Parents with children enrolled in Modern Learning Centers (MLC) in 12 Phnom Penh state schools were left reeling today, as Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that the trial programme would not be renewed when the current academic year comes to an end. Academic experts and education officials offered their views on the closures of the centres, some of which have been running for more than a year. The prime minister explained that the impending closures were necessary as the programme had led to “two standards within one school” and that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport had lost full…
Author: Niem Chheng
The Ministry of Tourism expects the Kingdom to build on the growth in international arrivals it recorded in 2024, estimating that it expects to welcome between 7.2 and 7.5 million foreign guests this year. In 2024, 6.7 million international tourists visited Cambodia, an increase of around 23 per cent over 2023. The number of domestic travellers reached 22.52 million, a 20.1 per cent rise on the previous year, according to the ministry. Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese citizens accounted for 64.7% of the total. The average length of stay was not provided. “Based on current trends and the continued implementation of…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued an order to conduct examinations that will allow contract teachers to obtain full-time teacher status in primary education. He described the approach as “killing two birds with one stone”, as it will allow experienced teachers to secure permanent positions. Speaking at the annual conference of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on the afternoon of February 26, Manet highlighted the Kingdom’s shortage of teachers, attributing it to newly graduated teachers’ reluctance to work in remote areas. Under his new plan, contract teachers already stationed in these areas can help fill the gap. Recognising…
A new survey, released today, February 25, found that women spend an average of five hours and two minutes on unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) every day, in contrast to just two hours and six minutes for men. The findings indicate that gender disparity starts at home. More than 1,100 Cambodians took part in the survey, which was conducted in late 2024. The survey and analysis were conducted by Analytics and Insights Asia (AI-Asia) from August to November, in close consultation with Oxfam and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. This research is part of the initiative funded by the…
Cambodia and China, through the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and Chinese authorities in Henan province, organised the closing ceremony of the “2024 Cambodia-China Year of People-to-People Exchange” on February 24-25, in Henan province, China. According to the tourism ministry, the event featured joint Cambodia-China national-level cultural performances, traditional Cambodian Lbokator martial arts and Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations, a traditional costume fashion show, and other cultural exchange activities. “The event played a crucial role in promoting Cambodia-China tourism, enhancing Cambodia’s reputation, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, and expanding its tourism potential to international markets, particularly China,” explained the ministry. The event…
High-ranking Cambodian officials — both civilian and military — held “constructive” meetings with General Ronald P. Clark, commander of the US Army Pacific, during his February 24-25 official visit to the Kingdom. Following the meetings, it appears close military cooperation is set to resume in the near future. Clark met with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Commander-in-Chief General Vong Pisen, and Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) commander Mao Sophan. “During their discussions, the officials explored ways to enhance the US-Cambodia bilateral defence relationship to promote Indo-Pacific peace and security. Talks covered…
General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), has requested that the US restart the joint “Angkor Sentinel” military exercises, which were last held in 2016. According to a February 24 statement from the RCAF General Command, Pisen met with General Ronald P. Clark, commander of the US Army Pacific, earlier that same day. Clark is paying a February 24-25 official visit to Cambodia to strengthen military cooperation. During his visit, he has already met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and held in-depth discussions with General Mao Sophan, deputy RCAF commander-in-chief and commander of the Royal Cambodian…
The Japanese government has provided a grant of over $240,000 for the installation of a new clean water supply system in two villages in Soutr Nikom district’s Kampong Khleang commune, which borders the Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap province. The project will be implemented by the Cambodian Rural Water Supply Association, which will use the funds to construct approximately 8-kilometres of clean water distribution pipes. The funding is part of Japan’s Kusanone project, according to a statement issued by the Japanese embassy on February 21. According to their assessment, residents in the area face difficulties in accessing safe drinking…
The “Blossoms in All Seasons” football team, led by famous comedian Chem Chanra, better known as Peak Mi, met with Minister of Tourism Huot Hak to present their plans for various tourism programmes which aim to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential. Tourism minister Huot Hak expressed his strong support for the initiative. During the February 20 meeting, Hak and Chanra’s delegation discussed plans to organise major events which will promote Cambodia’s tourism sector, agrotourism and local products to both domestic and international tourists. Chanra requested the cooperation and support of the ministry for his team’s projects, which he explained were dedicated…
The Supreme Council of the Magistracy has punished the president of the Takeo Provincial Court for committing a legal violation. President Pich Mareine granted early release to a prisoner who was serving an eleven-year sentence for strangling his lover to death. Details of the case were uncovered when Mareine publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with the disciplinary decision of the council’s Disciplinary Committee. During a February 19 meeting, presided over by King Norodom Sihamoni, the committee decided to demote her to deputy president of another provincial court. According to a February 20 press release from the supreme council, Mareine voiced her…