Cambodia: H.E. Mol Vibol, “Thanks to Francophonie, I was able to advance my career and serve my country”

Met on the sidelines of the launch of the OIF’s Destination Éco Talents program, H.E. Mr. Mol Vibol, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia, shares a candid interview about his journey, Franco-Cambodian relations, and employment challenges in the Kingdom.

S.E. Mol Vibol @CG

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?

“I am Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Cambodia. I studied French at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, then international law at the Royal University of Law and Economics.”

His journey extends beyond Cambodian borders. “Thanks to a Canadian Francophonie scholarship, I was able to continue my studies in Moncton, New Brunswick. And before that, I had already studied in Tunisia.” He adds with pride: “I was also an International Volunteer of the Francophonie (OIF), 2011 cohort.”

One conviction sums up his entire path:

“It is thanks to the French language that I have been able to grow both professionally and personally.”

What is the nature of relations between Cambodia and France today?

“Our two countries maintain a deep, lasting, and historic relationship,” he states from the outset. He recalls the founding milestones: “From the protectorate of 1863 to the independence achieved in 1953 under His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, our ties are woven into history.”

On the diplomatic front, cooperation is very much alive. “There is a French embassy in Phnom Penh and a Cambodian embassy in Paris. France played an essential role in the inscription of Angkor as a UNESCO World Heritage site.”

The economic axis is equally strong.

“France is among Cambodia’s major trading partners in the sectors of tourism, agriculture, and industry. French companies such as Total, BRED Bank, and AccorHotels are present in the Kingdom.”

And on the educational front, the commitment is personal: “I myself obtained a Master’s degree in comparative private law in cooperation with Lyon 2 University. This concretely illustrates what Franco-Cambodian cooperation can produce.”

What are the priorities of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training?

“Our ministry plays a central role in promoting employment, protecting workers, and strengthening the skills of the Cambodian population,” he sets as a general framework.

He then details its areas of action: “We develop policies to stimulate job creation through investment and industrial development. But that is not enough—we also ensure the strict enforcement of labor law to guarantee safe and fair conditions.”

Social dialogue is another priority:

“We actively encourage consultation between employers and employees to prevent conflicts and establish a harmonious working environment.”

On vocational training, he emphasizes: “We develop programs directly aligned with market needs, and we strengthen our national and international partnerships to improve the qualifications of our workforce.”

Modernization is also underway: “We are investing in the digitalization of our services and in strengthening institutional capacities, because an effective ministry is first and foremost a modern ministry.”

What role does sustainable tourism play in this strategy?

“The development of sustainable tourism is a strategic priority for Cambodia,” he states without hesitation. “It is an essential lever for preserving our cultural and natural heritage while creating sustainable jobs.”

He sees this sector as more than just a source of revenue:

“Sustainable tourism allows us to promote our local identities and support a balanced and environmentally respectful development model. That is precisely why programs like Destination Éco Talents are so important.”

A final message?

He concludes with a note of gratitude and a call to action: “I hope that France will continue to support the learning of French in Cambodia. As in my case—I studied French since middle school, and it is this language that opened all doors for me.”

Then, simply: “Thank you to France. Thank you to the Francophonie.”

Interview conducted on the occasion of the launch of the Destination Éco Talents program, an initiative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie.