AKP Phnom Penh, July 25, 2025 --

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Cambodia Office held a pre-departure orientation for four Cambodian government officials who have been awarded fully funded master’s degree scholarships under KOICA’s Scholarship Programme 2025 Phase 1.

The event featured inspiring welcome remarks from Ms. Choi Moon Jung, Country Director of the KOICA Cambodia Office, who warmly welcomed the scholarship awardees. In her remarks, Ms. Choi, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the four officials from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, encouraging them to take good care of their health throughout their training period.

She emphasised that each host university is a leading institution in its field and expressed her hope that the trainees will gain valuable knowledge and experience during their stay, returning with meaningful insights to contribute to Cambodia’s development.

Highlighting KOICA’s strategic efforts, she noted that a study conducted last year laid the groundwork for better supporting Cambodian officials, resulting in clear selection criteria and a targeted strategy to expand training opportunities abroad. Ms. Choi credited this success to the strong support and example set by alumni, whose guidance plays a vital role, and called on them to continue sharing their experiences to help others succeed.

According to KOICA, with a mission to support human resource development in partner countries, KOICA invites talented Cambodians to gain advanced, systematic knowledge that will contribute significantly to Cambodia’s socio-economic development. As part of KOICA’s CIAT (Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow) initiative, the programme aims to share Korea’s development experience and expertise by providing foreign government officials with opportunities to study in their fields of interest at leading Korean universities.

The KOICA Scholarship Programm is one of the Republic of Korea’s prestigious, fully funded scholarship schemes offered to KOICA’s partner countries. Since its launch in Cambodia in 1994, the programme has helped build Cambodia’s future leaders by equipping them with skills and knowledge to address the country’s long-term development priorities.

During the orientation, the KOICA Cambodia Office introduced the degree programmes and provided participants with essential guidance on the KOICA Fellowship Programme. The session also covered practical information on living and studying in Korea, the Code of Conduct on Integrity, and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment, including a dedicated video presentation. Participants also had the valuable opportunity to hear from a former alumnus, Mr. Suon Sorinda, who shared his experience completing a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Development.

KOICA remains committed to strengthening Cambodia’s human resources by fostering future leaders equipped with knowledge, skills, and international experience.

AKP