Minister of Information Emphasises Census to Enhance Civil Service Efficiency and Quality

Phnom Penh: H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, highlighted that the ongoing census of civil servants within the Ministry of Information aims to ensure proper personnel deployment, align skills with job requirements, and assess the quality of human resources in the information sector.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the minister made the remarks here this morning while presiding over the launch of the civil servant census for both national and sub-national levels of the Ministry of Information. The initiative seeks to manage data and clarify the status of civil servants and contracted officials. The event was attended by ministry leadership, five directors-general, deputy directors-general in charge of human resources, department heads, and representatives from all 25 municipal and provincial information departments.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra stressed that the census aligns with the high-level recommendations of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia. He emphasised the need to strengthen the capacity of journalists in the digital era to enhance information quality, combat fake news, and build public trust. The census will help evaluate officials' competencies, improve reporting standards, and ensure effective information management.

The minister further noted that the Ministry of Information is reviewing its functions and operational structure in line with the Royal Government's policies of the 7th legislature of the National Assembly. Currently, the ministry employs 2,769 officials, including 1,002 women. Key priorities include institutional strengthening, capacity building, and merit-based incentives as part of broader public administration reforms.

To achieve these goals, the ministry is implementing modernisation measures, improving institutional efficiency, developing human resources, enforcing legal frameworks, fostering partnerships, and upholding meritocracy.

H.E. Mrs. Tes Phallin, Director-General of Administration and Finance, stated that the census follows the Royal Government's guidelines for all ministries to reassess functions, structures, and personnel data. The process includes verifying education levels, professional skills, and job alignment to optimise workforce deployment. It also ensures transparency in promotions, medals, and awards to recognise active and high-performing officials.

This initiative highlights the ministry's commitment to enhancing Cambodia's information sector through strategic reforms and skilled human resource management.