South Korea is deepening its long-term investment in Cambodia’s public sector by sending nine government officials to pursue Master’s degrees in key policy fields under the 2025-2 KOICA Scholarship Program, reinforcing Phnom Penh’s push to strengthen institutional capacity and modernise governance.
The selected Cambodian officials, drawn from core ministries and state institutions, will begin their studies at leading Korean universities. They will pursue their interests in areas closely aligned with Cambodia’s development priorities, including economic development policy, health policy and financing, climate change management, and e-government and public administration.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Cambodia Office hosted a pre-departure orientation on January 13, preparing the scholars for academic life in Korea and underscoring their role as future policy leaders expected to translate overseas training into domestic reform.
“The KOICA Scholarship Program reflects the South Korean government’s strong commitment to supporting Cambodia’s sustainable development through continued cooperation and investment in human capital,” said Hort Sroeu, chief of staff of the KOICA Cambodia Office, in his opening remarks.
He stressed that the scholars are not only beneficiaries of the program but also agents of change who will be expected to contribute meaningfully to their institutions upon return.
Under the 2025-2 intake, the officials will undertake specialised programs at Korea Development Institute (KDI) School, Yonsei University, Incheon University and Handong Global University.
The fields of study — ranging from sustainable and inclusive growth to health financing, climate governance and digital government — mirror the policy challenges Cambodia faces as it seeks to sustain economic growth, improve public services and adapt to environmental pressures.
Unlike traditional scholarship schemes targeting students, the KOICA programme focuses on mid-career public officials, a design that allows newly acquired knowledge and skills to be applied directly within government systems.
The current cohort represents institutions including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, National Bank of Cambodia, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Civil Service.
Representing the scholars, Sonita Oeung, chief of bureau at the commerce ministry, said the opportunity would strengthen her professional capacity and enable her to contribute more effectively to national development.
She expressed determination to apply the policy tools and international perspectives gained in Korea to her work in Cambodia.
To date, 243 Cambodian officials have completed or are currently pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees in under the KOICA Scholarship Program.
KOICA says the growing alumni network has played an important role in supporting public sector reform and long-term socio-economic development through sustained investment in human capital.
The pre-departure orientation covered academic expectations, living arrangements, safety guidelines and administrative procedures, aiming to ensure the scholars are fully prepared for their studies abroad.
Beyond logistical preparation, the event also marked a symbolic milestone, recognising the officials’ academic merit and commitment to public service.
