameworks and standards for national tourism qualifications.
Furthermore, Mr. Kong Dara, Hospitality Training Manager of Swisscontact Cambodia, presented the 2026 Action Plan, emphasizing the following strategic objectives:
1. Capacity Building: Organizing technical workshops to select HoKa trainees and trainers and establishing a Skills Council for the tourism sector.
2. Strategic Planning: Studying tourist flow management strategies in Battambang and supporting the Cambodia Hotel Association (Battambang Chapter).
3. Standardization: Developing National Qualification Certificates (C1, C2, C3) for Front Office, Housekeeping, Culinary Arts, and Food and Beverage services.
4. Material Development: Updating and verifying HoKa training manuals, including the "3Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) award documentation and curriculum.
5. Direct & Indirect Training: Executing comprehensive training for hospitality staff, supervisors, and business owners across all core hospitality disciplines.
6. Evaluation: Organizing competency assessments and the 2026 HoKa Skills Day & Tourism Job Fair.
