Cambodian Government Research Articles

Transforming Cambodian Education: Full-Time Learning, Technology, and Language Integration for Public Schools

The Cambodian government has announced a significant educational reform to transition public schools to full-time learning by integrating computer and English or Chinese language classes. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of education and better prepare students for the demands of the modern world. This paper compares these proposed changes by examining practices in five private schools already implementing full-time education and advanced technological and multilingual programs. By evaluating the academic performance, resource availability, and overall educational outcomes of these private schools, this study aims to provide actionable recommendations for successfully adopting these strategies in public schools. The research involved surveys of 565 respondents, including students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and policymakers, and in-depth interviews with 50 key stakeholders. Key findings include strong support for full-time education, higher levels of technology integration, and better multilingual education in private schools. These findings will inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders about the potential impacts and necessary steps to ensure the successful implementation of these educational reforms in Cambodia's public school system.

캄보디아 아동·청소년의 디지털 리터러시 수준과 관련 요인 분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the digital literacy and factors among children and adolescents in Cambodia. Originality: While the Cambodian government emphasizes the cultivation of digitally literate citizens, opportunities for digital education within the public education system are lacking. This study assesses the digital literacy of Cambodian adolescents and explore related factors to provide insights for implementing digital education within Cambodia's public education. Methodology: This study conducted a survey targeting students in grades 5-10 across 26 elementary and secondary schools within the project areas of the ‘Child fund’. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed using the collected data. Result: The digital literacy score of adolescents averaged 49.2 out of 100, indicating a relatively low level. The digital literacy varied according to gender, grades, interest in digital activities, digital usage at home, and perceptions of the school's digital learning environment. Boys had higher digital literacy levels than girls, higher-grade students scored better than lower-grade students, and students with a greater interest in digital activities also had higher digital literacy levels. Adolescents from homes with higher digital accessibility, such as computers, tablets, and internet access, showed higher digital literacy levels. However, those who primarily used internet-enabled phones had lower digital literacy levels. Conclusion and Implication: The digital literacy levels of adolescents vary based on individual characteristics and experiences. When designing digital education within Cambodia's public education system, it is essential to consider the personal characteristics and experiences of the children and adolescents. Additionally, efforts are needed to improve the digital learning environment in schools and to provide positive digital experiences outside of school, including at home.

Strengthening transformative capacities for urban sustainability: a case study of waste reform in Battambang, Cambodia

Battambang has been identified as an exemplar for sustainability city development in Cambodia due to its success with the introduction of new programs and planning initiatives, which have led to recognition of its clean and green city status by the Cambodian Government and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Limited research has been done to date to investigate how Battambang has achieved these results, compared with other rapidly urbanising cities of Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Through the lens of urban sustainability transformations, our research identifies the capacity strengths and gaps of Battambang city in preparing for and initiating the city’s urban transformation of its waste sector, applying the transformative capacities framework of Wolfram (Cities 51:121-130, 2016). Through qualitative coding of semi-structured interviews and document analysis we found that (a) particular transformative capacities provided building blocks for the development of other capacities, (b) award and recognition processes can play a role in developing transformative capacities, and (c) that the city’s culture of innovation and relatively stable population and political-economy contributed to strengthening its capacities. This research contributes knowledge for policy and practice on urban transformative capacity strengthening, as it supports a phased ‘building blocks’ approach in resource-constrained contexts.

Impacts of Air Pollution on Richness and Abundance of Bird Species in Phnom Penh Urban Habitats

In Cambodia, there has been no study on the effects of air pollution on birds. Accordingly, the purpose of this study aims to assess the species richness and abundance of birds, to understand air quality status and possible sources of air pollution, as well as to investigate the relationship between the variables of air quality (PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and O3), and bird diversity in two different habitats in Phnom Penh. The study was conducted from February 21 to May 21, 2022, at two study sites: 1) the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and 2) the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA). Both universities are located in Phnom Penh. The two areas are structured by vegetation which suitable for birds. We used a point count method to observe and record the number and species of birds in both study areas. The study recorded 18,334 observation individuals (counting), arranged in 50 species, 40 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. At the RUPP, we recorded 11,190 individuals (counting), arranged into 34 species, 29 genera, 21 families, and 7 orders. In the RUA, we recorded 7,144 observation individuals (counting), arranged into 46 species, 38 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. An observation of human activities can be a source of air pollution, including transportation, stationary sources, urban development, open burning, etc. The air quality parameters at both study sites were still lower than the air pollution standards set by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGoC). Among air quality variables, only SO2 and O3 affect birds, but to a lesser degree. Factors that affect birds may be due to green areas, including the number of small and large trees, food sources, and human disturbances.

What Are the Challenges and Opportunities in to Improve Human Capital and Value Added in Cambodia's Garment Industry for the Purpose of Poverty Reduction?

In pursuit of a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy for Cambodia, this paper begins with an analysis of the value ladder of Cambodia's garment industry. This paper argues for a shift from the bottom of the ladder, a labor-intensive economy, to more advanced sectors involving technology, design, and skilled labor as a potential catalyst for poverty reduction progress. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes that Cambodia's opportunity to lift its position from the value ladder hinges on the augmentation of human capital, primarily through strategic investments in education. Subsequently, the paper delves into the challenges confronting the Cambodian government in its efforts to address poverty. Drawing inspiration from the successful Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs implemented in Mexico (Oportunidades) and Brazil (Bolsa Famlia) to tackle similar poverty-related challenges, this paper examines their outcomes. It evaluates their practicality within the Cambodian context as a policy recommendation.

Topical issues of the formation of an effective economic and social policy in Cambodia

Cambodia, currently classified as a lower-middle-income developing country, aspires to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, the Cambodian government has embraced an open market economic system and prioritized attracting foreign investments as well as encouraging final consumption expenditure (FCE) and stimulating the level of industries, including construction. This study aims to find out the influences of the fluctuations of foreign direct investment (FDI), FCE, and industry (including construction) (IIC) on gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Cambodia and to identify the key factors that can increase FDI, FCE, and IIC growth. The study employs descriptive and correlational analysis, mainly focusing on statistical analyses by constructing an econometric model. The results indicate that Cambodia’s GDP is directly and positively impacted by the FDI, FCE, and IIC, according to the analysis of the specification of the econometric model using a linear mathematical equation. The study concludes that the Cambodian government’s attention to strategic policies and initiatives in promoting FDI, FCE, and IIC, ultimately leading to a higher overall economic growth rate, is crucial. Factors such as political stability and governance, regulation and legal framework, infrastructure, human capital development, market access, publicprivate partnership, fiscal policy, and social protection should be at the forefront of the Cambodian GDP development roadmap.

Good Governance in Cambodia: A Case Study of Khan Boeng Keng Kang, Phnom Penh

This research article employs documentary methods to comprehensively examine the principles and practices of good governance within Boeung Keng Kang District, located in Phnom Penh. By drawing upon existing documents, governmental reports, and official publications, the study meticulously investigates various facets of governance, including the roles and responsibilities of district leaders, notable achievements, persistent challenges, strategic plans, and recommendations aimed at enhancing governance effectiveness. Through systematic analysis of these documents, the research sheds light on the fundamental importance of key governance principles such as participatory decision-making, adherence to the rule of law, transparency, equity, accountability, and strategic vision in driving local development and addressing emerging challenges. This approach enables a thorough exploration of the governance landscape in Boeung Keng Kang District, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms and dynamics shaping governance practices within the community.

Perception on Student Dropout in Secondary Education: An Insight from University Students and Staff in Battambang Province, Cambodia

This study primarily aims to gather initial data on the quantity of four universities, Battambang province in Cambodia, with a secondary goal of characterizing student dropout patterns. The collected data was intended to inform the Cambodian government’s recent initiatives to decrease dropout rates and increase numbers of enrollment. Data was gathered from three universities and an upper secondary school, using a sample size of 120 participants who completed a questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the R program. The results were utilized to investigate the reasons behind student dropouts in grades 10, 11, and 12, and to devise strategies to prevent such occurrences. The study’s findings highlighted that: The correlation circle, which represents the impact of all factors contributing to student dropout, showed significant contributions from factors accounting for 10% (0.1) to 40% (0.4) of the total variances. There are varying perceptions regarding student dropout. This study helps us comprehend the key factors influencing dropout rates, which include domestic violence (DoVio), student health issues (Unhe), school violence (SchVio), parental attitudes (PaAtt), and immigration (Imm), which are still prevalent issues.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Children, Young People, and Families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: The Mitigating Work of M’Lop Tapang

ABSTRACT Globally, children have been adversely affected by the wide variety of impacts of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus | COVID-19). Vulnerable children who depend on the support of education and health and social care systems were left unprotected as these systems were weakened by the pandemic. COVID-19 has exposed the already fragile situations in which many children and young people live and that thousands of children and young people would need ongoing support but remained invisible to statutory authorities. COVID-19 has also been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals and societies and it has exposed deep divisions, inequalities, and injustices between different countries and groups of people. M’Lop Tapang is a local nonprofit organization registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia. This report discusses the efforts of M’Lop Tapang following the declaration of the COVID-19 global pandemic in early 2020, to address the local community needs; to ensure the voices of children remained heard; and to promote children’s rights remaining a priority throughout the remainder of the pandemic. What is already known on this topic Vulnerable children are dependent on remaining visible to education and health and social care systems to ensure they are safeguarded and protected. Poor safety, financial instability, unemployment, challenges to children’s rights and displacement all have the potential to increase vulnerabilities and intensify inequalities. The COVID-19 global pandemic has widened the global lens for the nursing profession and to effect change, children’s nurses need to think globally and act locally. What this study adds This study provides insights into the challenges faced by children and families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, during the early part of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) pandemic in 2020–2021. The economic impact of COVID-19 on children and families living in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, between 2020 and 2021 is reviewed. The learning from the pragmatic and rapid interventions of M’Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, are of use in other countries around the world in future epidemic or pandemic situations.

Water Governance in the Cambodian Mekong Delta: The Nexus of Farmer Water User Communities (FWUCs), Community Fisheries (CFis), and Community Fish Refuges (CFRs) in the Context of Climate Change

Cambodia faces the challenge of managing excess water during the wet season and insufficient water during the dry season. This harms human life and endangers aquatic and natural resources, agricultural practices, and food security. Water governance is crucial to ensure the well-being of both people and their food security. However, Cambodia’s water governance is hindered by various obstacles, including sectoral and centralized influences, top-down and large-scale strategies, weak coordination among relevant agencies, and limited involvement of local communities. This study examines water governance across different sectors, from centralized to community-based natural resources management, and explores the opportunities that can be done to improve water governance. This study undertakes the literature and case studies of farmer water user communities (FWUCs), community fisheries (CFis), and community fish refuges (CFRs) in three Mekong Delta provinces in Cambodia. This study concludes that water governance has been challenged by FWUCs competing for water resources to intensify rice production at the expense of increased pesticides and fertilizer uses, which undermine the fishery productivity, degrade the natural resources in rivers and water bodies, and increase water conflicts among farmers and sectors in the face of climate change. To enhance water governance in Cambodia, it is critical to integrate it at the district level. This will promote sustainable water use and management across the country and pave the way for a brighter future.

Current status of pesticide practices and management approaches toward the safety and health of Cambodia: A review

Pesticides have been one of the most extensively used throughout the world. In low- and middle-income countries, pesticides are extensively used in agriculture. Agriculture is Cambodia’s most important economic sector. Around 80% of the population lives in rural areas and is mainly involved in subsistence farming. Cambodian farmers use synthetic pesticides to protect their agricultural products from pest infestation. The increase in agricultural products and the rapid population growth have led to the rise of farming pesticides, which causes concerns about the negative impact on environmental issues and food security in Cambodia. The routes of exposure, toxicity, and pesticide residues in daily food intake are all ambiguous in Cambodia. The scientific reports available in Cambodia could be more extensive and consistent. Therefore, this report provides an overview of the current status of pesticide practices in Cambodia and relates knowledge of pesticide use among local farmers. The contents described the risk assessment of pesticide contamination based on the Cambodian local market. In the same way, the pesticides that farmers use were considered extremely hazardous, highly hazardous, or moderately hazardous by the World Health Organization. This study also discussed the integrated pesticide use management approach and the future perspectives for pesticide practices in Cambodia. The review’s findings raised serious concerns regarding environmental safety and human health. Although some pesticides have been banned, most local farmers still use them for agriculture. The study strongly recommends that the Royal Government of Cambodia be provided with a concrete public health policy on pesticide management and suitable training on pesticide applications.

Data Wormholes and Speculative Rice Fields: An Infrastructural Politics of Anticipating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The 2015 Paris declaration obligated international development organizations to assess the climate compatibility of their projects. For irrigation projects, like those negotiated between the Agence Française de Développement, and the Cambodian government in the early 2020s, calculations of estimated greenhouse gas emissions have become important requirements. But how to estimate emissions from future rice fields and the effects of irrigation infrastructures that do not exist? To address this issue, emissions calculators have been developed as a means to bridge climate science and development knowledge infrastructures, so that data and forms of calculation from climate science can easily enter the world of development. However, by engaging in an infrastructural inversion, we argue that this understanding is flawed. Drawing on a case study of an irrigation project in Cambodia, we show that heterogeneous data concatenations are continuously transformed in the movement across infrastructures until referentiality breaks down. Emission calculators operate as a data wormhole, emitting extremely uncertain numbers that contribute to a problematic and speculative politics of anticipation. In contrast with the dominant politics of anticipation, which depends on futile efforts to neutralize uncertainty, infrastructural inversion makes it possible to envision a decentered politics attentive to distributed agency.

The eradication of Cham Muslim women's ethnic identity in Cambodia, 1975–79

Between 1975 and 1979 the genocidal regime of Democratic Kampuchea (DK) in Cambodia targeted minorities including the Cham Muslim population. To hold the regime to account for its crimes against the Cambodian people, the Cambodian government in 2001 formed the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). Using transcripts of testimonies and judgements from the ECCC, this article examines Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the Cham Muslim population. The study shows that Alexander Hinton's arguments to explain GBV using cultural frameworks are insufficient in this case. Indeed, Nicole Rafter has proven it is important to take into account the broader genocidal context to the violence. This article argues that ECCC documentation proves that GBV cannot be explained by cultural contexts alone and instead needs to be understood as a means to destroy the Cham and Cham culture.

ការអភិវឌ្ឍប្រព័ន្ធអេកូឡូស៊ីស្រាវជ្រាវដ៏រស់រវើកនៅកម្ពុជា៖ គំនិតផ្តួចផ្តើមថ្មីៗ និងទិសដៅនាពេលអនាគត

This review article aims to discuss the development of a research ecosystem in Cambodia. It focuses on recent initiatives and future directions for developing a vibrant research ecosystem in the country. The article employs document analysis and draws on the knowledge and extensive experiences of the researchers. It reveals a number of initiatives and investment projects that have been introduced by the Cambodian government, higher education institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to promote research development in Cambodia. The article also provides a summary of key challenges that have impeded the development of a vibrant research ecosystem in Cambodia. In addition, the article discusses future directions at both policy and implementation levels, outlining 10 recommendations to build a vibrant research ecosystem in Cambodia. It concludes with suggestions for future research.

Monitoring Particulate Matters and Total Suspended Particles Along the Roadside and Public Area in Phnom Penh

This study aims to investigate the Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and Particulate Matter (PM) of the exposed area of vehicles emission along a boulevard (Russian Federation Boulevard/RFB) and public park (Wat Phnom Historical Park/WP) in Phnom Penh as a beneficial fact for passengers and tourists of air quality that they breathed in. This present study was carried out in 8 hours per sampling, twice a month, and 2 months long (March and April) of 2022 by using a high-volume sampler (HV, Shibata 500V) to determine TSP and Modified Nano-sampler (NS) to define PM (TSP/PM10/PM2.5/PM1/PM0.1). Conforming to the results, the highest percentage of relative humidity found during the sampling was when it rained (97.30%) and in the morning. Meanwhile, the lowest relative humidity was only about 48.70% which was during the hot afternoon. Additionally, TSP of RFB peak’s data was accounted as 234.04 μg/m3 which is beneath the standard of Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), 330 μg/m3. Nevertheless, the climax concentration of fine and ultrafine particles (PM2.5 and PM0.1) that wandered in the same area had surprisingly stood in an immensely high number as 95.56 and 38.04 μg/m3. To summarize, low level of TSP in the ambient atmosphere is not correlating to less pollution since the acquired results of PM2.5 and PM0.1 had detected in a dominant level that disturb the public health respiratory system. Same thing happened to WP which is a tree-based site as well.

An active and targeted survey reveals asymptomatic malaria infections among high-risk populations in Mondulkiri, Cambodia

BackgroundMalaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is one of the most serious public health issues globally and a leading cause of mortality in many developing countries worldwide. Knowing the prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria on a subnational scale allows for the estimation of the burden of parasitaemia present in the transmission system, enabling targeting and tailoring of resources towards greater impact and better use of available capacity. This study aimed to determine the PCR-based point prevalence of malaria infection, by parasite species, among three high-risk populations in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia: forest rangers, forest dwellers, and forest goers.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed during the transmission season in November and December 2021. Blood samples collected on filter paper from participants (n = 1301) from all target groups were screened for Plasmodium spp using PCR.ResultsMalaria prevalence among all study participants was 6.7% for any Plasmodium species. Malaria prevalence in the forest ranger group was 8.1%, was 6.8% in forest goers, and 6.4% in forest dwellers; all infections were asymptomatic. Plasmodium vivax was detected in all participant groups, while the few Plasmodium falciparum infections were found in goers and dwellers. 81% of all infections were due to P. vivax, 9% were due to P. falciparum, 3% due to Plasmodium cynomolgi, and the rest (7%) remained undefined. Gender was associated with malaria infection prevalence, with male participants having higher odds of malaria infection than female participants (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.08–2.64). Passively collected malaria incidence data from the Cambodian government were also investigated. Health facility-reported malaria cases, based on rapid diagnostic tests, for the period Jan-Dec 2021 were 521 Plasmodium vivax (0.89% prevalence), 34 P. falciparum (0.06%) and four P. falciparum + mixed (0.01%)—a total of 559 cases (0.95%) for all of Mondulkiri.ConclusionThis reservoir of asymptomatic parasitaemia may be perpetuating low levels of transmission, and thus, new strategies are required to realize the goal of eliminating malaria in Cambodia by 2025.

Towards Inclusive Education in Cambodia: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Diversity

This paper examines the progress and challenges of inclusive education in Cambodia. Inclusive education aims to provide equal opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities, to access quality education. Despite some progress, inclusive education in Cambodia is still facing significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, limited policies, and negative attitudes towards students with disabilities. The study utilized a literature review approach to examine relevant studies and reports on inclusive education in Cambodia. The results indicate that there is a need for more investment in inclusive education, including teacher training, policy development, and infrastructure improvement. A change in societal attitudes towards disability is also required to create a more inclusive and accepting culture in Cambodia. The study recommends that the Cambodian government, in partnership with international organizations and stakeholders, take concrete steps towards achieving inclusive education and promoting equal opportunities for all students.

Inside the History Lab

For more than two hundred years the Elgin Marbles, pictured on the cover of the March 2023 issue of the American Historical Review, have been the subject of one of the longest transnational cultural disputes in the world. Named after the British aristocrat who oversaw their removal from the Parthenon in what was then Ottoman-controlled Athens, they have been in the collection of the British Museum in London since the early nineteenth century. Beginning in the 1830s, the Greek government asked the British to return the marbles. Those Greek demands have continued to the present day, but the British have been steadfast in their insistence that the marbles were legally acquired and have refused to return them. Very recently, however, a new set of high-profile negotiations between Greece and Great Britain over the Elgin Marbles may finally bring this impasse to an end.1 If the parties do reach a settlement, it would come in the wake of a transformative set of campaigns beginning in the 1970s for the cultural restitution of objects brought to Europe and the United States in and after the era of high imperialism. In Germany, Belgium, France, and the United States, several museums have returned more than a thousand looted artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. French and American museums are beginning to return stolen Khmer antiquities under pressure from the Cambodian government. Protocols have emerged in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and at the United Nations for the return of Indigenous cultural property and remains to tribes and First Nations.2

Current Situation of Economic Life of Vietnamese Community in Cambodia: A Survey’s Results

The Vietnamese community in Cambodia is facing a difficult and hard life in all aspects, especially since the Cambodian Government issued and implemented Decree No. 129 in August 2017 on the revocation and cancellation of Cambodian administrative documents that Cambodia deemed abnormal holding and using by foreigners. Accordingly, most Vietnamese people live in Cambodia for a long time, even for five to six generations, have been affected by the confiscation of all documents proving their legal status in Cambodia. As results of the implementation of this Decree, more than 90% of people of Vietnamese origin are considered immigrants, so they hardly enjoy any rights. Because they do not have documents to prove their legal status, people of Vietnamese origin cannot own property and means of production, have difficulty in accessing jobs, and especially their children born in Cambodia cannot go to Cambodian schools.Besides, along with low education level, temporary life, no expertise, no capital and production means, a large percentage of Vietnamese people in Cambodia have extremely difficult lives. Their per capita income is much lower than the Cambodia’s national average. Many of them live in poverty and vulnerability.Based on the results of the survey conducted in Cambodia by the research team, this article examines and evaluates the current economic situation of the Vietnamese community in Cambodia. The findings strongly confirm the above assessment.

Mental health service accessibility, development and research priority setting in Cambodia - a post-conflict nation

BackgroundThe limited health and social care infrastructure that existed in the 1970s in Cambodia was destroyed due to the Khmer Rouge. Mental Health service infrastructures have developed in Cambodia in the last twenty five years, however, they have been shaped significantly by very limited funding being made available for human resources, support services and research. The lack of research on Cambodia’s mental health systems and services is a significant barrier to the development of evidence-based mental health policies and practice. In order to address this barrier, effective research and development strategies are needed in Cambodia, which are based on locally well-informed research priorities. There are many possibilities for mental health research in LMIC countries such as Cambodia, therefore focused research priorities in these areas are needed to guide future research investment. This paper is the result of the development of international collaborative workshops, which focused on service mapping and research priority setting in the field of mental health in Cambodia. MethodsA nominal group technique was used to gather ideas and insights from a range of key mental health service stakeholders in Cambodia. Results: The key issues in service provisions for people with mental health issues and disorders, the interventions and programmes of support available, and currently needed, were identified. This paper also identifies five key mental health research priority areas which could form the basis for effective mental health research and development strategies in Cambodia. ConclusionThere is a clear need for the Cambodian government to devise a clear policy framework for health research. This framework could focus on the five research domains identified in this paper and could be incorporated within its National Health Strategic plans. The implementation of this approach would likely lead to the development of an evidence base which would allow the development of effective and sustainable strategies for mental health problem prevention and intervention. This would also contribute to promote the Cambodian government’s capacity to take the deliberate, concrete, and targeted steps necessary to address the complex mental health needs of its population.