Phnom penh: Cambodia and Australia held discussions aimed at enhancing educational collaboration, focusing on the Western Australian education system and curriculum. The talks, which took place yesterday, involved high-level representatives from both nations, including H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports of Cambodia, and H.E. Derek Yip, Ambassador of Australia to Cambodia. The meeting also featured participation from Ms. Melissa Kelly, Associate Director of International Education at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australian Government, Mr. Colin Glass, Founder and Board Advisor of SpringBoard4Education, and Mr. Sen Pidet, Managing Director of SpringBoard4Education.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Ambassador Derek Yip expressed gratitude towards Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports for its consistent support in fostering educational partnerships with Australia. He highlighted the achievements and progress resulting from the bilateral educational cooperation. Ms. Melissa Kelly elaborated on the international recognition of the Western Australian Curriculum, emphasizing the global opportunities it offers to students, including the acquisition of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for pursuing higher education worldwide.
Mr. Colin Glass acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, noting the swift advancements in Cambodia's education sector. SpringBoard4Education, he explained, plays a pivotal role in promoting and investing in educational initiatives globally, with a presence in regions such as Asia, the Arab world, and Africa. The organization, supported by the Western Australian Government, has successfully integrated the Western Australian General Knowledge Curriculum into 15 international schools in Cambodia, benefiting around 4,000 students.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron expressed appreciation for Australia's ongoing contributions to Cambodia's educational development, particularly in providing scholarships and facilitating exchange programs and dual degree opportunities. These initiatives have significantly enriched Cambodian students' knowledge and skills, preparing them for both national and international job markets. The minister also commended SpringBoard4Education for its role in introducing Western Australian educational standards to Cambodia.
He reiterated the Ministry's readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at advancing education in Cambodia and thanked the Australian Embassy for its continued support in ensuring the success of this cooperation.