Japanese Minister of Education Pledges to Strengthen Cooperation with Cambodia on Teacher Training and Educational Expertise Sharing

Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MATSUMOTO Yohei, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue cooperating with Cambodia's Ministry of Education on teacher training, guidance system development, and knowledge and skill transfer to ensure quality in line with new contexts and to strengthen teachers' pedagogical capabilities. This was announced on the Facebook page of Cambodian Minister of Education, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron. The affirmation came during a working meeting between Minister Matsumoto and Minister Dr. Hang Chuon Naron on the morning of September 9th, attended by delegations from both sides at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh. According to the Cambodian Minister of Education's post, Minister Matsumoto reiterated his commitment to ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia in teacher training, developing guidance systems, and transferring knowledge and skills. He specifically expressed a desire to promote and share best practices from the Japanese education system in Cambodia, such as the regular updating of core textbooks and teacher guides (reviewed every few years). This aims to ensure quality in line with new contexts and to enhance teachers' pedagogical skills. He also introduced the Japanese model of early childhood education, which aligns with the Cambodian Ministry of Education's priority vision. In response, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government, relevant parties, and the Japanese people for their significant contributions to Cambodia's economic development and the increase in people's income over the past 20 years. He particularly highlighted Japan's support in establishing the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh (PTEC) and the National Institute of Education in Battambang (BTEC). These institutions are crucial for improving the quality of teacher training, strengthening science and mathematics instruction, reviewing curricula and teaching methodologies, and promoting research and publication. Their contributions have also played a significant role in improving Cambodia's PISA test results. Furthermore, Japan has provided scholarships to many Cambodian students and supported the construction of hundreds of school buildings and dormitories, as well as supported the development of physical education and sports in schools. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron stated, "In this regard, I also raised key directions for future work. Cambodia will expand the implementation of Japanese teaching methodologies, regularly organize core textbooks and teacher guides, and examine the possibility of expanding Japanese language programs and encouraging the establishment of more Japanese schools in Cambodia. This will increase opportunities for scholarships and further studies for Cambodian students in Japan." He also expressed his intention to visit Japan to study the Japanese education system firsthand. In conclusion, the bilateral working meeting concluded in a friendly and fruitful atmosphere.