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 that this sector should welcome more women. In his view, careers in cybersecurity and network administration would benefit from being more open and accessible to young women, who fully belong in this rapidly evolving field.

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.

A Celebration of Talent and Joy

As the day continued, the campus transformed into a lively stage filled with music and movement. Students showcased their talents through dancing and singing performances, bringing energy and excitement to the celebration. Each performance reflected not only creativity and confidence, but also the vibrant spirit of youth at PNC.

These moments of expression highlighted the importance of creating spaces where students can shine beyond the classroom—building confidence, celebrating identity, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Moving Forward Together

Khmer New Year at PNC is more than just a celebration—it is a reflection of our values: solidarity, cultural appreciation, and community. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are reminded of the importance of moving forward together, supporting one another, and continuing to grow as a united community.

We wish everyone a prosperous, healthy, and joyful Khmer New Year. May this new year bring continued growth, success, and happiness to all.

At just 17 years old, Chhitchhanut from Battambang Province has already experienced more struggle than most. Her family fell deep into debt, and constant arguments at home made it difficult for her to focus on school. “I often felt hopeless,” she recalls. “I didn’t think I could study further after high school. We had no money, and my grades were not good.”

Amid the struggles, she held onto a determination that her future could be different.

Her life began to change when she attended an information session by Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC). Learning about the scholarship program opened a small window of hope. At first, she hesitated as she afraid it might be too good to be true. But when she discovered that several students from her own school had received the same scholarship and were now working in good jobs, both she and her family felt confident that PNC could offer her a brighter future. With that assurance, she applied and determined to give herself and her family a second chance.

At PNC, Chhitchhanut found herself in a completely different learning environment. She realized that her poor high school grades did not define her potential. “Here, I could start fresh,” she says. “The teachers supported me every step of the way, not just with technical lessons but with life skills and confidence-building. They taught us how to think, communicate, and prepare for the future that is not only for a job, but for life.”

Surrounded by support at PNC, she realized she was capable of much more than she had imagined.

For her family, the scholarship meant far more than education; it meant relief. Coming from a poor household where education was once seen as a financial burden, PNC’s full support eased their worries. “Now my parents no longer have to struggle to pay for my schooling or living expenses,” she says proudly. “They can focus on my younger siblings so they can continue their studies too.” Her family is deeply proud of her achievements  as she is the first in her family to pursue higher education, as all other family members had completed only up to Grade 11.

The transformation in Chhitchhanut’s life is a testament to the collaborative investment from the Skill Development Fund (SDF), PNC, and its network of dedicated supporters. Because of this collective commitment, Chhitchhanut and many students like her can focus entirely on their professional growth rather than financial hardship.

With her sights set on becoming a full-stack developer and interning at a top tech firm next year, her outlook has completely shifted. ‘This opportunity has lifted the weight off my family’s shoulders and given me a clear path forward,’ she says. ‘Now, I can see my future clearly.’

A Week Full of Empowerment

Throughout the week, PNC organized activities that brought together students, partners, and the wider community to celebrate the achievements of women, while also emphasizing the importance of equality.

Mixed-Gender Football Competition: A Show of Support Through Sports

On Wednesday, March 5, PNC partnered with Kampuchea Balopp to host a mixed-gender football competition at the sports field of PSE – Pour un Sourire d’Enfant. This event was an opportunity to promote gender equality through the universal language of sports. Students participated with enthusiasm, showing their support for women’s rights while fostering teamwork and unity. 

Volleyball and Pétanque Tournaments: Teamwork in Action

On Saturday, March 8, the celebrations continued with a vibrant sports tournament organized by the Sports Club. We hosted volleyball and pétanque competitions with four mixed teams competing in each sport. The energy was high, and the friendly rivalry encouraged teamwork. After the tournament, our female students took part in a Women’s Day celebration at K-Mall, where they joined others in honoring women’s achievements across Cambodia.

Showcasing Female Talent at K-Mall

At K-Mall, we proudly set up a booth to showcase IT projects created by our talented female students. The booth was an example of the creativity and technological skills that PNC’s young women bring to the table. With the support of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, this was an opportunity to spotlight the achievements of women in the digital field and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

A Commitment to Gender Equality through the BRIDGES Project

Through the BRIDGES project, supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), PNC is actively promoting gender equality by providing high-quality digital training and career opportunities for youth—regardless of gender. By ensuring equal access to education and opportunities, we are helping break down barriers and create a future where young women can aim high and achieve their dreams. Currently, 50% of our students are women, reflecting our commitment to creating a gender-balanced environment where every student can thrive. At PNC, we believe that empowering women through education and opportunity is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility.

Together, We Empower Change

International Women’s Day was a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve. At PNC, we’re proud to be a part of a movement that is empowering young women to break barriers and create a brighter future. We’ll continue to work toward a world where every woman has the support and resources to succeed.

The event gathered nearly 600 attendees, a testament to the community’s strong support and belief in the mission of Passerelles Numériques. Among the attendees were His Excellency, Dr. Som Ratana, Under Secretary of State and representative of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) Cambodia, as well as over 50 representatives from our valued partners, trainers, graduates, and their families. It was an event full of emotions and inspiring moments that will surely remain etched in everyone’s memory.

A Ceremony Full of Heart

The ceremony kicked off with speeches that were both inspiring and heartfelt, offering words of encouragement to the graduates as they embark on their next professional journeys. The event also featured a stunning traditional dance performance by our students, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia. These performances not only highlighted the talent of our students. The most anticipated moment of the ceremony came with the official diploma presentation, where each graduate was recognized for their accomplishments. There were plenty of photo opportunities to capture the unforgettable memories, with smiles all around, as friends and families proudly looked on.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the representative from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports for their ongoing support of Passerelles Numériques and its students. Their commitment is invaluable in ensuring the continued success of our programs. Our gratitude also goes to our partners, alumni, and teachers for their dedication and guidance throughout the students’ journeys.

A Bright Future Ahead

Congratulations to our graduates, whose hard work and perseverance have paid off. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, and we have no doubt that they will go on to achieve great things in their professional careers. 

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

The graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of the students’ success but also a reminder of the incredible community that has supported them. Passerelles Numériques Cambodia could not have reached this milestone without the support of its partners, donors, and community. Together, we are building brighter futures for the youth of Cambodia, and the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together.

Photos by FERVORSHOT