It’s time to put an end to the long debate Flutter vs PWA vs Native. The Winner is PWA !

Having seen both sides of creating apps via PWA, Flutter, Native & Hybrid apps for over 4 years I can confidently say PWA is “THE FUTURE“.

Why is PWA so much better than any other technolgy. Why should you go for PWA and not for once think about anything else.

Simplicity

Creating PWA is so simple and easy. If you understand the basics and creating a PWA is really simple, but you have to take care to design your PWA properly, just the hacky stuff that some of the WordPress.org plugins claim to create every site a PWA.

PWA can be created in as less than 10-200 line of Code even for the most complex apps ! Our Learning management system PWA code is less than 200 lines and it is full featured with inbuilt Content Editor , Video recorded and Artifical intelligence.

Compare with Flutter / Native / Hybrid apps, 200 lines is a clear winner. You save time, money and a lot of mind trouble.

Single Code base for Web + Mobile + TV

Your web and apps share the same code base. Maintaining 2 projects for same thing is a PITA for every developer. Next comes the development overhead, you create a Feature A in web and now you need to create it for the Apps.

Native apps: you have to create it both for android and ios.

Flutter / React Native, you re-write code then compile and release. For flutter you have to learn DART language as well ( learning new language just for creating app and tomorrow Google invests in another project what then ? ).

Not just FAST , Blazing fast

PWA is blazing fast. Faster than Native and definitely Flutter. The main thing is that when you create a PWA you focus on 1 element, that PWA should load fast on web and all platforms. Designing PWA involves strategies to make it load fast.

Native app developers claim native is faster than PWA sure it is faster by 10ms ( less than a blink of the eye ).

Common Sense : Any app which pulls data from a server via REST API will have the same lag that is involved in downloading data from the server. Once the data is downloaded from the server (2-300ms), the native app renders in 30ms and PWA in 50ms. Now question is are you willing to spend $2000+ to save those 20ms ? Or put those $2000 in marketing or new feature.

Offline View : For Flutter and React native you do almost equal ( >= ) amount of work and create strategies to make then load fast and store content for offline view. With PWA you do that work once so this is half the work. Native is not in the competition here.

Conversion to Apps & publish on App Stores.

PWAs can be easily converted into apps for both iOS , Android, Microsoft, Samsung. For Mobile, tablets and Desktops. Further, PWAs can be published on app stores with much ease. The PWABuilder tool from microsoft directly converts PWA into mobile apps ready to be published on app stores.

With PWA you really do not need to upload on App stores, if you say it improves traffic or viewership then you are wrong. Studies have revealed that an App on App store does not bring in more traffic or give additional exposure. If it is brand value you are after PWA can also give you mobile apps.

Maintenance & Updates.

Honestly not many business think about this, they fall into the trap of building an over expensive app, along with a service provider who charges exorbitantly on app maintenance. Few years later you realise, you have invested so much on the damn project that you are actually making a loss by choosing the wrong technology & provider.

What if a bug appears, you will need to contact both App and web teams to follow up and implement fixes.

Feature : Feature is developed once in PWA and is available in all platforms at once including the web.

While for PWA all App + web infrastructure and traffic is same , for other Native/Hybrid you have to maintain your traffic in 2 different categories : App traffic, Web traffic. Maintain different bug logs, different projects , feature lists, releases and the list goes on and on. Sooner of later you are bound to get headaches and

Scalability

This part is about load & traffic, PWA optimises the traffic load between the browser and the server. No other technology does that.

When your app really starts attracting more and more traffic, you would need additional infrastructure for the App.

Sure there are uber-expensive scalable options on the server infrastructure but not everyone can afford it and actually it does not make any sense as well when you compare with a PWA.

A PWA never goes down even when your server does, even when your internet does. It saves the responses and posts when the server and internet is back online. Now that scalability you can not afford.

Conclusion

IF you are planning to create a project for Web or App, where the majority content is to be loaded from a server via REST API / GraphQL it totally makes sense to use a PWA and not save additional resources on Server or developement of native apps. Think about How much you can save and use it in marketing and sales to boost your product.

Read less

Education is one of the most important investments a person can make for their future. However, the increasing cost of higher education can often be a burden on students and their families, making scholarships a crucial support system. Scholarships not only relieve financial pressure but also open doors to numerous opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. In Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet has been a vocal advocate for scholarships, encouraging students to work hard and earn their education through merit. This blog post will explore seven compelling reasons why students should increase their efforts to secure scholarships and how doing so can shape their future for the better.

1. Free Tuition Fees: A Financial Lifeline for Students and Families

One of the most obvious and significant benefits of scholarships is that they often cover tuition fees, sometimes up to 100%. For students in Cambodia, securing a scholarship can mean the difference between being able to pursue higher education or not. Many universities in Cambodia, as well as international institutions, offer merit-based scholarships that alleviate the financial burden on students and their families.

Why is this important?

• No student loans: By securing a scholarship, students can avoid crippling debt that often comes with student loans. Instead of worrying about repaying loans, students can focus on their education and career development.
• Savings for other skills: The money saved on tuition fees can be redirected toward gaining additional skills such as IT, design, or content creation. These complementary skills not only enrich the student’s resume but also make them more versatile in the job market.
• Less financial stress for families: Many parents in Cambodia struggle to afford higher education for their children due to rising tuition fees. A scholarship provides a much-needed financial break, allowing families to focus on other priorities.

As Prime Minister Hun Manet has emphasized, students who work hard and achieve high grades (such as A, B, or C in their exams) are eligible to apply for scholarships at many Cambodian universities, creating an incentive for students to strive for academic excellence.

2. Scholarships Signal Commitment and Build a Strong Reputation

Securing a scholarship is not just a financial benefit; it is a symbol of dedication, intelligence, and hard work. Earning a scholarship sends a clear message to employers and society that the student is committed to their education and is willing to put in the effort to achieve success.

• Reputation at work and society: Scholarship recipients often earn a reputation for being smart, responsible, and reliable. These are traits that employers actively seek when hiring. Having a scholarship on one’s resume can give a student a competitive edge in the job market.
• Increased job opportunities: Many companies and organizations specifically look for scholarship recipients as they see them as driven individuals who are likely to excel in their roles. A scholarship is an achievement that indicates the student can be trusted to handle challenges and succeed.
• Respect in the community: Scholarship recipients are often seen as role models in their communities. They inspire others to pursue education and work hard, showing that academic success can lead to real opportunities.

In his speech to students at the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) and Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted how these organizations have played a vital role in shaping students’ futures by providing scholarships and support. He encouraged students to study hard, knowing that scholarships await those who are dedicated.

3. Scholarships Unlock Access to Higher Education and International Opportunities

For many students, a scholarship is the key to unlocking higher education. In Cambodia, scholarships not only provide access to local universities but also open doors to study abroad in countries like China, where students can gain exposure to different cultures, learning environments, and opportunities.

• Access to top-tier universities: Many prestigious universities, both in Cambodia and internationally, offer scholarships to talented students. For example, scholarships provided by local institutions or through government partnerships with countries like China give Cambodian students the opportunity to pursue world-class education.
• Study abroad experiences: Scholarships can also offer the chance to study overseas, providing students with global exposure, which is increasingly valued in today’s interconnected world. Students who study abroad often return with new perspectives, networks, and skills that make them stand out in their fields.
• Bridging the gap between talent and resources: Scholarships ensure that financial constraints do not limit talented students from reaching their full potential. Instead, it levels the playing field and provides everyone, regardless of background, the opportunity to succeed.

As Prime Minister Hun Manet noted, students who excel at institutions like the CCF and PSE have been able to pursue further education, both locally and internationally, thanks to scholarships. This is a powerful example of how financial support can change lives.

4. Scholarships Encourage Academic Excellence and Hard Work

One of the primary goals of scholarships is to encourage students to perform well academically. Knowing that a scholarship is available for high achievers gives students a strong motivation to excel in their studies.

• Incentive to study harder: The prospect of earning a scholarship can push students to aim higher in their academics. It creates a clear goal for students to work towards, especially when they know that higher grades can lead to better opportunities.
• Recognizing effort and perseverance: Scholarships are often awarded based on merit, recognizing students who have put in the effort to excel in their studies. This recognition can be a source of pride and motivation, pushing students to maintain high academic standards throughout their education.
• Rewarding resilience: Many students face challenges, whether they are financial, personal, or academic. A scholarship rewards students who have overcome these obstacles, providing validation for their hard work and dedication.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has continuously emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, noting that students who pass their Grade 12 exams and strive for excellence will be rewarded with scholarships.

5. Scholarships Reduce the Need for Part-Time Work, Allowing Students to Focus on Studies

In Cambodia, many students take on part-time jobs to support their education and living expenses. While this is a commendable effort, it often detracts from the time and energy they can dedicate to their studies. Scholarships reduce the need for part-time work, allowing students to focus entirely on their education.

• More time for academic success: When students don’t have to worry about earning money to pay for tuition, they can devote more time to studying and performing well in their courses. This increased focus often leads to better academic outcomes and a deeper understanding of their subjects.
• Opportunity for extracurricular involvement: Scholarships give students the freedom to participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or volunteering, which enrich their university experience and make them more well-rounded individuals.
• Less stress, better results: Juggling work and studies can be overwhelming for students. Scholarships relieve this burden, reducing stress and allowing students to perform at their best academically.

Scholarship recipients often outperform their peers academically because they have the time and resources to fully dedicate themselves to their education. This is why Prime Minister Hun Manet has emphasized the value of scholarships in helping students achieve their full potential.

6. Scholarships Provide Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

In addition to financial support, scholarships often come with mentorship and networking opportunities that can be invaluable for students as they start their careers. Many scholarship programs are supported by organizations, universities, or government bodies that offer recipients access to professionals in their field, internship opportunities, and a network of like-minded individuals.

• Mentorship from industry leaders: Many scholarship programs connect students with mentors who are professionals in their chosen field. This mentorship can guide students as they make important decisions about their education and career path.
• Building professional networks: Scholarship recipients often become part of an exclusive network of students and alumni who can offer advice, support, and career opportunities. These connections can be instrumental when students start looking for internships or jobs after graduation.
• Internship and job opportunities: Some scholarships come with the promise of internships or job placements, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in their field of study. These experiences not only build the student’s resume but also give them a head start in their careers.

These additional benefits of scholarships help students build a strong foundation for their future careers, making the effort to secure a scholarship even more worthwhile.

7. Scholarships Foster Personal Growth and a Sense of Achievement

Finally, earning a scholarship is a major personal achievement. It reflects not only academic success but also personal growth, determination, and perseverance. Students who earn scholarships often experience a boost in confidence that propels them to continue striving for success in all areas of their life.

• Confidence boost: Achieving a scholarship can significantly boost a student’s self-esteem, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges and pursue their goals with renewed energy.
• Sense of responsibility: Scholarship recipients often feel a sense of responsibility to live up to the expectations placed on them by the scholarship providers, which can drive them to maintain high standards in their academic and professional endeavors.
• Motivation for lifelong learning: Scholarships often spark a love for learning, as students realize the value of education and the doors it can open. This motivation can lead to continued success in both academic and professional pursuits.

In Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet has consistently encouraged students to aim for scholarships, knowing that the personal growth that comes from such achievements will benefit not only the students themselves but also the nation as a whole.

Scholarships as a Path to Success

Scholarships offer more than just financial relief; they provide students with a host of opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. From free tuition to access to international education, mentorship, and networking, scholarships are a powerful tool for shaping a student’s future. With Prime Minister Hun Manet’s strong emphasis on education and scholarships, Cambodian students have a clear path to success if they are willing to put in the effort.

As students across Cambodia continue to strive for academic excellence, they should keep in mind the long-term benefits that scholarships provide. Whether it’s the confidence boost that comes from earning a prestigious award, the financial freedom to focus on studies, or the networking opportunities that come with it, scholarships can truly transform a student’s future.

If you’re a student in Cambodia, take the Prime Minister’s advice to heart: work hard, aim for scholarships, and unlock your full potential. The opportunities are there for those who are committed to their education and future.

Read less

“Who Makes the Cambodian News?” by UNESCO, which assesses women’s presence and portrayal in Cambodian news.

“Who Makes the Cambodian News” was conducted by UNESCO, in collaboration with Cambodian media outlets, journalist associations, civil society organizations, and development partners. This comprehensive study provides insights into the representation of women in Cambodian news and newsrooms, highlighting gender disparities and suggesting various recommendations to improve gender equality in the media landscape.

UNESCO

Introduction and Purpose of the Report

• The report was commissioned by UNESCO to understand the representation of women in Cambodian news and to provide recommendations to enhance women’s presence and portrayal.
• A mixed-methods approach was used, involving the analysis of literature and the collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
• A total of 4,094 news stories from 12 media outlets were analyzed over a period from January 2 to January 31, 2023.

Key Findings

• Women are significantly underrepresented and misrepresented in Cambodian news.
• Only 5% of news stories had an exclusively women presence, compared to almost half of the stories having an exclusively male presence.
• Women make up only 2% of all spokespeople, 7% of all experts, and 12% of all ordinary citizens/vox pops in the news.
• No editorials or op-eds contained an exclusively women presence.
• News stories with an exclusively male presence were significantly more likely to feature in primetime bulletins and on the front page compared to stories with an exclusively women presence.

Recommendations

• The report calls for media owners, managers, senior editors, journalists, and journalist associations to be intentional about improving women’s presence and portrayal in the news.
• It urges the Royal Government of Cambodia to support the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in monitoring women’s representation in the news and to address gender imbalances.
• The report suggests that media organizations implement gender-sensitive policies in the workplace and focus on gender in content production.

UNESCO’s Role

• UNESCO aims to promote gender equality in media through greater pluralism and diversity, empowering women to take up decision-making roles and strengthening gender-sensitive reporting.
• The organization has developed Gender Sensitive Indicators for Media (GSIM) to provide empirical evidence on women’s presence and participation in news media.

Conclusion

• The study highlights the importance of balanced and equal coverage in news media for a prosperous and harmonious society.
• It also provides tangible opportunities for progress and includes an example of a newsroom that successfully enhanced female narratives. Full report can download here: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388025

Read less

The rising cost of education in Cambodia is becoming a growing concern for families across the country. Despite the government’s efforts to improve education standards, the financial burden on parents is increasing, leaving many struggling to fund their children’s education. From high school tuition fees to extra classes and school supplies, families are forced to make difficult financial decisions, often turning to loans to cover these costs.

This blog post explores the reasons behind the escalating cost of education in Cambodia, supported by data and personal stories, to understand the complex dynamics contributing to this issue.

1. Rising Tuition Fees

One of the most significant factors contributing to the rising cost of education in Cambodia is the steady increase in tuition fees. In recent years, private schools, especially those in urban areas, have consistently raised their tuition fees. According to a report by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS), the cost of private education has increased by about 20% in the last five years. This surge in fees is partly attributed to the higher operational costs that schools face, such as teacher salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and investment in modern technology.

Even in public schools, where education is officially free, hidden costs exist. Many schools charge parents for additional services, such as exam preparation classes or extracurricular activities, which are essential for students aiming to pass national exams and qualify for higher education. For many families, these extra fees are unaffordable, creating a barrier to education.

Parents like Som Sithor, a mother of three, struggle to keep up with these increasing costs. “I try to save as much as I can to pay for the school fees and extra classes for Grade 12 lessons,” she told Kiripost, highlighting the burden of paying $400 per month for her children’s education, which includes extra classes in core subjects like math, physics, chemistry, and biology.

2. Growing Demand for Private Tutoring

In Cambodia, private tutoring has become an essential part of the education system. For many students, attending extra classes outside regular school hours is critical to passing the national Baccalaureate (Bac II) exams. These exams are a key milestone for students aiming to continue to university, and private tutoring is often seen as necessary to prepare for them.

According to data from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), private tutoring fees account for a significant portion of household spending on education in Cambodia. The average cost for private tutoring can range from $20 to $50 per subject per month, depending on the teacher’s reputation and the subject. For families with multiple children in school, these fees quickly add up, putting a considerable strain on their finances.

Parents like Sithor acknowledge the importance of extra classes but are forced to make difficult decisions. “Financial constraints have meant that while my youngest child has attended extra classes to prepare for the exams, they are not as many as my oldest child,” she said, adding that her children had to suspend their English studies to focus on core subjects.

3. Increased Cost of School Supplies and Materials

Another factor contributing to the rising cost of education is the increasing cost of school supplies and materials. As Cambodia’s economy grows and inflation rises, the prices of textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, and other necessary school materials have also surged. For low-income families, the cost of these basic materials can be overwhelming.

According to UNICEF, the average cost of basic school supplies for a high school student in Cambodia is around $150 per year, not including uniforms or other essential materials like calculators and backpacks. For families living in rural areas, where income levels are lower, these costs are often prohibitive, leading to increased dropout rates and lower school attendance.

For parents like Thorn Thet, from Prey Veng province, these rising costs are becoming increasingly challenging. “The cost of basic materials and school supplies is rising, as well as the expenditure necessary to support children’s educational needs,” he said, expressing his concern about the growing financial pressure on families like his.

4. Economic Pressures and the Cost of Living

The general rise in the cost of living in Cambodia is also having a direct impact on the cost of education. With inflation rates climbing, families are finding it harder to make ends meet, and education costs are becoming an additional burden. The National Institute of Statistics (NIS) reported that Cambodia’s inflation rate hit 4.1% in 2023, driven by rising food and fuel prices. This has had a knock-on effect on household budgets, leaving families with less disposable income to spend on their children’s education.

In urban areas like Phnom Penh, where many private schools and tutoring centers are located, the cost of living is particularly high. Parents not only have to pay for tuition and school supplies but also for transportation, meals, and, in some cases, accommodation for their children. A mother from Phnom Penh, who wished to remain anonymous, told Kiripost that she spends approximately $5,000 a year to support one child’s education, including two different school fees, extra classes, transportation, and a smartphone for digital learning.

5. Teacher Salaries and Quality of Education

The push for higher-quality education has also contributed to rising costs. As Cambodia continues to develop, there is a growing demand for better-trained teachers and more advanced educational resources. This has led to an increase in teacher salaries, especially in private schools, where teachers with higher qualifications and more experience can command better pay.

A study by MoEYS found that the average salary for a qualified teacher in a private school in Phnom Penh is around $800 to $1,200 per month, significantly higher than in public schools, where teachers earn around $250 to $500 per month. Schools pass these costs on to parents through higher tuition fees, making quality education increasingly expensive for many families.

While the higher salaries are necessary to attract and retain skilled teachers, they also contribute to the rising cost of education. As one parent noted, “The education quality is good and acceptable. The teachers are good, but we have to pay more for this quality.”

6. Investment in Technology and Infrastructure

As Cambodia’s education system modernizes, there has been a growing emphasis on integrating technology into classrooms. This shift is part of a broader effort to align Cambodia’s education system with international standards and prepare students for the global economy. However, this investment in technology and infrastructure comes at a cost.

Many schools, especially private institutions, are investing in digital learning platforms, smart classrooms, and updated facilities. While these advancements improve the quality of education, they also increase operational costs, which are passed on to parents through higher fees. Schools now require students to have access to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, further adding to the financial burden on families.

For example, the mother from Phnom Penh mentioned earlier spends part of her annual education budget on a smartphone for her child, which is essential for completing schoolwork and attending online classes. As digital learning becomes more integral to education in Cambodia, the cost of these devices and associated services is likely to continue rising.

7. Government Policy and Regulation

While the Cambodian government has made significant strides in improving access to education, there are still gaps in policy and regulation that have contributed to the rising cost of education. For instance, while public education is free in principle, in practice, many schools rely on additional fees from parents to cover operational costs. These fees, often referred to as “contributions,” can vary widely from school to school, creating inconsistencies in the cost of education across the country.

Furthermore, the lack of strict regulation on private school fees has allowed many institutions to raise their prices unchecked. While the government has introduced measures to control the quality of education in private schools, there are no comprehensive policies in place to regulate tuition fees, leading to a wide disparity in the cost of private education.

Parents like Thorn Thet are calling for government intervention to help reduce the cost of education. “I suggest that the government help to reduce university fees to enable more students to pursue their dreams,” he said, reflecting the sentiments of many families who are struggling to afford the rising cost of education.

8. The Role of International Education Providers

In recent years, Cambodia has seen an influx of international education providers, particularly in the private school sector. Schools offering international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge programs, have become increasingly popular among wealthy families and expatriates living in Cambodia. However, these schools come with a hefty price tag, with annual tuition fees ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.

The presence of these international schools has driven up the overall cost of private education in Cambodia, as local schools attempt to compete by improving their facilities and services. This has created a two-tiered education system, where families who can afford to pay for international schools have access to world-class education, while those who cannot are left with fewer options.

While international education providers contribute to the diversification of Cambodia’s education system, they also exacerbate inequality and drive up costs for all families, as local schools increase their fees in response to the competition.

9. Economic Growth and Rising Expectations

Cambodia’s rapid economic growth over the past two decades has led to rising expectations for education. As the country continues to develop, more families are prioritizing education as a means of improving their children’s future prospects. This has led to increased demand for high-quality education, which, in turn, has driven up the cost of schooling.

According to the World Bank, Cambodia’s GDP growth rate averaged around 7% per year between 2010 and 2019, one of the highest in the world. As incomes have risen, so too has the demand for better education, particularly in urban areas where families are willing to pay higher fees for private schools and extra tutoring. However, for low- and middle-income families, the rising cost of education is outpacing their ability to pay, leading to increased financial strain.

Parents like Som Sithor express their concerns about the future. “We are concerned that the growing cost of education will become increasingly difficult for parents and their children to meet as their income does not rise,” she said, highlighting the challenge of keeping up with rising educational costs in a rapidly changing economy.

Finding Solutions to the Rising Cost of Education

The rising cost of education in Cambodia is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, from tuition fees and private tutoring to the cost of living and government policy. While there are no easy solutions, addressing this issue will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, schools, and families.

One potential solution is for the government to increase its investment in public education, particularly in rural areas where access to affordable education is limited. By improving the quality of public schools and reducing the reliance on private tutoring, the government can help alleviate some of the financial burden on families.

Another solution is to introduce policies that regulate tuition fees in private schools, ensuring that they remain affordable for all families. This could be coupled with greater transparency around school fees, so parents have a clearer understanding of what they are paying for and why.

Ultimately, addressing the rising cost of education in Cambodia will require a combination of policy changes, increased investment, and a commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.

Do you think the rising cost of education is a problem in Cambodia? What steps can the government and schools take to make education more affordable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read less