24 Cambodian Students to Pursue Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Japan Under JDS Program

Twenty-four Cambodian students are set to depart soon to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at various universities in Japan through the Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS). Of these, 22 students will study for master's degrees, while the remaining two will pursue doctoral degrees. A farewell reception for the successful scholarship recipients was organized by the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia on the evening of August 4, 2026, at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Phnom Penh. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Chin Malin, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Justice; Mr. NAGASE Kensuke, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia; Dr. Som Rotana, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport; representatives from JICA Cambodia, and the JDS Alumni Association, along with the scholarship awardees. The participation of these key figures underscored the significance of the JDS program in developing human resources for Cambodia. Mr. NAGASE Kensuke expressed his strong hope that all students will make the most of their study opportunities and life experiences in Japan. He encouraged the students to build friendships with Japanese people to gain support and strengthen relations between the two nations. Dr. Chin Malin, speaking as a former JDS alumnus who completed his master's degree in political science in Japan over 20 years ago, conveyed his warm sentiments and congratulated all the scholarship recipients. He also shared valuable personal experiences and offered numerous recommendations and important advice to serve as a foundation for the students as they prepare to study abroad. The JDS scholarship project began offering opportunities to Cambodia in 2000, with the aim of supporting human resource development by providing young officials working in key ministries and institutions the chance to study for postgraduate degrees in Japan. To date, nearly 600 Cambodian students have studied under the JDS program, and many graduates are actively contributing to Cambodia's socio-economic development and have risen to senior positions within the government. The continued strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Cambodia and Japan will be further enhanced through the utilization of the knowledge and experience gained by these students in building a robust future for both countries.