The Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is Cambodia’s national flagship university. The oldest and largest university in the country’s modern history, RUPP serves more than 30,000 students and employs more than 1,000 staff. Prioritizing STEM education, the institution is also advancing entrepreneurship, applied research and industry collaboration.
That role is becoming more significant as Cambodia places greater emphasis on human capital, technology and the modernization of its education system. As policymakers sharpen their focus on long-term national competitiveness, universities are being asked to do more than expand access to higher education. They are increasingly expected to produce the technical skills, research capacity and industry links needed to support a more innovative economy.
In RUPP’s case, that shift is being backed by new investment. The Ministry of Education secured more than USD 100 million from the World Bank for higher education improvement, with around one-fifth of that funding allocated to RUPP to strengthen STEM and hard sciences. That support is helping expand the university’s capacity at a moment when it is already operating at a considerable scale.
In that transition, RUPP occupies a particularly important position, both as a public institution of national reach and as a bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery. Its trajectory reflects wider changes in Cambodia’s development story, as the country seeks to project a more capable, forward-looking image to international partners and investors. Education sits near the center of that effort, with the strength of universities and graduate talent likely to shape how Cambodia is understood in the years ahead.
Within that context, RUPP is positioning itself not simply as a teaching institution, but as a platform for future skills, digital adaptation and deeper engagement with the private sector. In this interview, Professor Chet Chealy, rector of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, explains how RUPP’s STEM-focused strategy supports Cambodia’s long-term development goals.
“Our aim is to train students to become job creators, not only job seekers.”
Professor Chet Chealy, Rector
Post ThisQ: How would you describe RUPP today?
Professor Chet Chealy, Rector: The Royal University of Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s national flagship university. We are the largest and oldest university in the modern history of the country. Currently, we serve more than 30,000 students and employ over 1,000 staff members.
Q: How does RUPP support government priorities?
CC: We are closely aligned with the new government's strategy, particularly in prioritizing hard sciences, especially STEM education. This focus directly supports Cambodia’s national development agenda and human capital strategy.
Q: How important is international funding to RUPP?
CC: The Ministry of Education secured more than USD 100 million from the World Bank for higher education improvement. Approximately one-fifth of that funding is allocated to RUPP to strengthen STEM and hard sciences. A second phase of the Higher Education Improvement Project is currently under discussion at the government level.
Q: How do you work with the Ministry and World Bank?
CC: We work very closely together. Under the Ministry’s guidelines, we translate national strategies into real actions for human capital development. While our main focus is hard sciences, we also integrate social sciences to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach.
Q: How is RUPP adapting to AI and digitalization?
CC: The Prime Minister has emphasized Vision 2030 and Vision 2050, with education and STEM at the core. With advancements in AI, semiconductors and even defense systems, Cambodia has an opportunity to leapfrog technologically if it invests in human capital. That is why we are moving from conventional systems to digital governance and management. AI and hybrid learning models help us overcome space limitations: we do not have enough classrooms for 30,000 students at the moment.
Q: Can AI really help education scale effectively?
CC: Yes. AI can support or even replace teachers for basic subjects and significantly improve student engagement. I have seen AI systems in China that track student attention during online classes. Universities like UC Berkeley also successfully apply hybrid learning models.
Q: How can partnerships support your operations?
CC: We are seeking strategic partners, not just symbolic MOUs. In the past, organizations like SIDA helped us develop ICT policies and master plans. Today, we welcome deeper collaboration in STEM, social sciences, research and policy development.
We established a University–Industry Cooperation Center to strengthen curriculum relevance, connect students with employers and foster collaboration between academia and the private sector.
Our laboratories are now well-equipped thanks to World Bank funding. We welcome business investment, startup collaboration and joint research projects.
Q: How does RUPP support entrepreneurs and startups?
CC: We operate a National Incubation Center to support young entrepreneurs. We provide incubation, international exposure—such as programs in Korea—and business networking. Our aim is to train students to become job creators, not only job seekers.
Q: What is RUPP’s research and development approach?
CC: Research budgets are still limited, but we are making steady progress. Universities must fulfill three functions: teaching, research and community engagement. RUPP ranks among the top institutions in Cambodia for academic publications, and we are increasingly focused on applied research and prototypes.
Q: Why is STEM vital to Cambodia’s future?
CC: History shows that industrialization and technology determine a nation’s strength and independence. STEM provides facts, data and innovation. Cambodia must invest in STEM if we want to advance economically and secure our future.
The world is full of illusions. Do not rely only on words—come and see Cambodia for yourself. Direct experience reveals the truth far better than distant judgments.
