The Professional Institute of Excellence (PIE) was deeply honored to welcome His Excellency Dr. Hangchuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Cambodia to its campus in Phnom Penh for an official visit highlighting the importance of quality education, workforce development, and industry collaboration in Cambodia’s growing hospitality and tourism sectors.
The visit marked an important milestone for PIE and reflected the increasing recognition of hospitality education as a key contributor to Cambodia’s economic development, tourism growth, and youth employment opportunities.
The visit brought together key leaders from Cambodia’s education, tourism, and hospitality sectors, demonstrating a shared commitment to developing skilled young professionals who can support the country’s future workforce needs.
Joining the visit were:
Their presence highlighted the strong partnership between education providers and industry stakeholders, ensuring that training programs remain relevant to the evolving needs of Cambodia’s hospitality and tourism sector.
As one of Cambodia’s key economic sectors, tourism and hospitality continue to generate significant employment opportunities across hotels, restaurants, resorts, wellness establishments, bakeries, catering businesses, and tourism services. Developing a skilled workforce is therefore essential to sustaining growth and maintaining international standards of service excellence.
PIE was established with the mission of bridging the gap between education and industry by providing practical, employer-driven training that prepares graduates for successful careers both in Cambodia and abroad.
Following the official welcome, guests gathered for opening remarks delivered by PIE President Oknha Luu Meng and Cambodian Tourism Federation President Oknha Din Somethearith, followed by a presentation of PIE’s educational vision, achievements, and future development plans.
During the presentation, PIE showcased its commitment to industry-driven education, combining hands-on practical training with strong operational and management foundations. Programs are developed in close collaboration with employers and aligned with international hospitality standards, ensuring graduates are career-ready from day one.
The presentation also highlighted PIE’s affiliation with SHL Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland, providing students with access to Swiss-standard hospitality education and internationally recognized qualifications. In addition, PIE has received recognition from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), further reinforcing its commitment to quality culinary education.
A particularly significant aspect of the visit was the opportunity to showcase PIE’s recent recognition by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).
The granting of the Ministry’s Prakas represents an important milestone for the institute and its students. It provides local academic recognition while strengthening PIE’s ability to contribute to Cambodia’s national education objectives and workforce development priorities.
This recognition demonstrates confidence in PIE’s educational model and validates the institute’s commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality education that combines academic standards with practical industry experience.
For students, this means greater confidence that their education is supported by both government recognition and industry endorsement. For employers, it reinforces the value of graduates who possess the professional skills, discipline, and practical competencies required in today’s hospitality sector.
Following the presentation, His Excellency and distinguished guests toured the PIE campus and training facilities. The visit included the institute’s learning spaces, culinary training kitchens, food and beverage facilities, and the offices of the Cambodian Tourism Federation.
The tour provided an opportunity to demonstrate how students develop their skills through practical learning experiences designed to replicate real workplace environments.
Guests were able to observe the facilities used to train future chefs, hospitality professionals, and food and beverage specialists, highlighting the institute’s commitment to experiential learning and industry readiness.
The visit concluded with a working lunch and open discussion on the future of hospitality education, workforce development, and industry collaboration in Cambodia.
Today, PIE has graduated more than 800 alumni and maintains an extensive network of internship and employment partners across Cambodia and internationally. Graduates can be found working in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, bakeries, and hospitality businesses both locally and abroad.
Through its diploma programs in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Management, PIE continues to support the development of skilled professionals who contribute to the success of Cambodia’s hospitality industry.
The visit of His Excellency Dr. Hangchuon Naron serves as an important reminder of the value of collaboration between government, education, and industry in preparing Cambodia’s next generation of hospitality professionals.
As PIE continues to expand its educational offerings and strengthen partnerships with employers and industry associations, the institute remains committed to developing graduates who are skilled, employable, and ready to contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth.
PIE extends its sincere gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Hangchuon Naron, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Cambodian Tourism Federation, industry association leaders, and all distinguished guests for their support and engagement.
Together, we continue creating pathways for Cambodian talent to thrive locally and internationally — from Cambodia to the world, with hospitality at heart.
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