At a gathering teeming with curious students and their families, US ambassador to Cambodia W Patrick Murphy delivered a compelling message at the EducationUSA Fair 2023.

He said Cambodian students have a unique chance to explore academic opportunities in the US, a nation that houses more than 4,000 higher education institutions.

The event took place recently in Phnom Penh and featured delegates from nearly 30 US universities, who provided students with insights into educational prospects in the US.

“I’m delighted that students are interested in post-secondary education anywhere in Cambodia or any other country, and naturally, we hope they will take a look at the US because we have a lot to offer,” said Murphy.

With a current enrolment of over 14 million students in colleges and universities, the US offers a diverse range of choices.

“And I like to say we have something for everyone. We have private, public, military, big and small universities, and we have universities and colleges in both large cities and rural areas,” he added.

The US also offers affordable community colleges, which provide invaluable environments for English language acquisition and readiness for advanced academic pursuits.

EducationUSA, a network of student advisory centres in over 170 nations, plays a pivotal function in steering students through the intricate decision-making process concerning school selection, field of study and prospective scholarship options.

“Attending the exhibition today was quite straightforward as I didn’t need to search for information elsewhere,” remarked Mon Sovisal, a Grade 11 student who participated in the event.

Murphy has a clear vision, hoping to witness a substantial rise in the number of Cambodian students pursuing education in the US.

“The US embassy in Phnom Penh remains committed to hosting such events, bringing universities to the Kingdom’s doorstep.

“We have nearly a thousand Cambodian students studying each year in the US,” he said, expressing his desire to see this figure expand to 6,000 and beyond.

As parents and students sought guidance from the attending representatives, the atmosphere resonated with anticipation.

Heng Samnang, a father of two students, conveyed his interest in finding suitable universities for his children.

“Even though they are currently in Grade 9, we need to make preparations for them. In three years, we’ll have to submit applications as US universities require applications a year in advance,” he said.

Murphy also conveyed his gratitude for collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, as well as multiple schools nationwide, emphasising the importance of fostering educational programmes.

The ambassador maintained that the opportunity for additional students to undertake this pursuit was significant, particularly as Cambodia consistently enhances its education system, providing students with the necessary competencies to excel at global universities and colleges.

Despite the hurdles presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a consistent rise in the number of Cambodian students pursuing education in the US.

“We’re approaching approximately a thousand students per year.

“So I hope to see that figure double, triple or even quadruple. And I’m confident that such an outcome is attainable,” Murphy said.

San Vathana, an under-secretary of state for the education ministry, shared his enthusiasm for creating additional prospects for students following their visit to the college fair.

Vathana mentioned that apart from the EducationUSA Fair, the ministry has arranged similar events in collaboration with the EU, and there is a growing presence of British universities establishing themselves within Cambodia.

“Another benefit of these events lies in students’ ability to easily acquire the information they require.

“I have noticed that our students tend to inquire about academic pursuits and living conditions, rather than solely seeking scholarship options,” he told The Post.

Addressing a Teachers’ Day celebration on October 5, held under the theme “Teachers are the pillars of school excellence,” Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored significant aspects regarding the advancement of the educational sector and the recognition of teachers.

‘Fortify foundations’

One of the focal points Manet emphasised was the imperative to fortify education across all levels, with a particular spotlight on appraising competencies, knowledge and conduct as the envisioned results.

“I commend the outcomes we’ve attained via this series of reforms.

“Nevertheless, I believe that this is the juncture where we must identify and fortify our foundations.

“As I’ve stressed prior to the election, our principle focus should be on strengthening education from kindergarten to Grade 12,” he said.

Reinforcing the bedrock of the sector contributes to the overall vigour of the educational framework, giving precedence to competencies, knowledge and the nurturing of interpersonal skills.

Murphy also commended Cambodia’s high-ranking officials, which include Hun Manet and nine members of the Cabinet who received their education in the US.

“The prime minister and I had an opportunity to discuss people-to-people ties and bilateral relations,” he recounted.

Education plays a substantial role in these connections, encompassing a range of aid initiatives designed to elevate educational standards within the nation.

These programmes cover a wide array of projects, including English instruction, curriculum enhancement and school nutrition.

Thanh Cao, who serves as the programme manager for Southeast Asia at Kent State University, affirmed the institution’s dedication to providing students with a well-rounded curriculum.

“We are here to promote the finest curriculum for Cambodian students, enabling them to understand and discover the potential US universities can provide,” Cao told The Post.

Like most US institutions, Kent State University also extends scholarships based on academic accomplishments, thereby amplifying the availability of a US education for Cambodian students.

Murphy noted that during his tenure, he has seen a rise in the academic enrolment of girls and women. He pointed out that women now constitute the majority of students in high schools and universities, a development he views as beneficial for the nation. He also observed the emergence of new academic fields of study.

“We all must be proficient in digital languages to prosper in any chosen vocation. I believe Cambodian officials would concur that the education system requires further refinement to ensure accessibility for all,” he said.

He also noted that students who return from the US bring a diverse skill set, encompassing technical proficiency, expertise in the digital economy, business acumen and knowledge in social sciences.

These individuals return to make contributions in various sectors, including education, business, government and civil society.

The US offers degrees across a broad spectrum of fields, presenting students with an abundance from which to choose. Ultimately, it falls upon them to shape their academic journey.

The ambassador hopes that their choices align with Cambodia’s needs for sustainable development and economic growth.

With his steadfast support, the US invites Cambodian students, encouraging them to investigate the numerous opportunities that US universities offer.