PHNOM PENH: The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Gen. Hun Manet, stated that in his personal view, National Defense must continue to strengthen through regular reforms and modernization, to ensure that effective response will continue to be possible in all situations in the future.

Gen. Hun Manet made this statement at the closing ceremony of the 2022 training course and opening ceremony of the 2023 training course, and the inauguration ceremony of the new leadership building and library of the National Defense University on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.

He added that modernization must focus on a number of key factors, including structural modernization (the organization of a specific task force that will respond to emerging risks such as terrorism and natural disasters); equipment modernization (to master the provision of technical equipment and facilities); and the modernization of human resources (focused on the modernization of training systems, including training schools, military, curriculum, research, and lesson content aimed at ensuring training remains effective).

Gen. Hun Manet also asked all students to use their knowledge and skills to dutifully perform their tasks in their respective units, while serving the nation and people of Cambodia.

He further uged new students and trainees to continue the spirit of the previous generation of students and to pay close attention in order to learn and absorb knowledge and practical experience from professors.

The National Defense University has played an important role in training human resources in the field of defense, especially over the last 5 years (2018-2023). The university has a total of 60 training courses and more than 4,000 students. The number of students has actually exceeded the yearly expectation, and many more are now curious about the field of national defense, especially during this time of reforms and because Cambodia is currently experiencing a golden era of peace.