PHNOM PENH: On August 3rd, 2023, a delegation comprising six members from Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech), led by its esteemed founding president, Dr. Sothy Khieng, participated in the Indonesia-Cambodia Symposium on Higher Education Innovation in the city of Malang, Indonesia. This significant symposium, co-hosted by Universitas Merdeka Malang (UNMER) and CamTech University, convened representatives from 12 esteemed higher education institutions across Indonesia, including cities such as Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and West Nusa Tenggara. The primary aim was to deliberate upon fresh collaborative strategies that promote sustainable and innovative development within the sphere of higher education.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of H.E. Prof. Dr. Chhem Kieth Rethy, Minister attached to the Cambodian Prime Minister and Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Prof. Chhem shed light on the historical evolution of the ASEAN higher education system and underscored the importance of collaborations among higher education institutions across the region. This collaboration encompasses academic exchanges, student and faculty member exchanges, joint research and publication endeavors, and the application of cutting-edge technology to foster sustainable and innovative development.

The symposium proceeded with interactive panel discussions featuring rectors from the participating universities, including CamTech University, Universitas Merdeka Malang, Universitas Hang Tuah, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Ma Chung University, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, Universitas Wisnuwardhana Malang, Politeknik STIA LAN Bandung, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Sekolah Tinggi Informatika dan Komputer Indonesia, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi (STIE) Malangkucecwara Malang, and Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Asia Malang. These discussions were centered on the challenges, opportunities, and best practices associated with promoting research and collaborative ecosystems that contribute to sustainable and innovative development in higher education.

The symposium reached a culmination point with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the 12 participating universities. This MOU signifies their strong commitment to collaborate and partner in various domains, including student and faculty member exchange programs, the joint development and promotion of academic research and publications, the establishment of collaborative research projects, co-organization of conferences, workshops, and seminars, and collaborative teaching initiatives.

Dr. Khieng, in his address, highlighted the pivotal role of nurturing collaborative ecosystems between Cambodia and Indonesia in the realm of higher education. He emphasized the historical and cultural ties, the shared heritage of Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and temples, linguistic affinities, and political relations that bind the two nations. These shared attributes form a strong foundation for deeper academic collaboration. The signing of the MOU between these two nations marks a significant stride in this direction, opening doors to exciting opportunities for joint research and publication, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices. Dr. Khieng extended his gratitude to all participants and expressed a firm commitment to future academic collaborations.

In a show of their dedication to this newfound collaboration, UNMER has generously agreed to host ten CamTech students through a student exchange program from August 2nd to August 11th, 2023. This initiative aims to provide these students with exposure to academic life, promote cross-cultural experiences, and offer them the opportunity to learn the Indonesian language.

CamTech's unwavering commitment lies in expanding its network and forming alliances with higher education institutions not only within the region but also globally. This commitment is directed towards fostering sustainable and innovative development within the sphere of higher education.