Source From: PhnomPenh Post
Updated on: December 21, 2023
Prime Minister Hun Manet shakes hands with Chinese Vice Minister of Education Wu Yan on December 20. STPM
The government places paramount importance on developing human resources, focusing on cultivating educated and healthy individuals. Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored this commitment during his December 20 meeting with Chinese Vice Minister of Education Wu Yan.
Manet thanked Wu and his delegation for their presence at the inauguration of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech). This event, he said, highlighted the strong collaboration between Cambodia and China.
The premier also commended the positive outcomes of a meeting between Wu and Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron.
“The Cambodian government places high priority on developing human resources, with a consistent focus on nurturing intelligent well-rounded citizens. We are dedicated to implementing a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of vocational and technical training for 1.5 million young people from disadvantaged families nationwide,” Manet said.
Manet highlighted that his government is actively introducing various programmes, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives, to equip students with essential skills for the job market.
Wu shared insights from a productive meeting with Chuon Naron, noting their discussions on enhancing and broadening collaboration within the education sector. This includes the ongoing provision of scholarships for Cambodian students to study in China and sustained cooperation in vocational training to address the demands of the national labour market.
Speaking at the CamTech inauguration on December 20, Chuon Naron stated that the university stands as another milestone in the collaboration between the two nations, serving both the development of human resources and as a robust testament to the connection between the people of Cambodia and China.
“Enhancing the quality of higher education in science and technology is an essential component of human resource development needed to attain the country’s development goals. Therefore, the government has undertaken numerous initiatives to broaden access to higher education, fortifying both the quality of training and research,” he said.
Chuon Naron highlighted that this year’s data reveals a substantial rise in both the number of higher education institutions (HEIs) and enrolled students. Starting with just one university in 1979, the count expanded to eight by 1997, growing further to 110 in 2013 and reaching 132 HEIs in 2022.
During the ceremony, Wu acknowledged the ongoing deepening of educational exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.
More than 4,500 Cambodian students are currently studying in China, with over 800 benefiting from Chinese government scholarships. In reciprocation, China has sent 18 students to pursue studies in Cambodia.
“Education stands as the foremost fundamental duty for our nation and the people. Globally, all nations recognise education as a strategic investment for the future, a cornerstone of enduring prosperity and a vital catalyst for fostering friendship and cooperation among people,” he said.
Wu said the establishment of CamTech serves as a symbolic gesture for the “Year of China-Cambodia Friendship” and carries hope for the beginning of “China-Cambodia Humanitarian Year” in 2024.