OCIC and Philippines' WCCI Partner to Launch Cambodia's First Aeronautical University

Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) has signed a partnership agreement with the Philippines' World Citi Colleges International, Inc. (WCCI) to establish WCC International Aero Tech University (WCC IATU) in Phnom Penh. The institution aims to expand local access to technical aviation training and prepare Cambodian students for specialised operational roles across the aviation sector.

The formal signing ceremony took place on October 1, 2026, led by OCIC Vice-Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Oknha Dr. Carolyne Pung, OCIC Vice-President Thierry Tea, and WCCI Chief Executive Officer Raymond Patrick Guico. The event was overseen by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, alongside State Secretariat of Civil Aviation representative H.E. Ly Sovannarith and diplomatic representatives from Canada, France, and the Philippines.

Specialised Degrees and Market Demand

Upon its debut, the new university plans to offer three distinct undergraduate programmes:

• Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (specialising in Mechanical and Avionics)
• Bachelor of Science in Airline Operations Management
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management with an integrated flight attendant curriculum

These curricula are designed to train students in aircraft electronics, mechanical maintenance, flight service standards, and operational management. By providing direct access to internationally aligned aviation training within Phnom Penh, the institution seeks to open pathways for local engineers and technicians to pursue careers both domestically and globally.

Graduates will also gain access to global industry networks spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East, North Asia, and Australia. The initiative comes amid rapid regional growth, with aircraft manufacturer Boeing projecting that Southeast Asia will require 258,000 new pilots, cabin crew members, and aircraft technicians between 2026 and 2045 as part of a global demand exceeding 2.4 million personnel.

Building Domestic Aviation Expertise

Addressing the partnership, Dr. Carolyne Pung noted that aviation relies on a broad intersection of disciplines, emphasizing that the collaboration intends to enable young Cambodians to transition their interests into viable long-term careers.

Thierry Tea highlighted the long-term strategic vision behind the institution, noting that investments in education are essential to developing world-class Cambodian aeronautical specialists capable of thriving in local and international markets.

Regional Educational Collaboration

WCCI brings decades of specialized aviation and technical education to the venture. Operating as part of the World Citi Group, which was founded in 1978, the Philippine institution has graduated more than 100,000 professionals working worldwide.

WCCI Chief Executive Raymond Patrick Guico stated that the new university will focus on rigorous practical training aligned directly with employer requirements, giving students the technical proficiencies needed for the industry. The venture will blend WCCI's educational expertise with OCIC’s substantial footprint in domestic infrastructure and education development.