Employer-Student Roundtable: Employability Gap

On February 13, 2017, Zaman University hosted a seminar on the topic of Employer-Student Roundtable: "Employability Gap" in collaboration with ACCA Cambodia. Four guest speakers from different affiliations shared diverse views on the topic.  

Mr. Neou Ratana, the Acting Head of ACCA, opened the floor and began his talk by discussing the privilege of holding an ACCA qualification and being an ACCA affiliate as opposed to holding a Bachelor or Master degree in Accounting. Mr. Sar Kinal, the Managing Director from Aplus Consulting Co. Ltd, then pointed out four major skills that employers seek in their prospective employees: Basic Communication, Technical, Ownership, and Social skills. He concluded that a closer engagement between educational institutions and the industries would lessen the gap and challenges the employers face when seeking to find the potential employees. Mr. Nut Sam Art, FCCA, Partner, PCG & Partners Ltd, shared similar perspectives and followed the discussion by stating that only about 4 percent of the total 500,000 SMEs have proper financial statements; hence having an accredited certification is a crucial asset to the industry. Last but not least, Mr. Chea Hongchhay, ACCA, Senior Associate at PwC Cambodia, shared his personal insight as an ACCA holder, the career development prospect, and his own expectations versus the practical experience he has encountered so far.

After the talk, students had the chance to discuss with the employers directly, regarding expectations in the workplace​ as well for ideas about networking.