The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities, challenges, and
implications for human resource development (HRD) for Cambodia in joining the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community in 2015. The paper starts by
providing an overview of ASEAN as a regional institution and the rationale for the ASEAN
Economic Community (AEC) 2015. The second section outlines and discusses current HRD
practices in Cambodia, which include the country’s National Strategic Development Plan and
Rectangular Strategy, higher education system, vocational and technical education system, and
HRD through the private sector. What follows is an in-depth analysis of the main HRD
challenges facing Cambodia, namely ASEAN integration challenges, mismatches between
education and employment, problems with higher education and technical and vocational
education systems, challenges in technology development and HRD, and a lack of awareness
and engagement in the AEC processes. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for
research and practices as regards Cambodia’s integration in the ASEAN Economic Community.