Context

PHNOM PENH – During the COVID-19 pandemic, leadership capacity development within garment factories took on a new urgency, and Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) developed the first session of the Factory Ambassador Programme (FAP). The programme is designed to support the capacity development of key members of the factory bipartite committee to take more ownership of improving their workplaces.

The goal is to elevate factory ambassadors, equipping them with the skills and confidence to transform their workplaces. Moving from passive recipients of training to proactive leaders, these ambassadors now diagnose emerging issues, facilitate problem-solving, and tailor training to their factories’ specific needs.

Strategic Programme Design

FAP is designed to complement the existing advisory services provided by BFC. The programme is structured as a 10-module course that covers essential areas such as soft skills, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), Human Resources, and Industrial Relations. Throughout the year of BFC’s advisory engagement, ambassadors participate in guided self-diagnosis and bipartite committee meetings, improving the capacity to identify root causes of problems that exist in factories and recommend effective solutions.

During the initial stages, BFC sought out high-potential leaders—individuals who were naturally approachable, emotionally intelligent, skilled listeners, and had some degree of experience or interest in applying new ideas or technologies. Priority is also given to applicants who outline specific plans to apply the skills and knowledge to their organization.