Global Standards: MoEYS Aligns Cambodian Higher Education with ASEAN Quality Frameworks

PHNOM PENH, February 24, 2026 — As part of a strategic push to modernize the Kingdom’s universities, H.E. Dr. San Vadana, Secretary of State for MoEYS, led a high-level consultative discussion focused on the future of higher education quality.

The meeting brought together key academic leaders, including H.E. Professor Chet Chealy, Rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and Chairman of the Cambodian Higher Education Association, alongside representatives from the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC) and various public and private institutions.

Four Pillars for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

The discussion was rooted in the Education Council’s four newly established priorities for the current academic year:

1. Governance Improvement: Strengthening the leadership and management of higher education institutions.
2. Research & Innovation: Stimulating a culture of inquiry and scientific discovery.
3. International Expansion: Building partnerships and recognition on a global stage.
4. Institutional Modernization: Upgrading facilities and digital infrastructure.

The Bridge to ASEAN Recognition

The core of the meeting involved a detailed comparison between Cambodia’s Internal Quality Assessment (IQA) standards and the ASEAN-Level Education Quality Recognition Framework (AUN-QA).

The assembly reached a consensus that “Institutional Modernization” must be achieved through Program Assessment. By seeking recognition from AUN-QA and other international frameworks, Cambodian universities can guarantee that specific degree programs—such as Engineering, Business, or IT—meet the same rigorous standards as the best universities in Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.

Next Steps for Universities

To turn these goals into reality, the Ministry proposed several immediate actions:

• Experience Sharing Workshops: Allowing universities that have already achieved international accreditation to mentor others.
• Team Training: Building specialized “Quality Assurance” teams within every university.
• National-to-International Bridge: Strengthening the national accreditation process so it serves as a seamless pathway toward international certification.