RMA Cambodia Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Australia’s Bendigo Kangan Institute Group to Establish Lifelong Learning Pathways in Cambodia’s Automotive Sector

Phnom Penh, November 25, 2024 – RMA (Cambodia) Plc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) Group of Australia to promote lifelong learning pathways in the automotive sector and beyond throughout Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Ngorn Saing, CEO of RMA (Cambodia) Plc, and Ms. Sally Curtain, CEO of BKI Group, with attendance from senior management of both organizations.
Under the collaboration between RMA (Cambodia) and BKI Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, RMA (Cambodia) will establish the RMA Academy and an Automotive Center of Excellence in Cambodia (ACEC), a leading vocational training institution that adheres to international standards in the automotive sector, aiming to position Cambodia on a developmental pathway for high-level training at regional and global scales. This collaboration will provide an opportunity to enhance the skills and ambitions of Cambodia’s young people. This project aims to empower the country’s future automotive workforce, equipping them with the expertise needed to support their communities and contribute to Cambodia’s growth. As part of this initiative, the partnership will offer world-class training and education built on Bendigo Kangan Institute’s established model of success in Australia and India. Students will gain advanced technical skills using cutting-edge technology, equipping them for domestic and international job opportunities. The center will offer specialized courses such as automotive mechanics, body repair, and inventory management. This transformative project will advance Cambodia’s human resources, automotive industry, and economy while supporting the tourism sector by attracting international students.
During the event, Mr. Ngorn Saing, CEO of RMA (Cambodia), remarked, “In line with the vision of RMA (Cambodia), the establishment of the RMA Institute and the Automotive Excellence Center in Cambodia will offer the vocational and technical training sector a fresh and innovative experience. In the future, Cambodia has the potential to become a regional and international hub for education and vocational training in the automotive sector within Southeast Asia.” He continued, “We constantly research, explore, and seek new innovations to combine and create positive outcomes that strengthen human resource capabilities and contribute to the development of all sectors in Cambodia.” Additionally, he stated that through the Earn & Learn program, all employees of RMA (Cambodia) are given the opportunity to study additional specific skill relevant to their current job during working hours, while still receiving their regular base salary.
Ms. Sally Curtain, CEO of BKI Group, added, “Our shared ambitions for the Automotive Centre of Excellence in Cambodia are to help develop local talent and position Cambodia as a leader in automotive innovation.” She continued, “Bendigo Kangan Institute is eager to leverage its expertise, along with RMA Group and the strong backing of the Cambodian government, to bring this important project to fruition.” She also believed that by working together, they hope to make a lasting impact towards Cambodia’s automotive industry and workforce development. As part of this initiative, the partnership will offer world-class training and education built on Bendigo Kangan Institute’s established model of success in Australia and India.

About RMA (Cambodia) Plc.
RMA (Cambodia) Plc. has had a presence in Cambodia for 32 years since 1992. The company is a leading provider of renowned products and services for both commercial and non-commercial enterprises, encompassing sectors such as automotive, agriculture, infrastructure, warehouse solutions, financial services, car rentals, and the food industry. Alongside its business expansion, RMA Cambodia prioritizes human resource development by offering internships and professional training to approximately 4,000 local and expatriates. RMA (Cambodia) has consistently collaborated actively with authorities and various relevant institutions in corporate social responsibility activities to serve key sectors such as healthcare, environment, education, and sports in Cambodia, including the construction and renovation of public schools, libraries, restrooms, and polytechnic schools; donations of emergency vehicles, vaccine transport vehicles, and protective equipment; as well as contributions to environmental conservation through tree planting and the donation of waste bins, among other initiatives.

About Bendigo Kangan Institute
Bendigo Kangan Institute is a leading integrated skills provider that brings together education, skills assessment and learning in Australia and internationally. We bring together four businesses; Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, VETASSESS and eWorks to connect people and industries with the transformation power of education and careers. Our footprint spans 9 Victorian campuses, workplace delivery, Australia-wide skills assessment and training across the globe. Our Automotive Centre of Excellence sets the standard for automotive training in Australia. It is the largest purpose-built automotive training facility in the southern hemisphere, skilling more than 5,000 students each year across more than 26 specialised course areas in world-class workshops with industry-leading facilities. We are a knowledge partner for the International Automobile Centre of Excellence in the Indian State of Gujarat, in partnership with Maruti Suzuki and the State Government.