Cambodia's STEP UP Project Receives Rare Commendation from ADB for STEM Education

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in Cambodia has received exceptional recognition from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its Science and Technology Education Project to Uplift Secondary Education (STEP UP), which runs from 2023 to 2028. The project aims to (1) expand equitable access to secondary education, (2) strengthen quality teaching and learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and (3) enhance leadership and management capacity of schools and institutions. During a recent review meeting of project/program progress under ADB financing, the ADB awarded a certificate of commendation to the STEP UP project, identifying it as the only one among 27 ongoing projects implemented by ministries and institutions in Cambodia to maintain good progress since its inception. Project leaders highlighted nine key factors contributing to this success. These include the project's alignment with educational reform priorities, the competence and experience of project officials, effective coordination mechanisms with internal and external stakeholders (including the Ministry of Economy and Finance and ADB), robust administrative, procurement, and financial support systems, adherence to procurement plans and procedures, regular monitoring and ADB support missions, project sustainability and institutional strengthening, strong teamwork and mutual learning, and excellent leadership at both the ministry and implementation unit levels.