Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 25 – A transformative new initiative is set to reshape Cambodia's agricultural sector by equipping young entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources. Officially launched on the 21-24 March 2025, the "Developing Youth and Nurturing Agripreneurship for Market Impact and Community Growth (DYNAMIC)" project is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering agripreneurship among Cambodian youth. Funded by a USD 2.45 million grants from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), this three-year initiative, running from March 2025 to December 2027, seeks to address key barriers youth in rural areas, such as limited access to financing and technical training.
Strategic Collaboration for Impact
The DYNAMIC project brings together leading organizations to drive meaningful change. KOICA, in partnership with ChildFund Korea and Wonders International, provides strategic direction and project oversight. The Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), renowned for its expertise in agricultural research and education, will spearhead specialized training programs. As His Excellency, Ngo Bunthan, Rector of RUA, enthusiastically stated:
"This isn't just a partnership; it's a revolution in agricultural education! With KOICA's support, we're injecting entrepreneurship and cutting-edge agripreneurship directly into our curriculum, forging the next generation of Cambodian agripreneurship."
This sentiment reflects RUA's commitment to actively shaping the future of the sector. Meanwhile, the National Incubation Center of Cambodia (NICC), with its proven track record, will provide crucial mentorship, business plan development, and network access. Srun Sovila, Director of NICC, emphasized the broader vision:
"We're not just building a program; we're building a national steps for innovation! With KOICA, CFK, and WI, NICC is leveraging its research, resources, and a network to ignite the potential of Cambodian startups and be part of transforming agriculture"
NICC's prior collaboration with KOICA strengthens its capacity to support these new ventures. The synergy between NICC and RUA is poised to create a powerful learning ecosystem.
Alignment with National Development Goals
The DYNAMIC initiative is also perfectly corresponding with the Cambodian government's Pentagonal Strategy, which prioritizes the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem as vital engines for economic development. By removing barriers that discourage young people in rural communities from pursuing to challenge a new initiative in agricultural sector, the project will open doors to sustainable economic opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction.
A Comprehensive Approach to Agripreneurship
The DYNAMIC project uses a multi-pronged strategy: awareness campaigns, immersive training, mentorship, business plan guidance, and seed funding through pitching competitions. Startup competitions will further provide exposure and networking. Jaekyun Rho, Country Director of ChildFund Korea Cambodia Country Office, highlighted the targeted approach:
"Our focus is on reaching Cambodia's vulnerable youth, particularly in rural areas. This collaboration with KOICA, WI, NICC, and RUA allows us to provide critical support and opportunities where they're needed most."
Wonders International, a key partner, brings a proactive and action-oriented approach. Song Bum Lee, CEO of Wonders International, stated that:
"DYNAMIC isn't just a word; it's our operating principle! We're diving headfirst into action, driving this collaboration with proactive communication, and ensuring lasting success with KOICA, CFK, NICC, and RUA."
Driving Innovation and Economic Resilience
By investing in the potential of young Cambodians, the DYNAMIC project is expected to catalyze the creation of innovative agripreneurship, expand market access, and foster productivity. Furthermore, by unleashing the spirit of young Cambodians, empowering them to build sustainable agribusiness and providing them with greater opportunity, the initiative will, in turn, strengthen rural economies, increase incomes, and improve livelihoods. The collaboration and commitment of all partners involved signal a bright future for Cambodia’s agriculture sector. This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering a more vibrant, sustainable, and innovative agripreneurship ecosystem driven by the energy and ingenuity of the next generation.
=FRESH NEWS
