AUTHOR
Heng Kimkong is a co-founder of Cambodian Education Forum, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Queensland, Australia funded by Australia Award
ABOUT Commentary
Academic research in Cambodia is still underdeveloped, so is its higher education. The destruction caused by prolonged civil wars and the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime is the major reason that can explain modern Cambodia’s underdeveloped research culture. Although there are notable achievements, including an increase in the number of higher education institutions, students and staff, the quality of education and the development of a research culture remain critical issues facing Cambodian higher education. Drawing on previous research studies and the author’s teaching and research experience, active involvement among actors and stakeholders across national, institutional and individual levels is the key to promoting academic research in Cambodia.
