Phnom penh: India's Edunial Group and TBC Global Partners recently hosted a groundbreaking education fair titled 'Gateway to India: Higher Education Opportunities for Cambodian Students' in Phnom Penh. This landmark event aims to bridge the educational gap between India and Cambodia, facilitating valuable connections between leading Indian universities and Cambodian educational institutions, students, and partners, said the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the opening ceremony was graced and addressed by H.E. Samheng Boros, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia, and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia. Other dignitaries including H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State of Rural Development and President of the Cambodia India Alumni Association, and H.E. Dr. San Vathana, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia also addressed the gathering. Over 350 enthusiastic students and representatives from Indian and Cambodian universities attended the event.
In his address, H.E. Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung highlighted that degrees from Indian institutions have gained increasing recognition worldwide. He said that graduates from India contribute significantly to the global talent pool as well as in research across various fields, including humanities, social sciences, technology, engineering, art, and culture. He also highlighted scholarship opportunities for Cambodian students for pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes and said that the Government of India makes available 40 to 60 fully funded scholarships each year to Cambodian students. He encouraged Cambodian students to avail the opportunities provided by Indian universities to advance their academic and career goals.
H.E. Dr. Sao Chivoan, Secretary of State and President of Cambodia-India Alumni Association shared his experience as a student in India, aiming to dispel misconceptions among Cambodians about India as a study destination. He expressed pride in having the opportunity to study in India, the world's largest democracy, during the 1980s, and noted that India remains a significant partner in capacity-building and development in Cambodia to this day.
The event also featured interactive discussion panels and B2B sessions for educational business participants, fostering dialogue and collaboration. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing educational collaboration between India and Cambodia, equipping students with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a globalized world.