PM Hun Manet Warns Educational Institutions Against Lowering Quality, Cautions Against AI-Driven Degrees

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia on August 6, 2026, issued a stern warning to educational institutions against compromising their quality for competition, particularly cautioning against the issuance of degrees without actual learning. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for students of the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) and the inauguration of its new six-story academic building, the Prime Minister stated that schools should not merely be places that provide diplomas. Instead, they ought to be institutions with conditions and methods of teaching that enable students to acquire clear skills and be practically useful. "If students can pass by simply using AI, they will not be able to work when they enter society. Do not forget that if every student goes out without clear skills, the nation will be filled with human resources lacking competence," the Prime Minister emphasized. He expressed his desire for graduates to possess clear skills and good conduct, serving as valuable assets for the nation. He urged them not to rely solely on diplomas and good grades but to value genuine knowledge and the skills they have diligently acquired for their future. Furthermore, he encouraged all students to strive for additional research and to strengthen their existing skills, advising them to master at least one or two areas thoroughly. Prime Minister Hun Manet also stated that educational institutions must clearly define the conditions for using technology before recommending it to students, aiming for human capability rather than complete reliance on AI. "Internal skills and foundational skills must be present, and technology should serve as an additional driver. I urge the Ministry of Education to review and propose to both public and private universities to conduct regular research, as human resources depend on us, and our nation depends on us. The government has already set a policy to strengthen human resources, and the direct actors are all educational institutions," he stressed. He further clarified that public and private educational institutions must not lower their quality, and issuing diplomas without students learning is a problem that requires attention. The Prime Minister instructed all educational institutions, from primary to higher education levels, to maintain high standards in quality, skills, and conduct. Prime Minister Hun Manet concluded by stating that when schools have good quality and students exhibit discipline, they will have opportunities for well-compensated employment after graduation, commensurate with their acquired knowledge and skills, and will be individuals who are resilient and diligent in their work. Source: CPP Cambodia