[Phnom Penh Post]: Financial literacy and financial inclusion in Cambodia are expected to become stronger as the International Labour Organization (ILO), together with the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), officially launched the ILO Financial Education Certification Programme.

The May 18 launch ceremony was held in Phnom Penh.

Sok Voeun, chairman of the CMA board, explained that the launch marked “an important milestone in our shared journey toward a more financially inclusive and resilient Cambodia”.

“This programme is part of the ILO Global Programme on Financial Education, which aims to enhance financial literacy and financial inclusion through capacity building and professional training,” he said.

He noted that integrating the ILO global programme into the formal training system is a significant step toward building professional training capacity across the entire financial sector.

“This initiative will empower financial service providers to go beyond transactional services and instead deliver informed, responsible, and client-centred financial advice. This is particularly important as Cambodia continues its transition toward digital wage payments. Ensuring that this transformation remains inclusive, responsible and responsive to the needs of both employers and employees is essential,” he added.

According to Voeun, financial literacy is a key foundation of a stable and thriving financial ecosystem. When customers clearly understand their rights and obligations, the risk of excessive indebtedness can be reduced, contributing to stronger institutional sustainability. Financial education also helps promote decent work and social justice.

Rath Sophan, chair of the ABC, said the programme would become an important achievement in their collective efforts to empower banking professionals with financial knowledge and responsible financial behaviour.