Phnom penh: The Study in Europe Fair 2025 opened at Koh Pich City Hall in Phnom Penh on Nov. 12, bringing together leading European universities and research institutions to promote academic cooperation and scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students. The event highlighted the deepening Cambodia-EU partnership in advancing academic exchange, research collaboration, and skills development.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation H.E. Hem Vanndy spoke at the opening ceremony, noting, “The fair marks another milestone in Cambodia-EU cooperation in research, innovation, and education – the key drivers of our national vision to build a knowledge-based, innovation-led society by 2050.” The Minister emphasized the importance of linking education and research with industrial development to strengthen Cambodia’s human capital base. This aligns with ongoing government efforts to enhance the research and innovation ecosystem through policies like the Cambodia STI Roadmap 2030 and the National Research Agenda.

He further outlined key upcoming initiatives aimed at aligning research priorities with national development goals, including a Sub-Decree on R and D Management, the creation of a National Research Foundation, and the establishment of a National R and D Committee.

During the event, the European Union announced two new grants to Cambodian universities under the ERASMUS+ programme – START-Cambodia and Adapt-2-CC. These grants are designed to enhance academic capacity and promote applied research addressing industrial and climate challenges. Additionally, the EU launched the first European Global Gateway Scholarship Call on Water Professions, offering 30 scholarships annually in water-related fields such as water engineering and water treatment and management.