A New Chapter for Cambodia’s Digital Future
After more than three years of closure due to budget constraints, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC) has officially reopened its System & Network Administration and Cybersecurity (SNA) major. The return of this program comes at a crucial time, as Cambodia’s digital economy continues to grow and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals rises. More than just reopening a course, this marks a renewed commitment to equipping underprivileged youth with future-ready skills and real career opportunities.
For trainer Mesa Koeun, the decision to reopen the major is both timely and necessary. He has witnessed how quickly technology is transforming workplaces across the country. “Today, almost every organization depends on digital systems,” he explains. “But behind those systems, we need people who can maintain networks and protect them from cyber threats. Without these skills, digital transformation cannot move forward safely.”
Rather than focusing only on theory, the renewed SNA program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application. Students start with the basics of networking and operating systems, then gradually build their knowledge toward cybersecurity, cloud services, and system administration. They learn how to set up servers, manage networks, detect potential threats, and respond to incidents all through practical exercises designed to simulate real workplace situations.
For many students, the reopening of the SNA major represents a life-changing opportunity. Amin, a 20-year-old student from Tbong Khmum province, first learned about PNC during a school outreach visit. Coming from an ethnic minority Islamic community, Amin had always been interested in IT, but discovering cybersecurity sparked a deeper motivation.
“I was amazed when I heard about cybersecurity,” he shares. “It feels like protecting something important, and I believe this field has strong job opportunities in Cambodia.” However, his decision was not without concern. Amin recalls that his mother worried about whether he would be able to find a job after graduating from this specialized major. Despite this, he remained confident. “I trust the school,” he says. “PNC has helped many students before, and I believe it will open opportunities for me too.”
Amin also believes the field should welcome more women. From his point of view, girls often have the patience and attention to detail that this kind of work needs.
This SNA job requires us to be very attentive, and I think girls are naturally careful and persistent, so they can do even better in this field.
– Amin
Another student, Sreyla, brings a different but equally inspiring perspective. At just 17 years old, she comes from Banteay Meanchey province and grew up in a challenging economic situation. Her parents had been migrant workers, and recent border tensions forced them to return home. Determined to support her family, Sreyla saw education as her path forward. “I hope that learning IT will help me support my parents and my younger siblings,” she says. Despite entering a male-dominated field, she views this as motivation rather than a barrier.
The reopening of the SNA major is more than just the return of a training program; it is a step toward building Cambodia’s next generation of digital professionals. Through practical learning, mentorship, and holistic support, students like Amin and Sreyla are gaining the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers.
As Cambodia continues its digital transformation, initiatives like this play a critical role in ensuring that no talented young person is left behind. With continued support from partners and donors, PNC can keep opening doors for underprivileged youth empowering them not only to secure employment, but also to contribute to a safer and more resilient digital future.