Phnom penh: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong commitment to the education sector, pledging to continue exploring additional measures and strategies to make schools highly efficient public service institutions with good governance and accountability to the people and the community. The Premier made the remarks in his recent message to compatriots on the occasion of the opening of the new academic year 2025-2026 on Nov. 1. He emphasised that school governance will be strengthened alongside the promotion of teaching and learning activities aimed at improving students’ academic performance, discipline, morality, virtue, and dignified behaviour worthy of Cambodian citizens.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) is developing model schools and implementing a two-hour extracurricular programme to strengthen Khmer language, reading, and mathematics. Despite di
sruptions caused by the border war, he underlined, the Ministry has worked tirelessly to continue providing education in refugee camps and temporary schools to ensure that children do not miss out on learning opportunities.
For children of Cambodian workers returning from Thailand, Samdech Thipadei advised the Ministry to cooperate with local authorities to facilitate their enrollment or continuation of studies without requiring excessive documentation. Regarding schools affected by the war, he added that inspections will be conducted, demining operations will be carried out, and new schools or temporary classrooms will be established near students’ homes to allow learning to continue.
The Premier also instructed the MoEYS to continue implementing reforms in teacher training institutions to enhance teacher qualifications in line with professional standards, and to organise regular professional development programmes for school administrators and teachers, particularly in understanding and utilising informat
ion technology and artificial intelligence in their work. Moreover, he urged the Ministry and relevant institutions to integrate digital technology into curricula at all levels by promoting the establishment of digital education centres, smart classrooms, and internet connectivity in schools; improving teachers’ digital skills; developing and enhancing digital learning materials; and expanding the dissemination of digital content nationwide.
According to the MoEYS, a total of 3,360,000 students from kindergarten to high school and around 130,000 teachers are enrolled for the academic year 2025-2026.