On the tenth anniversary of the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia (NPIC) this May, the Korean government and the Royal government of Cambodia raised $27 million to construct the most cutting-edge technical school in the Kingdom.

Muong Phsay, vice president of academic affairs at NPIC, said that since the founding of the school in 2005, the school has expanded enormously.

“In addition to the combining of academic buildings, labs and workshops, the school is equipped with study equipment and materials for many skills and professions, similar to the standard of educational establishments in advanced countries.”

Fourteen major subjects have been included in the curriculum, and students can study towards a certification, associate degree or bachelor degree in any of the fields. Study programs include engineering, civil construction, telecommunications, computer sciences, Korean, English and many more.

NPIC also provides vocational training, which, according to Muong, is in high demand in Cambodia’s market and regionally across Southeast Asia.

Muong added that NPIC gives students the opportunity to receive scholarships to study abroad in Korea, an opportunity that is in the process of being extended.

“Since the inauguration of NPIC, we have received good cooperation from Gyeongju University in Korea and [the Korean International Cooperation Agency]. Now, we have received 12 more universities in Korea as well as some organisations representing the Korean government,” he said.

“[As of] 2015, 58 students and lecturers got scholarships to study in Korea ranging for their bachelor, master or doctorate degrees.”

The cooperation with Korean universities and organisations also allows the NPIC to host professors and students from Korea to share lectures to the students here.

“After our students graduate, 90 per cent get employed with a decent wage and play a contributing role to society,” Muong said. “We, as lecturers and leaders of NPIC, are very proud when we see that the students graduating from our school are recognised for their high quality.”

Muong recalled how in 2005, when the school was first established, NPIC only received 248 students. However, this year, 2,300 students have enrolled in courses. With a maximum capacity of 1,700 students that the university’s master plan allows, the government has plans of constructing extra buildings for the school, he said.

For additional information, please contact 023 96 15 193, email: [email protected] , website: www.npic.edu.kh.