Phnom penh: The Embassy of India and Samdech Preah Mahasangharajah Bour Kry University (SBKU) have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) titled "Establishing a Tele-conference Facility and Modernisation of the Electrical Engineering Laboratory at Samdech Preah Mahasangharajah Bour Kry University."
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the MoU was signed in Phnom Penh on July 18 by H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, and His Eminence Vong Aneta, Rector of SBKU, in the presence of university representatives, Venerable Monks, faculty members and students. The support will provide students and faculty with enhanced access to digital learning, virtual academic exchanges and improved practical engineering training. The project aims to strengthen the University's educational infrastructure and expand opportunities for collaboration with academic institutions and experts.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung highlighted the deep and enduring civilisational ties between India and Cambodia, rooted in centuries of spiritual and cultural exchanges, particularly through the shared heritage of Buddhism. He noted that education, technology and human capital development have become important pillars of the growing partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting institutions that prepare young people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to national development.
The project builds upon India's longstanding partnership with Buddhist universities in Cambodia. Through previous Quick Impact Projects, India has contributed towards the establishment of Information Technology Centres at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in Phnom Penh and its Battambang Branch, Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University, and Samdech Preah Mahasangharajah Bour Kry University. Most recently, the Embassy signed an MoU with the Battambang Branch of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University to provide essential furniture and computer facilities for its newly constructed women's dormitory. These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of India and Cambodia to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening institutional capacity and empowering Cambodian youth.
'Cambodia is a valued partner in India's Act East Policy and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework,' underlined the Embassy, adding that India implements 10 Quick Impact Projects annually in Cambodia across priority sectors including education, health, women's empowerment, sanitation, agriculture and climate resilience.
To date, it pointed out, 74 QIPs have been approved, with 55 successfully completed and 19 currently under implementation, all aligned with priorities identified by the Royal Government of Cambodia. These new initiatives underscore the strong and growing development partnership between India and Cambodia, focused on grassroots impact, human development and sustainable livelihoods.