The Minister of Education, Youth and Sport announced plans to expand the model school programme, integrate digital learning and promote waste-free school initiatives as part of broader education reforms for the 2024-2025 academic year. Minister Hang Chuon Naron made the announcement during a provincial education conference in Pursat, attended by senior officials, educators and stakeholders. He explained that model schools will continue to be a cornerstone of the government’s education policy, with 130 new schools set to receive model status this year. This follows the 120 schools that were awarded the designation in previous years. In 2023-2024, 793 schools were…
Author: Raksmey Hong
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is working with the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia (IRC) on a new study of the Kingdom’s insurance sector. The new initiative involves a thorough diagnostic analysis of inclusive insurance and risk financing. The study was discussed at a validation workshop, held in Phnom Penh on January 29. The purpose of the workshop was to assess Cambodia’s current insurance landscape, identify gaps and find solutions to improve the accessibility and affordability of insurance, especially for the country’s most vulnerable populations. “In today’s world, interconnected risks such as economic uncertainties, climate change and health crises increasingly challenge…
A man who calls himself Sakhei Bhagawan (Scholar), whose real name is Thong Bunteng, has admitted that he was wrong to make comments which had a negative effect on the monkhood, Buddha’s teachings and Buddhism. A recent video by the head of the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association sparked reactions from monks and Buddhists after he claimed that monks are a “burden” to Buddhists. As spokesperson for the association, Bunteng said he regretted his mistakes and offered a public apology. He also agreed to delete the social media videos he previously posted that were harmful to Buddhism. The Ministry of Interior…
A recent video of the leader of the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association has ignited a fierce backlash from Buddhist monks and followers, after he claimed that Buddhist monks are a “burden” to their communities. The Ministry of Cults and Religions responded to the controversy by holding an emergency meeting with on Tuesday, January 28, to discuss the issue and explore appropriate legal actions. The ministry issued a statement urging calm, reassuring the public that they would take necessary actions according to legal procedures. The ministry spokesperson appealed to the Royal Family, all monks and Buddhist followers to remain patient as…
The Department of Media and Communication (DMC) of the University of Phnom Penh is working with UNESCO on safety guidelines which will promote equality and enhance the protection of media professionals, particularly women and LGBTQ+ journalists. Of the 8,000 journalists issued press cards by the Ministry of Information, 800 are women. They are central to the launch of a groundbreaking set of gender-sensitive safety guidelines. Speaking at a January 27 workshop in Phnom Penh, Ung Bun-Y, director of the DMC, underscored the importance of journalism in democracy and accountability, while addressing the unique challenges faced by Cambodian media professionals. “Journalists…
Cambodia is attempting to establish new benchmarks in tourism with strategies that focus on sustainable development, market expansion, direct flight connectivity, support for small businesses and ambitious 2025 visitor goals. The Kingdom’s efforts were highlighted during the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 in Johor, Malaysia, where Cambodia’s ambitious goals in sustainable tourism and international collaboration took centre stage. The Ministry of Tourism laid out strategies to attract a broader range of tourists while maintaining the Kingdom’s appeal as a premier destination. “The 12th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers’ Meeting declared 2025 the “ASEAN-India Tourism Year,” boosting India’s prominence as a key tourism market,”…
The Cambodian Ministry of Civil Service and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are aiming to enhance Cambodia-South Korea relations through the implementation of a project aimed at “Strengthening the Capacity of the Royal School of Administration (RSA) for Governance Reform and Institutional Advancement in Cambodia”. KOICA has pledged financing of $11.7 million for the project, as discussed during a meeting between Minister of Civil Service Hun Many and acting KOICA country director Shin Chung-yong on January 24. “The meeting focused on key measures for public administration reform in Cambodia, including the implementation of a civil servant selection system, institutional…
The government has approved special benefits for 42 new investment projects with a combined capital of $564 million in a boost to the development of Preah Sihanouk province. This decision was made during the 13th meeting of the Working Group for Investment Promotion (WGIP) in Preah Sihanouk. The January 23 meeting, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was chaired by Hean Sahib, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister. The approved projects fall under the framework of the “The Special Program to Promote Investment in Preah Sihanouk Province 2024”, which has been extended to run until…