PM Hun Manet Emphasizes Enhancing Education Quality and Digitalization

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia presided over the graduation ceremony and the inauguration of a new six-story academic building, parking, and office complex at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh on the morning of August 6, 2026. He warmly congratulated the 4,001 graduating students, their families, professors, management, and staff for their collective efforts. Prime Minister Hun Manet encouraged the leadership and faculty of the university to continue strengthening educational quality, research, and innovation to contribute to human capital development in economics, law, justice, and public administration, emphasizing competence, ethics, and patriotism. He also urged all educational staff to regularly enhance their digital skills and teaching methodologies to improve educational effectiveness and bridge the gap between theory and practice. During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the government''s "Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1," a long-term national socio-economic development strategy. This strategy prioritizes "human beings" and adds "technology" as a new priority, aiming to transform Cambodia's economy from one dependent on labor to one reliant on skills and technology. The government is actively promoting the quality of education and vocational training; developing skills, both hard and soft; preparing the workforce to better respond to changes in the economic landscape, labor market demands, and digital technology through upskilling and reskilling; and enhancing public health. Concurrently, the government is improving working conditions in both the public and private sectors through institutional reform, good governance, and the adjustment of incentive systems. The Prime Minister noted that the government is also working to expand educational infrastructure to the grassroots level and recruit qualified teachers based on employment agreements, while urging educational institutions not to compromise quality for the sake of competition. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the quality of education is not solely about equipping schools with computers or impressive buildings, nor should students merely aim for grades or diplomas. Instead, they should strive to earn social recognition through practical abilities. Sharing his personal experience, he noted that lessons on good conduct, creativity, and responsibility are unforgettable, while school rules and academic rigor train individuals to overcome challenges and avoid shortcuts. He stated that productivity arises from "quality + skills + attitude" combined with will. He stressed that schools must serve as centers for defining standardized teaching methodologies and conditions to ensure students acquire clear knowledge and skills. Regarding technology, the ultimate goal is its appropriate use to enhance capabilities while maintaining fundamental skills. Students should not rely too heavily on technology to the point of losing self-mastery but should have the ability to manage and use it effectively. Finally, the Prime Minister urged all graduating students to rely on themselves and transform their diplomas into a testament to their true capabilities through lifelong research and learning. He expressed strong hope that the graduates will utilize their knowledge, skills, and competencies to serve in government institutions, the private sector, or various organizations, fulfilling their personal and family needs and contributing to national development. Furthermore, he called upon them to overcome all obstacles to build themselves as good citizens, good officials, and good employees with professional conscience, ethics, and a spirit of sincere service to the people for the cause of the nation and homeland. By: Kong Sereyrath © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018