Cambodia-China Youth Exchanges in the New Era: Deepening Cultural Understanding and Enhancing Practical Cooperation

Roth Chanmengla

Roth Chanmengla, General affairs & project management officer of Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship

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For decades, Cambodia-China relations have been built on cultural ties, historical appreciation, and diplomatic goodwill. Cultural exchanges have played a key role in fostering mutual respect, with thousands of Cambodian and Chinese youth participating in programs that help them understand each other’s traditions, languages, and values. But let’s be honest—while cultural appreciation is important, it’s no longer enough. In today’s fast-changing world, young people need more than just knowledge about each other’s heritage; they need opportunities to collaborate in meaningful ways that impact their futures.

The answer lies in expanding youth exchanges beyond culture and into practical areas like innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological cooperation. By doing so, Cambodia and China can inject fresh energy into their relationship, equipping young people with the skills and networks they need to thrive in a competitive global landscape. In this article, we’ll explore how youth exchanges can evolve, why it matters, and what steps both countries can take to turn this vision into reality.

I. The Power of Cultural Exchanges: A Strong Foundation, But Not the End Goal

Before we move forward, let’s acknowledge the role that traditional cultural exchanges have played in Cambodia-China relations. From student exchange programs to cultural festivals and art exhibitions, these initiatives have helped young people develop a deeper appreciation for each other’s customs and way of life. Language programs have allowed Cambodians to study Mandarin and vice versa, opening doors for communication and understanding. Historical studies have provided insights into the rich legacies both countries share.

These programs have been successful in building friendships and breaking down stereotypes, but if they remain the primary focus, we risk missing out on bigger opportunities. The world today demands more than just goodwill it requires action. Cambodian and Chinese youth are ambitious, creative, and eager to make a difference. If we channel that energy into areas like technology, business, and professional skill-building, we can create a youth-driven movement that strengthens bilateral ties in more concrete and impactful ways.

II.  Innovation and Technological Collaboration: A Digital Future for Cambodia-China Youth

One of the most exciting areas where Cambodia-China youth exchanges can grow is technology and innovation. China has emerged as a global leader in areas like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and green technology. Meanwhile, Cambodia is working hard to develop its digital economy, with young people showing increasing interest in coding, fintech, and digital entrepreneurship.

People visit the Huawei booth at a digital technology expo in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on March 11, 2024. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

So, why not bridge the gap? Imagine Cambodian students joining hands with Chinese tech experts to develop new apps, AI-driven solutions, and smart-city initiatives. Here are some ways this could happen:

• Tech Boot Camps and Hackathons: Jointly organized events where Cambodian and Chinese students collaborate on real-world tech challenges. These programs could be supported by universities and major tech firms, leading to practical solutions for both countries.

• Joint Research and Innovation Labs: Universities in Cambodia and China could establish co-research centers focused on digital transformation, green energy, and AI applications. Students and young professionals could work together on cutting-edge projects, creating intellectual property that benefits both nations.

• Internships with Tech Giants: Leading Chinese tech companies like Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent could offer internship placements to Cambodian students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and bring that knowledge back home.

E-Governance and Digital Public Services with China’s advancements in digital governance, young Cambodian professionals could learn how to implement tech-driven solutions for public services, making government operations more efficient and accessible. By integrating technology-focused programs into youth exchanges, we prepare the next generation to lead in the digital age.

III.  Entrepreneurship: Fueling a Generation of Young Business Leaders

While innovation and tech are crucial, entrepreneurship is another key driver of Cambodia-China youth cooperation. China’s rapid economic growth has been fueled by a strong startup culture, with young entrepreneurs playing a major role in transforming industries. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, but it has immense potential, especially in e-commerce, tourism, and green business sectors.

What if young Cambodian entrepreneurs had the chance to learn directly from their Chinese counterparts? Here’s how we can make that happen:

• Bilateral Startup Incubators: Cambodia and China could establish joint startup incubators where young entrepreneurs receive mentorship, funding, and technical support to launch their businesses.

• Cross-Border Investment Programs: Chinese investors looking to support Southeast Asian startups could be connected with Cambodian entrepreneurs through networking events, forums, and venture capital partnerships.

• Trade and Export: Collaboration with China being a massive consumer market, young Cambodian business owners could explore opportunities to export local products like agricultural goods, handicrafts, and textiles through e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.

• Entrepreneur Exchange Programs: Aspiring Cambodian entrepreneurs could spend time in China’s startup hubs (e.g., Shenzhen, Hangzhou) to learn firsthand about business strategies, digital marketing, and logistics.

IV. Vocational Training and Skills Development: Preparing Youth for the Workforce

Not every young person wants to be a startup founder or a tech innovator. Many want to develop practical skills that can help them secure stable jobs and improve their quality of life. This is where vocational training comes in.

Delegates from Cambodia and China attend the Cambodian and Chinese youth dialogue in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sept. 23, 2024. Dozens of Cambodian and Chinese youths met here in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Monday for a dialogue on cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as digital economy. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

China has a strong vocational education system that trains young people in industries like manufacturing, construction, information technology, and automotive engineering. If Cambodia and China work together in this area, they can create programs that help Cambodian youth develop hands-on skills that match industry needs.

Ideas for collaboration include:

• Joint Vocational Training Centers establishing training centers where Chinese experts provide skills development courses tailored to Cambodia’s growing industries.

• Apprenticeships and Work-Study Programs – Cambodian youth could gain real-world experience through internships in China, then return home with valuable skills to apply in local industries.

• Certification Programs – Implementing internationally recognized certification programs that enhance the employability of Cambodian youth.

  
  

These approaches ensure that youth exchanges result in tangible career benefits, helping young people secure well-paying jobs and contribute to economic development.

V. Policy Support Making It All Happen

None of these ideas can become reality without strong policy support from both governments. To ensure that youth exchanges go beyond cultural appreciation, policymakers need to:

• Increase scholarships for Cambodian students to study in China, especially in STEM and business-related fields.

• Facilitate cross-border funding for joint research projects and startup incubation.

• Expand government-backed youth entrepreneurship programs that encourage bilateral business partnerships.

• Provide easier access to work-study opportunities and internships in high-demand industries.

  
  

A dedicated Cambodia-China Youth Innovation Council could oversee these initiatives, ensuring they receive the necessary funding and institutional backing.

VI.  Shaping the Future Together

Cambodia-China youth exchanges are at a turning point. While cultural appreciation remains important, the time has come to expand these programs into areas that create real impact—innovation, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and beyond. If we get this right, we won’t just be fostering goodwill; we’ll be building the next generation of tech leaders, business pioneers, and skilled professionals who drive Cambodia-China relations forward in the 21st century.

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