Canada is exploring the establishment of a dedicated alumni association for Cambodian students who have studied in North America, as part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral educational cooperation.
The initiative was highlighted by Canadian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Christian DesRoches during a high-level meeting on Tuesday with H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport.
Ambassador DesRoches praised the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, noting the progress of the Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme. Now in its second phase, the programme is expected to see a significant increase in the number of Cambodian students pursuing advanced degrees at Canadian institutions.
The proposed alumni association aims to create a sustainable network of Canadian-educated professionals to contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic development.
The Ambassador expressed hope for formal support from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, to facilitate the launch.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron welcomed the proposal, emphasising that Canada’s contributions have been instrumental in Cambodia’s two-decade-long educational reform.
The Minister outlined four critical pillars of the current partnership: 1-The SEED programme provides specialised training for Cambodian students and officials in fields critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2-Joint efforts in curriculum development and vocational training designed to meet evolving labour market demands.
3-Targeted support for girls’ education, focusing on reducing dropout rates and ensuring equitable access to quality schooling.
4-Strengthening institutional links between Cambodian and Canadian universities to foster collaborative research and faculty exchanges.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting new initiatives that transform Cambodian youth into a “driving force” for national growth. He concluded by expressing optimism that the relationship between Cambodia and Canada will continue to yield new strategic collaborations in the coming years.
