AKP Phnom Penh, January 19, 2026 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service H.E. Hun Many met with nine Cambodian scholarship awardees recently ahead of their departure for postgraduate studies in South Korea under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) scholarship programme.

During the farewell meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the awardees, who are scheduled to begin their academic terms between late January and February 2026. He urged the students to look beyond the classroom and act as cultural diplomats for the Kingdom.

"You must fulfill your role as communicators, ensuring others know Cambodia through your representation of our people and our values," H.E. Hun Many told the awardees.

Drawing from his own experience studying abroad, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of understanding Cambodia’s historical trajectory. He noted that the nation's current peace and development are the results of the sacrifices made by previous generations of leaders.

The meeting also highlighted the Royal Government’s broader human capital agenda.

H.E. Hun Many detailed the long-term vision of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet regarding public administrative reforms, identifying enhanced civil service capacity as a cornerstone for national development.

"The success of each student is not just a personal or familial achievement; it is a victory for the entire nation," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "Our individual futures are inextricably linked to the future of Cambodia."

He concluded the session by wishing the awardees safety and academic success, expressing his expectation that they return with the skills necessary to contribute to the country’s next phase of growth.

By K. Rithy Reak