PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (31 October 2024) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the approval of an $80 million loan aimed at enhancing the secondary education sector in Cambodia. This initiative emphasizes the importance of “21st-century” skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and inclusive teaching strategies that cater to both boys and girls, while also expanding pathways to post-secondary education.

The project, known as the Secondary Education for Human Capital Competitiveness Project, is designed to address the ongoing issue of classroom overcrowding by constructing climate-resilient school facilities, which will include an additional 400 classrooms. This expansion is critical to improving access to quality upper secondary education across the country.

“Cambodia needs to accelerate the shift to higher value-added economic activities, particularly those driven by technology, in order to remain globally competitive and build upon its impressive economic progress,” stated ADB Country Director for Cambodia, Jyotsana Varma. “A skilled and educated workforce is essential for this transition. Through the ongoing investments in education and skills development, this project aims to maximize the potential of Cambodia's youth to drive future economic growth.”

Despite recent advances, net enrollment in upper secondary education in Cambodia stands at only 35.5%, hindered by inadequate school facilities and economic constraints, particularly affecting boys who are often expected to contribute to household incomes. Additionally, there is a recognized need for enhanced training and support for teachers to equip students with the in-demand skills and competencies necessary for tomorrow’s job market. Students with special educational needs face even greater obstacles in accessing quality secondary education.

The project aims to increase educational access, particularly for students with learning disabilities, by developing assistive technology and supporting specialized secondary schools. It will also promote education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to prepare a skilled workforce aligned with industry demands. Furthermore, the initiative will focus on fostering soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and creative thinking among students.

To facilitate these objectives, the project will enhance professional development for teachers, encouraging project-based teaching that incorporates group collaboration, real-world problem solving, and community engagement. Additionally, there will be a review and strengthening of the grade 12 national examination to ensure it aligns with the modernized curriculum, alongside the development of fast-track courses in high-priority fields, including the digital economy and applied mathematics.

This project is a significant component of ADB’s ongoing support for the Cambodian government’s efforts to enhance human capital development, aligning with the government’s pentagonal strategy for growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as ADB’s country partnership strategy for Cambodia for the years 2024–2028.

ADB remains committed to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is comprised of 69 member countries, with 49 of those from the Asia-Pacific region. This information is based on details available on the ADB website.

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