A Chinese delegation has expressed its intention to establish a science university in the Kingdom in the near future, to enhance the technical skills of Cambodian students.

The offer was extended by Gao Jian, chairman of the board of the Cambodia-China Association (CCA), as he met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspections Men Sam An on May 22.

During the meeting, Gao complimented Cambodia on its rapid development and expressed his intention to set up the university, in recognition of the close relationship between the two governments.

“We want this university to be established to improve cooperation between the two nations in the educational and scientific sectors and increase Cambodia’s research capacity,” Sam An said in a social media post.

According to the post, Sam An had given her full support to the establishment of the university. She suggested that the delegation meet with Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron to discuss the plan.

She said the university would make a significant contribution to strengthening and fostering comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting also demonstrated the commitment of both nations to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Ros Soveacha, education ministry spokesman, welcomed the proposed university, noting that the ministry had adopted science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects as a priority area for education, and is actively encouraging students and teachers to pursue them.

“We established the New Generation School programme, which focuses on studying and teaching STEM subjects. The strengthening of STEM subjects and digital education is essential to developing the Kingdom’s digital economy so it can thrive,” he added.