Building the Future: HEIP Phase 1 Approaches Completion to Boost Cambodia’s AEC Competitiveness
PHNOM PENH, February 16, 2026 — As Cambodia moves to strengthen its position within the New ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the Higher Education Improvement Project (HEIP) has reached a decisive phase. Today, H.E. Dr. San Vatna, Secretary of State for MoEYS and HEIP Project Director, led a high-level delegation to meet with H.E. Professor Nat Bunreun to finalize the procedures and solutions required to complete Phase 1 of this transformative initiative.
The meeting focused on the progress of massive infrastructure developments and the necessary permits from the World Bank to bring the first phase to a successful close.
The Core Mission of HEIP
The project was designed with a clear dual focus to modernize the Cambodian academic landscape:
- Science and Technology Excellence: Improving the quality of education and research specifically in STEM fields to meet modern industry needs.
- Governance Strengthening: Refining the management and institutional oversight of higher education across the country.
Physical Foundations for Progress
To achieve these goals, HEIP has funded the construction of critical structural infrastructures across target universities. These tangible assets provide the environment necessary for high-level research and student success:
- Modern Facilities: Construction of dedicated study buildings and multi-purpose facilities.
- Scientific Hubs: Establishment of advanced laboratories and agricultural stations for hands-on research.
- Student Support: Development of boarding schools to house the next generation of scholars.
Strategic Roadmap to Completion
The discussions today reviewed various scenarios to finalize the project’s infrastructure work. By ensuring these buildings and labs are fully operational and aligned with World Bank standards, HEIP is creating a durable foundation for Cambodia’s economic competitiveness.