Transferring money from Cambodia to Europe, you can use transferwise. ...Read more
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Cambodia and Education 2018/19 This traditional education system was originally changed by the French occupation of Cambodia in 1863 before their eventual withdrawal in 1953. The French left a more formal, western style education system which was later developed and combined ...Read more
Cambodia and Education 2018/19
This traditional education system was originally changed by the French occupation of Cambodia in 1863 before their eventual withdrawal in 1953. The French left a more formal, western style education system which was later developed and combined with the traditional system to suit the Khmer people in the independence period circa 1960.
Private Tutoring in Cambodia
The Khmer Rouge and the civil wars that followed in the 1970’s would prove to be the most infamous and horrific time in Cambodia’s history. During this time a functional and productive education system that was the result of hundreds of years of fine tuning would be virtually destroyed much like the rest of the country and its people.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s the education system would be reconstructed from virtually zero and is gradually being developed and improved all the way up to the current day.
The formal education structure of Cambodia was reformed in 1996 and, at time of writing in 2018, there are many signs of improvement in the state and private education systems.
The State System
The state education system is made up of a 6 years + 3 years + 3 years program. This means that it takes 12 years to complete the Cambodian state education and divides up as 6 years spent at primary level (grade 1 to 6) and 6 years for secondary education (grade 7 to 12).
The secondary education consists of two stages of three years for lower (grade 7-9) and upper (grade 10-12) secondary school. This is currently the basic requirement in Cambodia does not include tertiary education at the kindergarten ages from between 3 and 9 years and university courses that vary from 4 to 6 years.
Two other important components of the Cambodian educational system is teacher training education. This allows graduated students that have successfully completed grade 12 to enroll on teaching training programs. The teacher training colleges and centres can be found both provincially and in the major Cambodian cities. 
The Private System
Currently, the educational system is run by the Cambodian state, but private education exists at all levels and is run by private companies. There are many private schools now offering pre-school education and general education programs, mainly in the cities but with an ever increasing presence in the provinces also.
Many of the privately run schools are often operated by ethnic and religious expatriates including Chinese, French, English and Vietnamese. Private higher education is accessible mainly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but it is also available in some of the provinces of Cambodia.
Cambodian general education is based on a national school curriculum that consists of two main parts: basic education and upper secondary education.
Related: How do you greet someone in Cambodia?
Primary Education
The basic education curriculum is divided into three cycles with three years in each. The first cycle (grade 1-3) consists of 27-30 lessons per week lasting 40 minutes which are allocated to the five main subjects; Khmer, maths, science and social studies, physical education and local life skills program.
The second cycle (grade 4-6) has the same number of lessons but is slightly different in the amount of time studied for each particular subject with more emphasis on Khmer, maths and social sciences.
Secondary Education
The third cycle (grade 7-9) consists of 32-35 lessons which are split between the 7 major subjects listed above with the addition of 4 lessons per week in a foreign language with a choice of English or French.
The upper secondary education curriculum consists of two different phases. The first phase (grade 10) is identical to the third cycle of primary education and the second phase (grade 11-12) has two main parts to the curriculum:
The compulsory phase involves four major subjects with different numbers of lessons divided between the subjects per week: Khmer literature, physical and health education, sports science, foreign language and basic or advanced mathematics.
The electives part includes three major subjects covering four or five sub-subjects with four lessons allocated per week for each one.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Environmental Studies
- Social Studies: Moral/Civics, History, Geography, Economics
- ICT/Technology, Accounting Business Management, Local Vocational Technical Subject, Tourism and Arts Education
Tertiary Education
Despite Cambodia’s turbulent recent history, higher education is available at several universities and faculties. These include the Royal University of Phnom Phen, the Royal Agricultural University, the Royal University of Fine Arts, and various Faculties of Medicine, of Law and Economics, and of Business.
The Higher Technical Institute of Soviet-Khmer Friendship has been rebranded the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, while the Australian-funded Maharishi Vedic University functions in the far eastern Prey Veng Province.
The Royal University of Phnom Phen is Cambodia’s oldest university having been founded in 1960 by the Cambodian King with French money. It was reopened in 1998, and now approximately 4,000 students study Khmer literature, biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, mathematics, philosophy, psychology and sociology there.
The American University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia has partnered with the University of Arizona to offer Cambodian students a chance at a first-rate American style tertiary education. As of September 2016, students attending AUPP are now able to take courses from the University of Arizona and earn a dual degree from the two schools in undergraduate and master’s degrees in a range of subjects.
Education for Minority and Disability Peoples
As we now know, Cambodia has drastically improved overall access to basic education, however, many children who are from an ethnic minority or live with a disability may still have problems finding a school and staying in it. Breaking down these barriers of prejudice are core to Cambodia fully reforming its education system.
Cambodia has approximately 20 ethnic groups, the majority of whom live in Cambodia’s country’s isolated, mountainous northeastern provinces. Even when ethnic minority
children can attend school, language differences leave them severely lagging behind the rest of their class as few minority speak Khmer and similarly the teachers will not speak their family language.
Thankfully, education for children with disabilities is increasingly gaining attention in Cambodia and response by the government who are working to eliminate education inequalities.
The Future
The future is bright for Cambodia and its education system. More Cambodian children now regularly go to school than any other time in the country’s history. In addition, there is virtually no gender inequality in Cambodian schools with figures of 95.8 percent of boys and 94.6 percent of girls enrolling for school.
Related: What Is A Good Salary In Cambodia?
Traditionally, many Cambodian children would not receive secondary education as they would be needed for work on the family business or farm. As the country’s economy develops and attitudes towards education changes the numbers of children going to secondary school and university is increasing year on year.
However, the problem of children being taken out of school for work due to poverty is still a problem particularly in provincial and rural areas where schools may be poorly funded, staffed and far away from the family home.
To fix this requires a much greater investment in education – not only in vocational and higher education, but also at primary and secondary school.
The main goal is making sure all Cambodians have at least 10 years of formal education, forming the basic building block for a successful country economically, socially and artistically.
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Anonymous
Asked: November 2, 2020In: Work
Mandarin is a big one outside of English. A lot of Chinese construction businesses are operating there now and much more housing geared towards the Chinese investors. Mixed commercial and residential towers have been and are being constructed. They are coming ...Read more
Mandarin is a big one outside of English. A lot of Chinese construction businesses are operating there now and much more housing geared towards the Chinese investors. Mixed commercial and residential towers have been and are being constructed.
They are coming to invest in land and realty. As well as tourism. The government has created special visa specifically geared towards them.
I’d also add that besides business and tourism, if you were thinking about getting into the medical field in the country than French would be a strong popular language to learn. Almost all medical doctors use French. All lab test results in the country are in French, and many terms that doctors use is French.
Read lessTop 10 Richest People in Cambodia: An In-Depth Look with Latest Update. Cambodia, a country with a growing economy, is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in Southeast Asia. These tycoons have amassed their fortunes through diverse industries ranging ...Read more
Top 10 Richest People in Cambodia: An In-Depth Look with Latest Update.
Cambodia, a country with a growing economy, is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in Southeast Asia. These tycoons have amassed their fortunes through diverse industries ranging from banking and real estate to agriculture and telecommunications. Here, we take a closer look at the top 10 richest people in Cambodia, exploring their business ventures and the contributions they have made to the country’s economic landscape.
1. Kith Meng – The Royal Group
Kith Meng, often referred to as one of the most influential business magnates in Cambodia, is the Chairman and CEO of the Royal Group, one of the largest and most diversified investment companies in Cambodia. The Royal Group has interests in numerous sectors, including telecommunications, transportation, energy, media, banking and finance, insurance, real estate, education, and agriculture.
Kith Meng’s success story began with his strategic investments in telecommunications, most notably with the acquisition of Mobitel, Cambodia’s leading mobile network operator. He expanded the company’s portfolio into other areas, including media with CTN, Cambodia’s first 24-hour news channel, and banking through acquisitions and partnerships. Under his leadership, the Royal Group continues to be a major player in the Cambodian economy, driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
2. Pung Khav Se – Canadia Bank and OCIC
Pung Khav Se is the Chairman of Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia’s oldest and largest commercial banks, and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), a leading real estate development company. His fortune is largely derived from banking and real estate investments, particularly through OCIC, which has spearheaded several large-scale real estate projects in Phnom Penh.
OCIC’s most notable projects include Koh Pich (Diamond Island), a prime residential and commercial development; Chroy Changvar Satellite City, an ambitious mixed-use project on the outskirts of Phnom Penh; and the Olympia City development, a large-scale urban project around the Olympic Stadium area. These projects have transformed Phnom Penh’s skyline and have significantly contributed to the city’s urban development. Pung Khav Se’s business acumen has not only made him one of Cambodia’s wealthiest individuals but also a key figure in the country’s economic development.
3. Lok Chumteav Neak Okha Pheap Heak – Chip Mong Group
Madame Pheap Heak, also known as Her Excellency Onha Madame Pheak Hak, is the Chairman of the Chip Mong Group, a conglomerate with a diverse range of business interests including construction, beverages, consumer products, and banking. The company is known for its high-end housing projects and commercial developments, as well as its role in the beverage industry through Khmer Brewery, which produces some of Cambodia’s most popular beer brands.
Chip Mong Group has also ventured into banking with the establishment of Chip Mong Bank, focusing on providing accessible financial services to Cambodians. Madame Pheap Heak, along with her two sons, Oknha Leang Meng and Oknha Leang Khun, has successfully steered the company to new heights, making it a significant player in Cambodia’s economic landscape.
4. Lok Chumteav Oknha Lim Chhiv Ho – Attwood Import Export Co. Ltd
Lim Chhiv Ho, a prominent businesswoman in Cambodia, is the founder of Attwood Import Export Co., Ltd., a leading company in the import and export of premium products. The company is particularly known for importing high-end alcoholic beverages, including brands like Johnnie Walker and Hennessy, which are popular in Cambodia’s growing luxury market.
Beyond the beverage industry, Attwood has invested in several special economic zones, including those in Phnom Penh and Poipet. These zones are critical for job creation and attracting foreign investment, contributing to Cambodia’s economic growth. Lim Chhiv Ho’s business ventures have made her a significant figure in the Cambodian economy, known for her contributions to the trade and investment sectors.
5. Ly Yong Phat – L.Y.P Group
Ly Yong Phat, often called the “King of Koh Kong,” is the founder and chairman of the L.Y.P Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests including hospitality, agriculture, infrastructure, and media. Starting in the 1990s, Ly Yong Phat built his empire in Koh Kong province, where he invested heavily in tourism, establishing hotels and resorts that cater to both local and international tourists.
L.Y.P Group is also involved in large-scale agricultural projects, including sugar and rubber plantations, and has expanded into real estate with investments in special economic zones and satellite cities. The group’s media arm includes PNN, one of Cambodia’s largest television stations, which has further solidified Ly Yong Phat’s influence in the country.
6. Sok Kong: Sokimex Investment Group
Sok Kong is the founder of Sokimex Investment Group, one of Cambodia’s largest conglomerates with business interests in petroleum, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing. The company is best known for its Sokha Hotels and Resorts, a chain of luxury hotels located in some of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
In addition to hospitality, Sokimex has a significant presence in the petroleum sector, with extensive storage and distribution networks across the country. Sok Kong’s ability to diversify his business interests has made Sokimex a household name in Cambodia and has earned him a place among the wealthiest in the nation.
7. Mong Reththy – Mong Reththy Group
Mong Reththy is the Chairman of Mong Reththy Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in agriculture, real estate, and logistics. The company is a major player in the agricultural sector, with extensive palm oil plantations and a large-scale animal feed factory. Mong Reththy Group is also involved in real estate development, particularly in coastal areas like Sihanoukville, where it has developed port facilities and other infrastructure.
The group’s agricultural ventures extend beyond palm oil to include rubber plantations, mango farms, and rice production, reflecting Mong Reththy’s commitment to leveraging Cambodia’s natural resources for economic growth. His strategic investments in agriculture and infrastructure have solidified his status as one of Cambodia’s leading business figures.
8. Sear Rithy – WorldBridge Group
Sear Rithy is a self-made businessman who started with a small logistics company and grew it into the WorldBridge Group, a conglomerate with investments in real estate, logistics, and financial services. WorldBridge is known for its luxury real estate developments, including The Bridge and The Peak, two high-rise condominium projects in Phnom Penh that have attracted significant investment and interest.
Under Sear Rithy’s leadership, the company has also ventured into affordable housing projects, catering to Cambodia’s growing middle class and low-income population. His vision and business acumen have made WorldBridge a key player in Cambodia’s real estate sector, and he continues to expand his business interests across the region.
9. Ly Hour – Ly Hour Group
Ly Hour is the founder of the Ly Hour Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests including microfinance, real estate, and jewelry. The group operates Ly Hour Pawnshop and Ly Hour Microfinance Institution, both of which provide critical financial services to Cambodia’s underserved populations.
Ly Hour Group also has a strong presence in the real estate sector, with developments such as Borey Vimean Phnom Penh, a residential project that caters to Cambodia’s growing demand for quality housing. Additionally, the group’s involvement in the jewelry business has made it a well-known brand among Cambodian consumers.
10. Sam Ang – Vattanac Investment
Sam Ang is the CEO of Vattanac Investment, a conglomerate with a strong presence in the real estate and banking sectors. The company is best known for its iconic Vattanac Tower, a skyscraper in Phnom Penh that serves as a symbol of Cambodia’s modern development. Vattanac Investment also owns Vattanac Bank, which provides a range of financial services to both corporate and retail clients.
In addition to real estate and banking, Vattanac Investment has interests in agriculture and manufacturing, further diversifying its business portfolio. Sam Ang’s strategic investments and business acumen have made him a prominent figure in Cambodia’s business community, and his company continues to play a significant role in the country’s economic development.
Other Notable Wealthy Cambodians
Beyond the top 10, Cambodia is home to several other wealthy individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s economy. These include Sy Kong Triv, Kok An, Lao Meng Khin, and Yeay Phu, who have amassed their fortunes through diverse business interests ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and real estate.
Conclusion
The wealthiest individuals in Cambodia have not only accumulated substantial personal fortunes but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic landscape. Through their diverse business interests and strategic investments, they have contributed to the growth and development of various sectors, from real estate and banking to agriculture and manufacturing. As Cambodia continues to grow, these tycoons will likely remain key figures in driving the country’s economic success.
Read lessI’m a 19-year-old student from Malaysia. I’ve been introduced to the language at a very young age and I’m capable of conducting any type of conversation. However, some of my English-speaking friends on the internet didn’t take too long to ...Read more
I’m a 19-year-old student from Malaysia. I’ve been introduced to the language at a very young age and I’m capable of conducting any type of conversation. However, some of my English-speaking friends on the internet didn’t take too long to figure I’m not a native speaker. Why is that?
Read lessI am thinking of pursuing web developing as a career & was just wondering. I’ve heard that that location is a big factor when it comes to salary of web developers. Kindly state: 1) Country 2) Salary Monthly/Yearly 3) Years ...Read more
I am thinking of pursuing web developing as a career & was just wondering. I’ve heard that that location is a big factor when it comes to salary of web developers.
Kindly state:
1) Country
2) Salary Monthly/Yearly
3) Years of experience.
P.s) You can choose to remain anonymous if you want to.