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Final report

1st Cambodia Education Research Forum

National Institute of Education

Phnom Penh 14th - 15th February - 2014

Organized by

Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA)

in partnership with

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS)

with technical and financial support of UNESCO

The Final Report of the Cambodia Education Research Forum was prepared by Dr. Giuseppe Sapienza

This publication may be freely reproduced and quoted in all or in part, provided that due credit is given.

សមាគា្រគឹះសាសឧត�តិ ក្ Cambodian Higher Education Association

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List of contents

Introduction to the first Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF) ................ 2

Session 1: Opening of CERF - 14 February 2014 ................................................... 4

Opening Keynote address: H.E. Dr. Hang Choun Naron, Minister of Education,

Youth and Sports ..................................................................................................... 6

Session 2 - Keynote speeches - 14 February ........................................................... 7

Session 3 - Key note speeches - 14 February .......................................................... 9

Session 4 - Parallel sessions - 14 February ........................................................... 10

Session 5 - Keynote speeches - 15 February ......................................................... 12

Parallel sessions - 15 February .............................................................................. 13

Moderated Panel Discussion – 15 February .......................................................... 15

Closing Remarks and Recommendations .............................................................. 16

Recommendations ................................................................................................. 19

Annex 1 - Agenda .................................................................................................. 20

Annex 2 – Paralell sessions ................................................................................... 23

Annex 3 - Welcome Remarks by H.E. Ly Chheng ............................................... 29

Annex 4 - Welcome remarks by Ms. Anne Lemaistre .......................................... 33

Annex 5 - Opening Remarks by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron ............................. 36

Annex 6 - Speech by H. E. Yok Ngoy .................................................................. 42

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Introduction to the first Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF)

Cambodia has made significant progress in the education sector. This progress can be seen from the rapid expansion of higher education sub-sector in the last decade where there is an increasing number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and enrollments. This period also witnessed the increase in the private provision of higher education in Cambodia to the current 66 private HEIs.

With the expansion of access to higher education and rapid enrollment growth in the past years, there is general consensus that the HEIs need to pay significant attention to improving the quality of higher education programmes in order to ensure relevance to the human capital needs of Cambodia and respond to the social, political, cultural and economic challenges of ASEAN integration in 2015.

One of the key areas identified by a number of policy documents and studies in Cambodia1 is the need to strengthen research programs and capacities of the HEIs. The MoEYS in 2010 developed and approved a Policy on Research and Development in the Education Sector together with the Master Plan and the Action Plan for the Research and Development in the Education Sector 2011 – 2015. In line with this need, CHEA, UNESCO and MoEYS, organized the first Cambodia Education Research Forum.

In order to support the ongoing implementation of the Research Development in the Education Sector Master and Action Plans, CHEA proposed to establish a “Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF)” in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), with technical and financial support from UNESCO. The CERF intends to be an annual event to bring together institutions engaged in conducting and promoting education research in Cambodia providing an important platform to bring together higher education students, researchers and practitioners to share their work and experience.

The first Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF) took place on 14 -15 February, 2014, at the National Institute of Education (NIE), with the purpose to foster research development in the education sector, to improve capacities of young researchers and to raise awareness of importance of educational research in Cambodia.

1 See the reports from SNEC, MOEYS (Research Policy, Master and Action Plans), MoLVT, NCOST, ILO, WB, UNDP and UNESCO.

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The first CERF was attended by 492 national and international participants and provided the opportunity to listen to accredited experts as well as young Cambodian researchers in the field of education.

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Session 1: Opening of CERF - 14 February 2014

H.E. Ly Chheng, President of CHEA thanked the Minister of Education, UNESCO and all the participants for their efforts in running the first CERF.

He spoke about CERF considering it a great opportunity to explore the weaknesses, strengths, and challenges in the management of education in Cambodia from early childhood education to post-graduate study, to encourage and enhance research activities in the field of education, and to keep research as documents for the next generation researchers.

He concluded his speech renewing CHEA’s commitment to make CERF an annual appointment in support of research in the field of education with the promise to expand its importance in the upcoming years. (see annex 3)

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Ms. Anne Lemaistre, Representative of UNESCO in Cambodia, highlighted the role of research as one of the most important indicators in educational development, and remarked the contribution of UNESCO, particularly in higher education.

She emphasized the general consensus for the need to improve the quality of higher education in order to meet the current and future human capital needs of Cambodia and respond to the social, political, cultural and economic challenges as well as to benefit from the ASEAN integration in 2015.

Describing the CERF, she adopted the analogy of a baby: “today the baby is born” she said.

She continued stressing how “the first 1000 days are critical for the overall development of the baby.” During the next 1000 days, it is crucial working together to make CERF a stable appointment. She ended the opening remarks promising support for the upcoming years from UNESCO. (see Annex 4)

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Opening Keynote address: H.E. Dr. Hang Choun Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, spoke about the new Rectangular Strategy Phase III of the Royal Government, introduced by the Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen on September 25th 2013, that has ushered into a new era in promoting the development of education sector by considering education a priority for the socio-economic improvement of Cambodia.

In order to meet the needs of education in Cambodia, in line with the Rectangular Strategy and the Education Strategy Plan 2014-2018, he proposed 8 key measures:

1) Improvement of public financial management, 2) Strengthening of personnel management, 3) Reform of the examination system, 4) Creation of think-tanks on education policy, 5) Reform of higher education, 6) Improvement of quality of educational services at all levels, 7) Development of technical, vocational and soft skills of youths, 8) Reform on Physical Education and Sport.

He closed his speech appealing for all to evaluate achievements, costs and future interventions that can ensure lasting legacies for generations to come. With this important goal to achieve, he agreed to make the CERF an annual event. (see annex 5)

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Session 2 - Keynote speeches - 14 February

Moderator: Prof. Francois Giroux

Keynote speakers: Dr. Wang Libing - Prof. Keichii Ogawa.

Dr. Wang Libing, Coordinator of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Educational Innovation and Development (APEID) Programme, drew attention on the role of research in the promotion of excellence in higher education. He highlighted that the educational policy-making mechanisms require analytical researches to feed into national policy debate. Dr. Libing stated that educational research can contribute to the establishment of a sustainable and

inclusive higher education system by engaging all the stakeholders in the consultation process, with policy outcomes which can benefit the entire community. In addition, educational research can produce strong national knowledge base for information sharing and capacity building. He also emphasized the importance of quality research and mechanisms of international standardization still not implemented in Cambodia.

In his presentation: “Education capacity development, lesson from Japan and ASEAN”, Prof. Keiichi Ogawa, from Kobe University, Japan, spoke about the importance of promoting and strengthening research practices and capacities of HEIs to support young academic researchers and disseminate the education research results. Prof. Ogawa, considered the following strategies the key elements for a significant improvement of research in education: constant training of teaching staff (in-service training), upgrade of the teaching

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staff, establishment of university level journal, staff exchange in collaborative research, and the implementation of clear promotion system.

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Session 3 - Key note speeches - 14 February

Moderator: Dr. Chhinh Sitha

Keynote speakers: Prof. Ken Wilson - Dr. Chan Roath

Prof. Ken Wilson, from Texas University, shared examples of many countries, where research in science saved many lives, allowed the establishment of mega businesses and contributed to the wealth of the nation. He also noted that despite the astounding progress, educational research is still not sufficiently valueed. He marked the improvement of education in Cambodia as well as the problems that still must be faced like the absence of valid accreditation processes, the profound lack

of qualified teachers, the weak administration skills, the scarcity of classroom materials supporting teaching, the low level of “inquiry based learning” and rewards and benefits for teacher motivation.

Dr. Chan Roath, Director of the Scientific Research Department of MoEYS, presented the “MoEYS Policy and Action Plan on Research and Development in the Education Sector”. He described the seven strategies of the action plan: 1) Research Capacity, 2) Research Quality, 3: Cooperative Research, 4) Research Reports, 5) Research Ethics and Permission, 6) International Cooperation, 7) Marketing Research and Development. He explained the meaning of the strategies and how to achieve their goal. Further, he also confirmed the commitment of MoEYS

and ACC to develop evidence-based policies, guidelines, and minimum standards for accreditation of graduate schools.

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Session 4 - Parallel sessions - 14 February

Speaker Topic Moderator Chea Vichetra How to set international

standard for Cambodia's education. Dr. Ros Soveacha

Ouk Khamdy New type of teacher trainers. Huot Maly Textbook analysis: Level of

Critical Thinking in Cambodian Biology Textbooks.

Dr. Chhinh Sitha Lon Sokchea The influences on the career

decision making of grading 12 graduates.

Kouy Kimroeun Cambodian EFL Students’ Perceptions on Computer assisted Instruction.

Kea Leaph Higher Education ethical issues in Research and Research Capability in Cambodian HEIs.

Mr. Kieng Rotana

Mok Sarom Gender differences and accommodation behaviors of Cambodian conversation participants in the use of Khmer backchannels.

So Suthy Khmer Teaching Methodology in Primary School,

Yong Sing Ang Teacher training: Effective motivational strategies for EFL teaching and learning for BELTEI International university.

Dr. Dy Samsideth Soeung Sopha The determinants of student

achievement in rural Cambodian primary schools

Sok Serey Compulsory education for the rural children in Samraong District, Takeo Province, Cambodia.

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Chrin Mac Perceptions of under graduate students towards nursing study program at one university in Cambodia.

Dr. Rath Chhang

Nhim Sokphyrom The relationship between hours working and academic achievement: A case study of students in high school X

Harth Bunhe Indicator development of internal quality assurance for the school providing both general and vocational education systems: case study of kampong Chhuetea High school, Kingdom of Cambodia.

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Session 5 - Keynote speeches - 15 February

Moderator: Mr. Santosh Khatri

Speakers: Prof. Kazuo Kuroda - Dr. Rath Chhang

Prof. Kazuo Kuroda, from Waseda University, Japan, in his presentation: “Asian Regionalization of Higher Education” highlighted the gap between Cambodia and the other Asian countries, giving few suggestions for bridging the gap.

He suggested a strengthening of the internationalization and regionalization in order to improve international understanding and peaceful relations, nurturing “Global Citizen” and “Regional Identity”, and to response to marketization of international higher education.

Dr. Rath Chhang, from ACC, spoke about the evolution of the graduate school system in Cambodia. He remarked how in order to ensure the development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and minimum standards for the accreditation of graduate schools, it is necessary to set up a baseline study on the current state of graduate training programs in higher education. He highlighted that some graduate schools have and follow clear standards, policies and guidelines, whereas others are still working on them. He ended saying since the

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graduate school system in Cambodia is evolving in a slow and uneven way, initiatives like the CERF must be encouraged and supported.

Parallel sessions - 15 February

Speaker Topic Moderator Tuy Sopheak Reasey Higher Education: Using weekly

journal as the strategy to motivate and improve students' academic writing.

Dr. Un Leang

Vanntha Soktuo How to improve Education in Cambodia.

Haing Sivpheng Perceptions of Lecturers and Students on the Quality of Teaching in Cambodian Higher Education: A Case Study in English Department of One University in Phnom Penh.

Khleang Sovann An Evaluation of Cambodian EFL Pre-Service Teacher Training Program at National Institute of Education Mr. Im Samrithy

Cham Soeun Teacher's perceptions and practices of teaching English at a secondary schools in rural areas.

Kim Dinath Tertiary teachers' motivation for choosing and remaining in teaching in a public university in Cambodia.

Dr. Khieu Vicheanon

Sot Visal High School Teachers’ Perceptions of Principals’ Leadership Styles and School as Learning Organization in Phnom Penh.

Has Piseth Teachers’ Perceptions toward School Directors’ Leadership Characteristics: A Case Study of High Schools in Siem Reap Province

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Voeng Sokhkhan Influential factors on first year students' social sciences or English subject major choices: A case study of an institute in Phnom Penh

Mr. Jonh Friend-Pereira

Chuong Chantha Examination of science process skills of elementary teacher trainees in provincial teacher training colleges in Cambodia

Ouk Vibol Tourism professional specialized training in higher education in Cambodia for beginning of 21st century

Meas Sorphornarith

How To Challenge with ADHD Students and the techniques

Ms. Nem Sowathey

Vann Moniroith How effective is the Cambodian government policy on assuring the quality in Cambodian higher education?

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Moderated Panel Discussion – 15 February

Topic: Promoting Educational Research in Cambodia

Moderator: Mr. Mar Sophea

Panelists:

H.E. Mak Ngoy, General Director of Dept of Higher Education

H.E. Sieng Sovanna, Director of NIE

H.E. Chea Sokheang, Vice-president of CHEA

Mr. Napoleon Navarro, Deputy Country Director of UNDP

The panel discussion was an important occasion to review the current situation of education in Cambodia. The Panel Members, with different perspectives over the problems raised during the keynote speeches and presentations, provided few recommendations about the role of higher education in promoting reseaerch. In particular,

they emphasized the importance of research to the improvement of the quality of teaching in formal school education, the necessity of international standards for the improvement of student’s and teacher’s level, a balance between private and public education, a closer link between research and Human Capital.

The Panel also recommended, to make CERF an annual event, with the suit financial and human resources, able to contribute to the stimulation of the economic growth in Cambodia through the improvement of education.

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Closing Remarks and Recommendations

Mr. Santosh Khatri, Education Program Specialist at UNESCO, Phnom Penh, thanked all the excellencies, professors, researchers, students, organizers and participants who made the first CERF possible.

He welcomed sugestions for the improvement of the next one and renewed the commitment of UNESCO to work with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sprots, CHEA, Development Partners and higher educational institutions to make CERF an important platform

for students and young researchers and a key moment in the debate about education and research in Cambodia.

Dr. Giuseppe Sapienza, as repporteur of CERF, presented a brief summary of the CERF results, inculding recommendations on making the CERF an even more engaging platform in its subsequent editions.

He browsed the sugestions provided during the two days by the CERF spaekers and stressed few points, like the need for more resources, the necessity of a wider membership and a stronger engagement of broader

stakeholders, as well as an effective coordination among the different members. He also provided recommendations covering the different topics of education and research, the full set of which is provided in the session Recommendations but can

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be summarized in terms of more resources, more organization and more coordination among the organizers.

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H.E. LY Chheng, President of CHEA, expressed his sincere thanks to the Minister of Education, UNESCO and all the participants, for making the first CERF possible. He considered the first CERF an unparalled opportunity to strengthen the ties between students, researchers, professors and policy-makers, an opportunity to share experiences and listen to committed voices about education in Cambodia. He was happy to witness the full success of the event renewing his confidence on moving further along the path taken.

The Cambodia Education Research Forum was closed by H.E. Yok Ngoy (Secretary of State of Ministry, Education Youth and Sport) stressed the importance of education for the economic growth and the general development of Cambodia, asking for the support of all the stakeholders in the pursuing of the goals mentioned during the first CERF through the strategies proposed.

He considered education as an investment for the future, that must be prioritized through a new agenda.

He congratulated everybody for the fruitful and active discussion in the whole forum, giving appointment to the next year. (annex 12)

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Recommendations

In order to make CERF a crucial event for education & research and contribute to the development of Cambodia, the following actions are recommended:

1. To make CERF an important event, it needs to be able to attract the best intellectual resources from Cambodia and abroad. To accomplish this, it must mobilize adequate financial resources, through partnerships, sponsorships and other public and private sources.

2. As CERF is expecetd to be a national platform, there needs to be joint representation of public and private institutions. Accordingly, a CERF Steering Committee, representing the public, private, MOEYS, development partners and research organizations should be established.

3. The standard to which CERF aspires, requires that its organization must be planned sufficiently in advance in order to allow the Organizing Committee to set high standards, provide the appropriate guidelines and involve the best human resources.

4. In order to encourage students and young researchers to invest their best energies studying the topics selected by the Organizing Committee, a certain number of research grants could be established by the institutions affiliated with CHEA and CERF.

5. The CERF should take into account the real needs of Cambodia and encourage academic research topics of national importance.

6. Active engagement of the private/public industry sectors needs to be sought, particularly in promoting research to better understand industry needs and to better inform and improve the relevance of skills development programmes in accordance with labor market trends.

7. The CERF proceedings (speeches, presentations, research papers) should be consolidated into a form of publication according to international academic standards.

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Annex 1 - Agenda

Cambodia Education Research Forum

Date: 14th-15th February 2014

Venue: National Institute of Education

14 February 2014 Time Program Room People in Charge 7:00-8:00 Registration Organizer 8:00-8:05 National Anthem

Brief introduction of the Forum and agenda

Hall MC

8:05-8:20 Ploysoury and Blessing Dance Performance

8:20-8:45 Welcome remarks by H.E. LY Chheng, President of Cambodian Higher Education Association

Hall

8:45-9:10 Welcome remarks by Ms. Anne Lemaistre, Representative of UNESCO

Hall

9:10-10:00 Opening remarks by H.E. Dr. HANG Chuon Naron, Minister of Education Youth and Sports

Hall

Photo Session and Coffee break Hall Organizer 10:00-11:00 Keynote 1: Role of research in

promoting excellence in Higher Education. By: Dr. Wang Libing, APEID Coordinator, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok. Q&A

Hall Moderator Prof. Francois Giroux

11:00-12:00 Keynote 2: Education research capacity development: Lessons from Japan and ASEAN By: Prof. Keichii Ogawa, Kobe University, Japan Q&A

Hall

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12:00-13:30 Lunch (provided) 13:30-14:40 Plenary Session

Topic: Research in Cambodia: Educational role and requirements By Prof. Ken Wilson, Texas University Topic: MOEYS Policy and Action Plan on Research and Development in the Education Sector By Dr. Chan Roath, Director of the Scientific Research Department, MOEYS Q&A

Hall Moderator Dr. Chhinh Sitha

14:40 – 14:45

Guidelines for Parallel Sessions Hall MC

14:45 – 15:15

Coffee break Hall

15:15 - 17:00

Five Parallel Sessions* (please see attached for the details of parallel sessions)

Room Moderator

15 February 2014 7:00-8:00 Registration 8:00-9:00 Keynote 3: Asian regionalization

of higher education By: Prof. Kazuo Kuroda, Waseda University Q&A

Moderator Mr. Santosh Khatri

9:00-10:00 Keynote 4: Baseline study on Graduate Programs in Cambodia By: Dr. Rath Chhang, Accreditation Committee of Cambodia Q&A

Hall

10:00-10:30 Coffee break Hall 10:30-12:00 Five Parallel Sessions* (please see

attached for the details of parallel Room moderator

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sessions) 12:00-13:30 Lunch (provided) 13:30-15:00 Plenary: Moderated Panel

Discussion Promoting Educational Research in Cambodia Moderator: Mr. Mar Sophea, ADB Suggested panelists (TBC): - H.E. Mak Ngoy, General Director of Dept of Higher Education - H.E. Sieng Sovanna, Director of NIE - H.E. Chea Sokheang, Vice-president of CHEA - UNESCO - Mr. Napoleon Navarro, Deputy Country Director of UNDP

Hall Moderator Mr. Mar Sophea

15:00-15:30 Coffee break Hall 15:30-16:00 Concluding Reports by CHEA Hall MC 16:00- 16:10

Vote of thanks : UNESCO Hall

16:10- 16:30

Vote of thanks : CHEA Hall

16:30-17:00 Closing remarks by H.E. YOK Ngoy, Secretary of State of Ministry of Education Youth and Sports

Hall

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Annex 2 – Paralell sessions

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Date Room (TBC)

Moderator) Time Presenter Topic

14 February

2014 (Afternoon)

New Building

Dr. Ros Soveacha

15:15-15:45

Chea Vichetra

How to set international standard for Cambodia's education

15:45-16:15

Souk Sophal Educational planning and management in Cambodia

16:15-16:45

Ouk Khamdy New type of teacher trainers

New Building

Dr. Chhinh Sitha

15:15-15:45

Huot Maly

Textbook analysis: Level of Critical Thinking in Cambodian Biology Textbooks

15:45-16:15

Lon Sokchea The influences on the career decision making of grading 12 graduates

16:15-16:45

Kouy Kim Roeun

Cambodian EFL Students’ Perceptions on Computer-assisted Instruction

New Building

Mr. Kieng Rotana

15:15-15:45

Kea Leaph

Higher Education ethical issues in Research and Research Capability in Cambodian HEIs

15:45-16:15

Mok Sarom

Gender differences and accommodation behaviors of Cambodian conversation participants in the use of

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Khmer backchannels

16:15-16:45

So Suthy Khmer Teaching Methodology in Primary School,

Building G1

Dr. Dy Samsideth

15:15-15:45

Yong Sing Ang

Teacher training: Effective motivational strategies for EFL teaching and learning for BELTEI International university

15:45-16:15

Soeung Sopha

The determinants of student achievement in rural Cambodian primary schools

16:15-16:45

Sok Serey

Compulsory education for the rural children in Samraong District, Takeo Province, Cambodia

Building H

(First Floor)

Dr. Rath Chhang

15:15-15:45

Chrin Mac

Perceptions of under graduate students towards nursing study program at one university in Cambodia

15:45-16:15

Nhim Sokphyrom

The relationship between hours working and academic achievement: A case study of students in high school X

16:15-16:45

Harth Bunhe Indicator development of internal quality assurance for the school providing both

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general and vocational education systems: case study of kampong Chhuetea High school, Kingdom of Cambodia.

15 February

2014 (Morning)

New Building

Dr. Un Leang

10:30-11:00

Tuy Sopheak Reasey

Higher Education: Using weekly journal as the strategy to motivate and improve students' academic writing

11:00-11:30

Vanntha Soktuo

How to improve Education in Cambodia

11:30-12:00

Haing Sivpheng

Perceptions of Lecturers and Students on the Quality of Teaching in Cambodian Higher Education: A Case Study in English Department of One University in Phnom Penh

New Building

Mr. Im Samrithy

10:30-11:00

Khleang Sovann

An Evaluation of Cambodian EFL Pre-Service Teacher Training Program at National Institute of Education

11:00-11:30

Cham Soeun Teacher's perceptions and practices of teaching English at a secondary schools in

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rural areas 11:30-12:00

New Building

Dr. Khieu Vicheanon

10:30-11:00

Kim Dinath

Tertiary teachers' motivation for choosing and remaining in teaching in a public university in Cambodia

11:00-11:30

Sot Visal

High School Teachers’ Perceptions of Principals’ Leadership Styles and School as Learning Organization in Phnom Penh

11:30-12:00

Has Piseth

Teachers’ Perceptions toward School Directors’ Leadership Characteristics: A Case Study of High Schools in Siem Reap Province

Building G1

Mr. Jonh Friend-Pereira

10:30-11:00

Voeng Sokhkhan

Influential factors on first year students' social sciences or English subject major choices: A case study of an institute in Phnom Penh

11:00-11:30

Chuong Chantha

Examination of science process skills of elementary teacher trainees in provincial teacher training colleges in

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Cambodia

11:30-12:00

Ouk Vibol

Tourism professional specialized training in higher education in Cambodia for beginning of 21st Century

Building H

(First Floor)

Ms. Nem Sowathey

10:30-11:00

Meas Sorphornarith

How To Challenge with ADHD Students and the techniques

11:00-11:30

Vann

Moniroith

How effective is the Cambodian government policy on assuring the quality in Cambodian higher education?

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Annex 3 - Welcome Remarks by H.E. Ly Chheng

President of Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA)

in the Opening Ceremony of Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF)

National Institute of Education, February 14-15, 2014

- H.E. Dr. HANG CHUON NARON, Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport - Madam ANNE LEMAISTRE, Representative of UNESCO in Cambodia - Your Excellencies, Lok Oknha, Lok Chumteav, Rectors, Vice Rectors, National and International

Distinguished Guests - Ladies and Gentlemen

Today, Cambodian Higher Education Association has a great honor to warmly welcome H.E. Dr. HANG CHUON NARON, Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to preside over the Opening Ceremony of Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF) which is vitally important for all Cambodian researchers to discover advantages, disadvantages, strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the management of education in Cambodia. This research forum is strongly supported by UNESCO in Cambodia both financially and technically to make this event even more proudly joyful.

Cambodia Education Research Forum, which is being conducted, has four important objectives as follows:

1. Explore the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and challenges in the management of education in Cambodia from early childhood education, primary education, and secondary education to post-graduate study.

2. Contribute to strengthening the quality of education at all levels. 3. Encourage and promote research activities in the field of education. 4. Keep research as documents for the next generation researchers.

His Excellency Doctor Minister of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport!

Ladies and gentlemen!

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In this auspicious occasion, I would request for high permission from H.E. Dr. Minister and all participants to make a brief report on Cambodian Higher Education Association as follows:

Cambodian Higher Education Association was founded by the announcement of the Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia Nº 490 dated June 29, 2004 which is named in the Khmer as សមាគមារគ ះឹ ស�នគស�មសមគ្សោ and in English as Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA), and so far there are 56 educational institutions as its members, in which 27 are universities, 12 are institutes and 17 are schools. In addition, the association is led by one Honorary President, one Chairman of Board of Directors, three Vice-chairmen of Board of Directors, one President and four Vice-Presidents, and all of whom are elected in each mandate of 3 years.

Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) is established with the purposes as below:

1- Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) was founded with the purpose of contributing to effectively develop the education sector and build human resources with the Royal Government, in which the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and Accreditation Committee of Cambodia are the core members, and in conformity with the rectangular strategy of the Royal Government led by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, a wise leader who has brought complete peace and development of all sectors to the country.

2- To gather the intelligent resources from all private higher education institutions in order to make it easy for exchanging opinions, ideas, views, experiences and school curriculums for promoting the quality of education in Cambodia in order to meet the national and international standards. Particularly, the students who graduated from every private higher education institution are sufficiently capable in terms of general knowledge, languages and skills to successfully compete for the national and international labor markets.

3- To be convenient for communication and cooperation with domestic and overseas institutions and for presenting the potential of private education sector in Cambodia through CHEA’s website: www.chea.edu.kh. Through this website, the Cambodian compatriots and the people around the world will be more aware of the progress of education sector in Cambodia, and it is also a chance for demonstrating the Royal Government’s right policy on education sector.

Taking this opportunity, may I inform all of you about the significant achievements that our association has made so far;

1. Active participation in social actions:

- Visiting front line soldiers in Preah Vihear.

- Donating blood to the National Blood Transfusion Centre to save victims.

- Contributing the money to the Cambodian Red Cross.

- Granting scholarship to poor students via our leaders.

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- Arranging students to attend many different functions of the year.

2. Relation and Cooperation Affairs: Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) has cooperated closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Accreditation Committee of Cambodia, Foreign Embassies in Cambodia, and other concerned national and international institutions. Our association also led our delegates to visit the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia in order to learn and to exchange experiences in order to better the quality of education in Cambodia.

3. Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) works closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in determining intakes for higher education level twice per academic year throughout the country; that is on the 1st of October and the 1st of March, in order to provide chances to students of both living in the city and rural areas choose their convenient study time. Moreover, Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) has discussed with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport in changing Degree paper from A3 to A4, modifying words used in the paper and setting the standard one from Associate Degree up to Doctoral Degree, and announcing to be in use of the new form of Degree paper all over the country effective from September 02,2012 .

4. Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) has organized training on Library Skills for 65 librarians from 56 educational institutions who are members of CHEA.

5. Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) has collaborated an Education Exhibition with Singapore and the United Kingdom in Cambodia at the National Institute of Education (NIE).

All these achievements of CHEA are the results of the enthusiasm and efforts of the management team and the members who perform their specific duties actively. The most important of all is the great support of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Samdech Kittiprittbandit, who sacrifice their invaluable time in officiating the graduation ceremonies and awarding degrees to the graduates of various higher education institutions which are the members of CHEA. Moreover, Samdech Hun Sen has donated a building located in Boeung Trabaek High School compound to be used as library and office of CHEA and in titled it as Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Lok Chumteav Library, which was officially opened on May 05,2008 and by Samdech Hun Sen. In addition, in accordance with the correct political platform from our Royal Government , under the wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen as the Prime Minister, who has set up the Rectangular Strategies that regard the enhancement of the Education field as the priority among other fields as mentioned in the political platform of the Royal Government. The Royal Government opens a wide door, encourages and provides opportunities to all higher education institutions, both private and public, in order to challenge in the free market. This would guarantee the quality of higher education to all learners and also the stability of higher education institutions in their future development.

Once again, on behalf of the organizing committee of Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF), I would like to express our sincere thanks to H. E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, the Minister

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of Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport for spending his invaluable time to officiate the opening of this Forum organized by CHEA for the first time.

I, on behalf of CHEA, would like to show my appreciation to UNESCO in Cambodia for their sponsorship of USD 9,000 (Nine Thousand US Dollars) and their invitation of keynote speakers, both local and international, to share their experiences with Cambodian researchers. Above that, UNESCO has been providing guidance and assistance in the organization of this forum to proceed smoothly.

Finally, may I wish H. E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Excellencies, Lok Chumteavs, national and international distinguished guests, all participants, Ladies and Gentlemen with the four gems for Buddhist blessings: Longevity, Nobility, Health, and Strength.

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Annex 4 - Welcome remarks by Ms. Anne Lemaistre

UNESCO Representative’s Welcome Remarks

First Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF)

Your Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education Youth and Sports

Your Excellencies Secretaries of State

Your Excellencies President of Cambodian Higher Education Association

Your Excellencies Preseidents and Rectors of Universities

Excellencies, Researchers, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen

Good morning and Happy Meakh Bochea Day! What a day to launch the first Education Research Forum in Cambodia – extremely auspicious sign indeed!

It is an honour and pleasure for me to be part of, and to welcome you to the first Education Research Forum in Cambodia. We thank you Your Excellency Minister and the leadership of the education sector for your encouraging support, commitment and engagement. We also thank the CHEA Members, academic leaders, researchers who are committed to promote research as central pillar of education, particularly in higher education.

Over the past decade, Cambodia has made significant progress in the education sector starting from primary to higher education. This progress can be seen from the rapid expansion of higher education with increasing number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the enrollments. This period also witnessed the increase in the private provision of higher education in Cambodia.

Today there is general consensus on the need to improve quality of higher education, to ensure relevance to the current and future human capital needs of Cambodia to respond to the social, political, cultural and economic challenges as well as to benefit from the ASEAN integration in 2015.

We know that “research” is one of the indicators of quality of higher education. For example in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 40% weightage is allocated to Research Output2.

2 Research Output: Papers published in Nature and Science (20%) Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-expanded and Social Science Citation Index (20%) http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU-Methodology-2013.html

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Hence, strengthening academic research and research practices in the higher education institutions will have to be the central pillar of higher education quality improvement programme in Cambodia in years to come – for Cambodia to benefit from the regional integration ensuring sustainable development of the country.

As the United Nations Agency with mandate and technical expertise in tertiary and higher education, UNESCO has continuously advocated for the need to focus on improving the quality of higher education globally as well as in Cambodia. In Cambodia UNESCO supported development of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Policy on Research Development in the Education Sector 2010 and the Action Plan for Research Development in the Education Sector 2011-2015 and development of University Research Agenda.

UNESCO supported the National Committee on Science and Technology (NCOST) to draft the National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (NPSTI) last year. We heard that this draft has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. UNESCO regularly provides regional and international platform for the Experts and Senior Leadership from Cambodian higher education to participate and exchange experience from. UNESCO also provides normative instruments, tools and expertise on quality assurance and recognition of degrees and diplomas.

Your Excellency minister, Excellencies, Researchers, Ladies and Gentlemen

The convening of “Cambodia Education Research Forum (CERF)” in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodian Higher Education Association in partnership with public and private higher education institutions is a land-mark event. The CERF aims to provide a much needed platform to bring together higher education students, researchers and the practitioners to share their research and learn from the research experiences and findings of their peers and experts. It also brings together institutions engaged in conducting and promoting education research in Cambodia and also aim to bring international experts from the region and beyond.

As part of the result of this Forum, a compendium of the research presented at the Forum and made available electronically to the public. We hope that this will be the beginning of an exciting journey in educational research. The mention of journey brings me to the importance of institutionalizing the Forum. UNESCO sincerely wishes that this forum will become an annual affair attracting the best young researchers of Cambodia vying for a spot to present their research findings. Also we hope this leads to respected journal of educational research and we also hope CERF attains regional and international standing of its own.

It all depends on us present in this Forum. Using the analogy of baby – today the baby is born. As educationists we know that the first 1000 days are critical for the overall development of the baby. So our hope is that during the next 1000 days, we will work together to help CERF grow for the benefit of all learners and firmly place Cambodia in the international landscape of educational research. I am pleased to inform you that UNESCO is committed to work with you in this quest.

Your Excellency, Excellencies, Researchers and colleagues, I would like to conclude by expressing my sincere thanks and gratitude to our Keynote Speakers for accepting to be part of this forum at a very short notice. Also a special thanks to colleagues and experts who have kindly

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agreed to moderate and facilitate different sessions. Sincere thanks to all the research presenters and participants for your valuable contributions. A special word of appreciation to the organizing team of CHEA and UNESCO for all the hard work you have put in.

I look forward to learning about the exciting two days of presentations and exchange of ideas through the Forum Compendium Report.

Thank You !!!

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Annex 5 - Opening Remarks by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports

Kingdom of Cambodia

Mme. Anne Lemaistre, Representative of UNESCO

Excellencies Secretary of State

His Excellency LY Chheng, President of the Cambodian Higher Education Association

Rectors of the Universities,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished participants,

Happy Meak Bochea Day!

It is an honor for me to address this august assembly. At the outset, On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MOEYS), and myself, I would like to extend a warmest welcome to all of you to the first Cambodia Education Research Forum. I would like to thank the Cambodian Higher Education Association and UNESCO for organizing this forum. I also thank all of you for coming here today to hear us and share with us your views.

We are meeting here on a very appropriate occasion to discuss an over-arching subject of immediate importance to all of us – Education, as investing in education is to invest in the future of the country. The Education Forum this day, again, signifies the transition into a new stage of education development, which closely links to the overall framework of a comprehensive and systematic, national socio-economic development.

I would like to inform you of the strides Cambodia has made during the last decade to reform and how it stands ready to develop the education sector, supported by her development partners. I wish also to share with you some humble thoughts on our reform priorities.

Full peace was only achieved a decade ago, when the last remnants of the Khmer Rouge joined the government. Since the year 2000, Cambodia has rigorously embarked on expenditure rationalization, by increasing budget allocations for education, while reducing spending on security and defense. As part of this shift in spending priority, the defense-security expenditure

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was reduced from 6 percent of GDP in 1994 to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2003. This «New Social Policy Agenda» envisions the creation of a socially connected, educationally advanced, and culturally vibrant society in Cambodia. “Education has the power to transform the society we live in”. “Education lights every stage of the journey to a better life”, according to the UNESCO EFA Global Monitoring Report 2013/4.

In general, the Royal Government has made significant progress in education sector during the past decade.

The early childhood education (ECE) plays a crucial role in child development, especially during the first 1,000 days. The ECE has been expanded, with the construction of 5,800 preschools, of which 3,100 are public. Access to ECE increased to 18% or 339,000 children aged 0 to 6 years old. For children aged 5 years old the access increased from a baseline of 40% in 2009/10 to 64% by 2013/14, representing 181,000 children.

Cambodia has almost achieved universal primary completion. The net enrolment rate in primary school increased from 87% in 2001/2 to 97% in the 2011/13 school year. Much of the gain can be attributed to abolishing formal school entry fees. In 2013/14, there are 6,993 primary schools serving 2.07 million learners, taught by 55,900 teachers, a reduction of 100,000 learners, compared to last year. Repetition rate dropped from 9% in 2008 to 5% in 2012. Interventions in primary education included the provision of additional schools, teacher provision and development, the provision of learner and teacher materials, curriculum development and the provision of school operating budgets. Attention is also given to inclusive education, especially education of children with disabilities and from ethnic minorities.

The MoEYS more than doubled the number of public schools providing lower and upper secondary education during the last decade, having resulted in improved net enrolment rates (from 19% in 2001/2 to 37.8% in 2012/13 for lower secondary education). Emphasis was placed on the monitoring of curriculum implementation, learning and teaching, management, planning, examination and student learning achievement. Community involvement and effective school-based planning and management were key components of the education strategy.

In 2013/14, there are 1,244 lower secondary schools serving 540,000 learners, taught by 32,000 teachers. 84% and 51% of these schools have respectively access to toilet facilities and clean water. The repetition rate dropped to 1.5%. Gross enrolment rate was 53%. However, the main challenge is the increase in drop-out rates in lower secondary of 20%. Addressing these weaknesses in the education system is a priority for MOEYS.

In 2013/14 there are 444 upper secondary schools, serving some 266,000 students (18% net enrolment rate and 27% gross enrolment rate), taught by 13,000 teachers. The completion rate for upper secondary did climb between 2007/8 and 2011/12 (from 20% to 27%). Some 105,297 students passed end of Grade 12 Baccalaureate exam (86.7%).

On the front of non-formal education, youth literacy rate (for people aged 15-24) increased to 91.5%, while adult literacy rate for people aged 15-45 representing 88%. UNESCO plays an important role in assisting non-formal education.

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Since 2005, the Royal Government of Cambodia has invested more resources in technical and vocational training (TVET). Better coordination has also occurred with private providers to create more diverse programs and institutions. Also, formal TVET provision covers 4 levels: (i) short-term certificate level; (ii) diploma level, Grade 9 plus 3; higher diploma level, Grade 12 plus 2; and bachelor level, Grade 12 plus 4.5 years. Enrolment increased from roughly 10,000 students in the late 1990s to more than 100,000 short-term TVET students in 2012. Among them, 64% studied agriculture and only 8% learned technical skills.

In the late 1990s, privatization of higher education began in response to an increase in the number of high school graduates. Since then the number of higher education institutions (HEI) has increased rapidly, rising from 18 in 1997 to 101 in 2013/14, of which 39 are public and 62 private HEIs. The enrolment increased from about 10,000 in the early 1990s to more than 250,000 in 2014. These HEIs serve 23,678 associate degree students, 216,000 bachelor degree students, 6,160 Master degree students and 142 PhD students. In 2012/13, some 35,000 students graduated from all level of higher education.

Despite their increase, HEIs have failed to meet labor market need. Many graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. It was projected that in 2012 the labor market would demand about 16,000 graduates, but HEIs produced around 29,000 (HRINC 2010). The market demands vocational and technical skills.

Poor entrance standards and instruction quality are blamed for graduates’ unemployability. Employers needed more professional staff and managers or supervisors (HRINC 2011). 73% of employers indicated that university graduates did not have the right skills and 62% of them said the same of TVET graduates. The graduate pool lacks the skills to fill available quality or value-added jobs. For instance, about 50% of IT jobs are “low value-added”, designed for TVET graduates (CIST 2009). The workforce also needs to diversify its language and soft skills, such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking.

Moreover, the labor supply from higher education tends to favor services over agriculture and industry. Between 2000 and 2005, the enrolment in four disciplines (sciences and engineering; manufacturing and construction; health and welfare; and agriculture) considered the core of economic development was only 26%. In 2012, about 50% of university students studied economics and business. Only 4% studied agriculture and 2.5% sciences among all tertiary enrolment.

Most private HEIs operate on a small scale with limited capital and survive solely on students’ fees. This force them to lure students rather than to do research and offer skills required by the economy or labor market. Furthermore, the bulk of their revenue is spent on administration, leaving them unable to diversify their programs, especially in expensive science subjects.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman,

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We are just at the beginning of a term of the new Royal Government established four months ago. The new Rectangular Strategy Phase III of the Royal Government, introduced by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen on September 25th 2013, has ushered into a new era in promoting the development of the education sector by according the highest priority to education and the improvement in its quality within a broad socio-economic development framework. Our vision is to link educational strategies to Economic Growth Strategy. In this regard, strengthening the education and training systems is critical for improving the human resource base as part of enhancing Cambodia's economic competitiveness in an increasingly regional economy, especially within the context of the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015. Therefore, we are convinced that efficient development, utilization and management of human capital are critical in ensuring a robust economy.

On the basis of the Rectangular Strategy and Education Strategy Plan 2014-2018, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS) has identified a number of challenges facing the education sector and laid out some key measures in order to reform education sector.

The challenges facing the education sector are: uneven teacher distribution, as teachers assigned to work in remote areas always make requests to work in urban areas, resulting in surplus of teachers in urban locations and shortages of them in remote areas, the lack of trust in the examination system, education quality, and skill mismatch, as investors are not able to find sufficient numbers of skilled workers, while the university graduates cannot find employment.

To address these challenges, we have identified 8 key measures that will produce quick-win results:

1st Measure: Improve public financial management: strengthening financial management aimed to use the existing resources with high effectiveness and mobilize additional financing from outside the country.

2nd Measure: Strengthen personnel management: by increasing salary for teachers, using the banking system for salary payment, introducing performance-based promotion. We are conscious that we must “increase significantly teacher numbers and give them every chance to put their motivation, energy, knowledge and skills required through training to work to maximize the learning potential of all children and young people”.

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3rd Measure: Reform the examination system: by enforcing 4 principles: the Law on Education, social justice, transparency, and acceptable results. This is designed promote the respect for teachers and restore their prestige.

4th Measure: Creating think-tank on education policy with an aim to strengthen the institutional capacity and lay out reform measures for education sector. The think tank will assist the MOEYS in research. I agree with Mme Lemaistre from UNESCO that university research will lead to the improvement of education quality in Cambodia.

5th Measure: Higher education reform: enhance the management of public higher education institutes and the regulation of private higher education institutes aimed to train human resources with high skills, in order to respond to the direction of economic development, i.e. linking university-industry-public institutions.

6th Measure: Raising quality of educational services at all levels. Currently, we are focusing on improving the education quality, through continued restoration of buildings, supply of textbooks, expanded teacher training and efforts to improve examinations. “Teachers can only break learning barriers effectively if they are supported by appropriate curriculum and assessment systems that pay particular attention to the needs of children at risk of not learning”, according to the UNESCO EFA Global Monitoring Report 2013/4.

7th Measure: Development of technical, vocational skills and soft skills of youths, in line with the needs of the country development in order to prepare for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 and to meet the needs of the labor market, increase employment opportunities for our young people by organizing “Career Forum” for students in order to give them opportunity to meet the representatives of the enterprises and companies before they finish their studies.

8th Measure: Reform on Physical Education and Sport: in order to get prepared for the SEA Games in 2023.

- Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, - Dear participants!

I have only outlined with the broadest strokes of the brush the issues to be debated and analyzed so that common consensus could be reached on measures acceptable to and implementable in the Cambodian education system.

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A long term human capital approach requires a solid and continued set of supporting measures from early childhood to school, TVET, tertiary and higher education and life-long learning. This involves a cross sectoral approach and a stakeholders engagement. Therefore, it appears appropriate to look at human capital building as a life cycle process encompassing early child development, nutrition, water and sanitation, which are the foundations for a nurturing environment conducive to learning and skills development throughout the life.

Cambodia is experiencing now and until 2038 a demographic dividend with 36% of its young people in the age group 10-24 years, which makes it the youngest population in Southeast Asia. These young people represent a large labor force but also a challenge. They will be the first benefitting from this human capital approach.

In closing, let me once again appeal to all of you to carefully evaluate our achievements and their costs, and future interventions. The deliberations at this Cambodia Education Research Forum should steer us towards ensuring lasting legacies for generations yet to be born. I agree with Mme Lemaistre from UNESCO to make the CERF an annual event. Cambodia stands ready to embark on this endeavor.

I would like to thank UNESCO, especially Mme Lemaistre and the UNESCO team, as well as the Cambodian Higher Education Association for organizing this CERF. I also thank the keynote speakers for excepting to come and share with us their views and recommendations, and the organizers for the excellent arrangements for the forum.

I wish you all every success in your deliberations.

I thank you all for your kind attention.

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Annex 6 - Speech by H. E. Yok Ngoy

Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports,

During the Closing Ceremony of Research Forum on

“Education Sector in Cambodia”

My respects to:

- His Excellency LY Chheng, President of the Cambodian Higher Education Association;

- Excellencies the Leadership, Members of the Permanent Board, Central Committee of the

Cambodian Higher Education Association;

- Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, national and international distinguished guests and the

whole ceremony;

Today, it is my great honor and pleasure to join in with Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

National and International Distinguished Guests, Development Partner Organizations in

education sector in Cambodia and all relevant sections, from various institutions/entities in the

closing ceremony of research forum on “Education Sector in Cambodia” organized by the

Cambodian Higher Education Association in cooperation with UNESCO at this time.

On this auspicious occasion, in the name of the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Youth

and Sports, and on my own part, I would like to extend my high appreciation and appraisal for

the efforts from Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the leadership and members of the

Cambodian Higher Education Association as well as all development partners who have realized

great achievement originated from the research forum during the past two days which has truly

paid tremendous contribution to development of education sector in Cambodia. I would also like

to take this opportunity to express my commendation to His Excellency LY Chheng, President

of the Cambodian Higher Education Association, for his active and highly effective leadership of

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this important task towards achievement of result with pride in keeping with “Education For All,

All For Education” theory.

Today’s gathering is the most meaningful event that reflects a new turn of education sector

development in Cambodia along with the start of the Royal Government of the new mandate,

born from people’s will, via the Fifth Legislature Election of Members of the National

Assembly, held so far. Having gained trust from people, the new Royal Government under the

brilliant and wise leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Pedei Techo HUN SEN, Prime

Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, will continue its gracious mission in the development of

the country in all sectors including education sector, particularly the implementation of

education sector strategic plan based on long-term concept and vision in line with the

Rectangular Strategy, Phase 3, of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

- Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!

The report by His Excellency LY Chheng, President of the Cambodian Higher Education

Association, reveals that the past two days’ research forum on “Education Sector in Cambodia”

has been held with participatory discussions, exchange of comments and active presentations by

speakers as well as all trainees with the aim of seeking key measures as well as strategies and

methods to address challenges in the direction of contributing to strengthening and expansion of

education sector in the Kingdom of Cambodia to achieve the 2013-2018 strategic plan in

education sector.

This forum is a joint effort between the private sector and the state, establishing great

achievements for the nation and is an inexhaustible source for socio-economic development

works both in the presence and in the future. These achievements serve as our pride while the

Kingdom of Cambodia could do it from empty hand until creating a new history of national

education sector at this time. Therefore, we all shall continue to take part in it in order to develop

our education sector towards further improvement whereby the Ministry of Education, Youth

and Sports is committed to fulfill the remaining shortcomings and continues to put all-out effort

to address various suggestions for the sake of promoting a quality and effective education sector

according to the tendency of growth in both local and global levels.

In this spirit, we shall use aggregate force to jointly support and promote our national education

sector by not leaving any of our children outside education service; to wit, it is to increase

potential for each and every one of our children of the next generations to become people with

ability and skill in the future.

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In the fourth legislature so far, the Royal Government has realized many major remarkable

achievements, particularly promotion of education sector quality and training effectiveness of

human resources in both quantity and quality, which serve as the most necessary foundation

towards enhancing and improving better education quality in the future. Based on the past

achievements, the Royal Government of the fifth legislature of the National Assembly will

continue to promote active and further effective implementation of “Education for All”

principle to ensure equitable access to education service, quality promotion and effective

education service in all levels. In line with the Rectangular Strategy, Phase 3, Samdech Akka

Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has paid high

attention to the education sector, considering it as a key sector for growth of national economy.

In fact, in this aim, the Rectangular Strategy, Phase 3, has set out the priority focusing on further

arrangement and improvement of policies and strategies in the education sector, particularly

updating the education sector strategic plan, information technology master plan and

communication in the education sector and policy on research development in the education

sector with the aim to raise awareness and ability of human resources in the fields of science and

technology, enhancement of education service quality and efficiency in all levels of study to

meet labor market demand and to promote the change of socio-economic structures by means of

in-depth reform of all sections and sectors of the Royal Government in line with the current

context of economic development on the basis of knowledge.

To achieve this great and key mission, it is required coordination and active cooperation with

high responsibility between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and the development

partner organizations, relevant institutions and other private sectors working in the education

sector.

Please allow me to take this opportunity to highlight some key points to which all relevant

sections should pay attention in the implementation and contribution to better development of

the education sector, as follows:

(1st) Must consider development of the education sector as investment for the future with

positive and broad factor in all sectors and aspects. In this regard, I hereby suggest to highly pay

attention in linking education work with development of economy sector and promotion of

sciences, techniques and new innovation.

(2nd) Must set top priority on quality. In this regard, all stakeholders are requested to actively

take part in the work of reform and development of the education sector with willingness and

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ownership as this reform serves as factor to determine the fate of us and all of our children. This

requires us to carry out in-depth reform of the educational system in higher education, especially

the strengthening of effective inspection and regulation of both state-run and private higher

education establishments so that these establishments provide training to highly skilled labor

force and avoiding students’ failure to seek employments following their graduation.

(3rd) Must consider the education sector as an important development agenda that requires

partnership and participatory support from various sectors and nongovernmental organizations

working in the education sector. In this regard, I hereby request that all partners kindly examine

main priorities in the education sector strategic plan and provide full support according to their

capacity and ability, in terms of techniques, financing and materials.

Through the efforts of the Cambodian Higher Education Association and its partners, I truly

believe that new further successes will be achieved in its mission to contribute to development of

human resources with knowledge, know-how and virtue serving as basic foundation for country

development. I hope that the results generated from the research forum on “Education Sector in

Cambodia” will serve as light lantern and key towards achievement of national policy on

development of the education sector, particularly contribute to implementation of the

Rectangular Strategy, Phase 3 of the Royal Government of Cambodia in the Fifth Legislature of

the National Assembly, with success and high effectiveness.

Last but not least, may I wish Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, National and International

Distinguished Guests, Partner Organizations and the whole ceremony a good health, success in

all your endeavors and happiness in all your families; most importantly, may Excellencies the

leadership and all members of the Cambodian Higher Education Association enjoy great success

in leading this magnificent mission for the sake of further development of national education

sector. I hereby declare the closing of the research forum on “Education Sector in Cambodia”

from this time onwards.

Thank you!