The U.C. Bulletin December 2008 Edition

C O N T E N T S

600 full-tuition 2 scholarships awarded

New campus under 3 construction

Asia Leadership Center 4 hosts 3-day workshop

Lecture series brings world 5 leaders to UC

Forum addresses Asia’s 6 economic concerns

Inter-faith dialogue pushes Congratulations 8 for faith in action New IBS course explores 2008 UC Graduates! 9 garment Iindustry he University of Cambodia would T like to extend a special congratula- UC to publish fi rst tions to the class of 2008. 140 graduates 10 Cambodian encyclopedia received diplomas in the university’s 4th Commencement Ceremony on October Center of English Studies 16, 2008. Best of luck to you and your grows and develops future endeavors. 11 Also honored in this year’s ceremonies were three recipients Honorary Doctorate Student News degree recipients. The Honorary Doctor- 12 ates recognize those supporters of The University of Cambodia who contribute to the growth and development of our University Supporters university and its community. 16

• Lok Chumteav Bun Rany HunSen of The Kingdom of Cambodia received an The University of Cambodia Honorary Doctorate in Humanities 145 Preah Norodom Blvd. P.O. Box 166 • H.E. Jose de Venecia, Jr. of the Philip- Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of Cambodia pines received an Honorary Doctorate in In- Telephone: (855-23) 993-274, 993-275, ternational Relations 993-276 Fax: (855-23) 993-284 • Dr. Horst Posdorf of Germany received www.uc.edu.kh an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration. University N E W S Scholarships Awarded to 600 First Years

Samdech Hun Sen - Haruhisa Handa National Scholarships 2008

A special thanks to Dr. Haruhisa Handa for his determination in educating the next generation of young Cambodians.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s TOP: Prime Minister Samdech Vision 100 - Scholarships Techo Hun Sen presided over both scholarship ceremonies and presented awards to the students. He has continually supported UC in striving to provide students with higher education.

UC would like to extend its LEFT: Graduating high school stu- most sincere gratitude to dents representing every province Dr. Rikhi Thakral fi lled out scholarship applications his Thakral Group on steps, cars and tables surround- colleagues and his family for their unfailing support that ing UC. made this scholarship possible.

ree education was the buzz around The “This school has good qualities,” he “best and brightest” of Cambodia, as UC F University of Cambodia during the said. “It has good teachers and it is a good President Dr. Kao Kim Hourn put it. month of September as more than 8,000 school.” This year’s recipients of the scholarships high school seniors fl ooded the campus to Other students were just hoping to be were awarded in ceremonies on October 2, vie for the 600 full-tuition scholarships that able to study the area of their choice without 2008, for the National Scholarships and No- were offered to new students entering the the high tuition fees. Hor Heng from Kam- vember 20, 2008, for the Vision 100 Schol- university this October. pot Province wants to study Management, arships. Prime Minister Samdech Techo Word of the Samdech Hun Sen-Har- Kung Seng from Phnom Penh wants to Hun Sen presided over each ceremony. He uhisa Handa National Scholarships and study Education, and Pal Sereyvatana from has continually underlined his strong sup- Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s Vision – 100 Phnom Penh wants to study English. port for higher education and has repeat- Scholarships brought in students from To stand a chance of earning one of the edly articulated his goals of enrolling more Phnom Penh and outlying provinces Sep- awards, the registered students returned to in Cambodian students in universities and en- tember 1-10 to fi ll out registration forms. mid-September in order to undergo a rigor- hancing human resource development in Sitting among his peers who scribbled ous examination that covered both general Cambodia. away on registration papers tucked inside blue knowledge and English language compre- Last year, UC also awarded 500 National folders, Teav Rachana said he hopes to attend hension. Those scores were then combined Scholarships, and hopes for both scholar- UC so he can study International Relations. with secondary school grades to select the ship programs to continue in the future. 2 UC’s Facility Tests Limits s The University of Cambodia contin- tention, having been recognized by Eduni- Editor’s Note: A ues to grow, fi nding classroom space to versal as having one of the top 1,000 busi- house incoming students has been a concern. ness colleges in the world and by Germany’s In the past, the university has addressed educational ministry. With this ranking of student body growth by creating a four- "Good Business School with Regional In- session system, where students can opt to fl uence," it wants to continue to expand its take classes mornings, afternoons, evenings networks internationally, Malis said. or weekends. Por Malis, UC's Offi ce of Perfectly timed, with this growth is the Administration Di- move to the new rector, said that the campus at Sangkat university hopes to Tuok Thla, planned continue to house for October 2010. You hold in your hands the fi rst printed classes within the The 11-story build- copy of The U.C. Bulletin, The Univer- university’s facili- ing, currently under sity of Cambodia’s newsletter. In other ties, but if necessary, construction, will words, you are holding a tiny piece of they will rent out accommodate be- UC history. rooms in the Na- tween 10,000 and tional Institute of Education (NIE) building 20,000 students, as well as a library and the It’s an exciting time at the university for evening sessions. Toshu Fukami Conference Center. A sec- as we are still in the toddler stages of The number of students who enrolled in ond building, which is expected to be com- development. In our fi fth year of opera- classes for Term 1 of the 2008-09 year more plete by January 2009, will house UC’s own tion, we have made many achievements than doubled from last year. Southeast Asia TV and Radio FM 106. The and recently sent our fourth graduating Malis said the university hopes to sup- university is also continuing the search for class into the career fi eld. However, we port the increasing number of students with funding in order to construct dormitories to are looking forward to what the future a well-equipped staff. house students from the provinces wanting holds. Across town a new campus is be- “Quality should be our fi rst priority,” she to attend UC. Interested individuals, orga- ing constructed that will hold 10 times said. “We need to strengthen our faculty and the nizations or businesses wanting to support the number of students as our current capacity and quality of our faculty and staff.” dormitory construction should contact the facility. We are also working to estab- UC has already attracted international at- UC administration. lish an alumni association, which will keep our UC family close and connected as it grows. And, of course, we will con- TheThe UniversityUnive of Cambodia recently welcomed tinue to develop existing programs such seven facultyfac members and three full-time staff New Faces as AEF, AFDD, Foundation Year and members to campus. Meet a few: CES and ALC, all of which you will Ms.Ms. ThourkThourk ChandaChanda is alrealreadya known by many of us at UC because read about in this quarter’s newsletter. she interned in the Academic Foundation Department for several months before becoming a full-time Accounting Assistant. Ms. Chanda In order to keep an accurate record of graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Banking at the University of the UC community, this bulletin needs Cambodia in 2008. She loves watching TV and listening to music. to serve as much more than a one-way fl ow of communication. I invite you – Mr. Cheang Sangvath joined UC as Associate Dean in the College of students, faculty and friends of the uni- Education. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the National Institute versity – to contribute your thoughts, of Education, specializing in information technology and mathematics. perspectives, ideas and reports to this He then went on to complete a Master’s of Educational Administra- newsletter. This written history should tion at Mahidol University in Thailand. Before joining the UC family, serve as much more than a piece of pa- Mr. Sangvath lectured at the National Institute of Education in the IT per that is thrown away once the news department and served as Director in the School of Information. His ages, but instead, serve as a live forum hobbies include reading and researching education and IT. where intellectual discussion occurs and innovative ideas fl ow. Mr. Phon Navuth joins us as Admissions Director. Mr. Navuth com- Please send your thoughts and ideas to pleted his undergraduate in Economics at Royal University of Law and [email protected]. For more uni- Economics in 2004 and went on to complete his International MBA in versity news and events, visit www. Taiwan in 2008. While he was in Taiwan, he also worked in the market- uc.edu.kh ing department of Uniphone Telecommunication Co., Ltd., responsible for the South Africa market. Mr. Navuth is fl uent in English, Chinese Thank you for your support and happy and French. Swimming and discovering new things are his hobbies. reading!

3 Leadership Workshop Encourages Discussion Among Community Leaders international,” said participant Lem Vanak, a representative of EFC-KEY, an organiza- tion that works with Cambodian youth. Because the participants came from a va- riety of backgrounds, presenter Gina Lopez felt it was a good opportunity for them to learn from each other and learn from their own work, getting the best from of a variety views. “The exchanging of ideas through dis- cussion was good,” said Lopez, who moti- vated the participants with her presentations on personal traits of a leader and leadership as and infl uence process. “With a very dy- namic group of participants, I would say it was a success.” Participants quickly learned that leader- ship is not black and white, but has many TOP: Participants engaged in gray areas. How one chooses to lead often debate and shared points of view “depends on the situation,” and this idea during the three-day, interactive was addressed throughout the weekend. workshop. In setting the tone for the workshop, ALC Director Bandol Lim suggested that LEFT: Dr. Raymie McKerrow, from the eventual adoption of any one paradigm Ohio University in the U.S. opened would require education and national debate. the workshop with an overview He emphasized the ALC’s goal of reducing about leadership. the power distance between leader and fol- lower through the encouragement of a lead- he Asia Leadership Center (ALC) of of thinking and benefi ted them in terms of ership style that confronts challenges such as T The University of Cambodia, organized professional development. poverty reduction and development by help- a three-day training workshop, October 24- Topics covered during the workshop ing to raise the ambitions of the follower. 26, allowing aspiring leaders in Cambodia to included the leader-follower relationship, a The University of Cambodia’s visiting study the many aspects of leadership. The matter that was considered from the point guest Dr. Raymie McKerrow, a professor topic was considered from a global perspec- of view of fairness, trust and ethical behav- from Ohio University in the U.S., moder- tive, with a host of international speakers ior. The workshop also considered the lead- ated the weekend workshop and offered his being supported by home-grown experts in er’s personal characteristics and traits and personal insights to the current trends in the fi eld. the leader’s ability to use status in infl uenc- leadership thought. McKerrow drew on his In a short but tightly packed 72 hours, 20 ing the behavior of followers. Other topics 20 years experience as a communicator, hav- workshop participants were given a rigorous include leadership in the cross-cultural con- ing taught U.S. business leaders the essential introduction to a wide array of leadership text, participative leadership, leadership and leadership skill of public speaking and cor- concepts, delivered by leadership experts work teams, and charismatic or transforma- porate communication. from Cambodia, the Philippines, the U.K. tional leadership. He said he felt the workshop achieved its and the U.S., that could be used to build While the structure of the workshop was goals in giving the participants a well-round- upon their own leadership capabilities and based upon a lecture format, the intellectual ed understanding of leadership and encour- skills. fodder stimulated discussion and debate aging participant involvement. “I think that most of participants, includ- among the participants from how to relieve “Participants were able to express their ing myself, gained a lot of experience from stress caused by work to how the rise of own views on leadership practices, as well as this workshop, and all the theories taught strong leaders can contribute to Cambodian ask questions to improve understanding or through this training can be applied to indi- development. to request more specifi c advice as to leader- vidual’s goals,” said participant Simorn Sorn, “I think this was a very useful workshop ship practices,” he said. who works in the administrative arm of because I not only learned from the speak- To view photos from the workshop UNICEF in Cambodia. She added that the ers, but also from the participants who came weekend, please visit the ALC website, www. workshop challenged the participants’ ways from difference agencies, both national and alc.uc.edu.kh. 4 Lecture Series Brings World Leaders to UC Former World Bank Counselor Discusses Archbishop Ties Religion to Leadership Contemporary View of Leadership rom Buddha and Abraham an example for the way society as F to Mohammed and Jesus, a whole should operate. When a he view of leadership is traditional top-down method of religious leaders have impacted leader lives by a moral standard, T evolving. At least that’s the leadership doesn't necessarily ap- the world in unchangeable and it keeps him or her thinking way Katherine Marshall, former ply in today's world, and if they unthinkable ways, creating new about the benefi ts of the group, counselor to the World Bank want to become good leaders modes of thought and infl uenc- avoiding selfi sh behaviors. President, sees it. they need to understand them- ing generations of followers. Finally, Lord Carey touched “The expectations of leaders selves, understand their work Lord George Carey, the former on the idea of a service attitude. today are high: they are to have environment and effectively Archbishop of Canterbury in the Effective leadership, he said, vision, ability to see and present manage their organization ac- U.K. and a religious leader of his does not come from a person in strategic ways, communica- cording to its specifi c goals and own time, encouraged people of who wishes to make money, get tion skills, charisma, and an in- needs. She said that each person all faiths to lead in such a way famous or pursue other selfi sh terest in people,” Marshall said has different qualities that make that promotes peace. desires. It comes in service to in a presentation to UC students them infl uential in different situ- Lord Carey spoke to about the community. and faculty as ations and 200 UC stu- Lord Car- well as other becoming dents and ey laid these community attuned to community ideas amid members. those things members, the greater “Respected can draw addressing context of leaders in- out effective the topic, what makes clude all rac- leadership “Does Re- an effective es, genders, skills. ligion Have leader, cit- and nation- Marshall Anything ing infl uen- alities.” said that to Contrib- tial leaders Marshall, the idea of ute Towards like Ghandi, currently a leadership is Leadership?” Winston professor at pertinent in as part of Churchill and Georgetown University in the people's lives because all sectors the Asia Leadership Center’s Nelson Mandela, who have used U.S., delivered a motivational of society require positions of Eminent Leaders Lecture Series. their authority as leaders to build message, “Leadership Excel- authority. According to him, religion con- a more harmonious world. lence: Universal Principles, Chal- "Leadership is a topic that tributes to societal leadership in Lord Carey served 70 mil- lenges in Cambodia,” on July 29 concerns each and every one of three ways: through transcen- lion Anglicans as the 103rd to nearly 150 students, faculty us," she said. dentalism, morality and service Archbishop of Canterbury from and community members as part Marshall has been serving to others. 1991 to 2002. After receiving his of the Asia Leadership Center’s international development for “From these three principles, Master’s in Theology and PhD Eminent Leaders Lecture Series. more than 30 years. In addition religious leaders have led by ex- for his research on the origins The series aims to recognize to her work at the World Bank ample, have put others fi rst and of Christian ministry, he contin- a variety of leadership experi- and at Georgetown University, sought to build a better world,” ued on to be a Fellow of the Li- ences and perpetuate a broad Marshall is a senior fellow at Lord Carey said in his presenta- brary of Congress, a Trustee of understanding of leadership. Georgetown's Berkley Center tion. the World Faiths Development During her lecture, Marshall for Religion, Peace and World Applying a transcendental Dialogue and the Co-Chair of highlighted the necessary quali- Affairs and a trustee at Prince- mindset, he explained, gives hu- the Council of 100, which seeks ties of contemporary leaders, ton University. She has also been mans a point of accountability to bridge the gap between the but also emphasized that there recognized by The University of and a sense of humility. Put sim- Western and Islamic worlds. He are multiple kinds of leaders Cambodia as a Distinguished ply, “Religion reminds us of our also served at various universi- that each have different roles in Visiting Professor. creatureliness.” ties in the United Kingdom and society. Religions also operate under authored 14 books. She told her audience that the moral codes, which, he said, sets

As part of its Eminent Leaders Lecture Series, the ALC will continue to host prominent world leaders to speak about varying leadership styles. Beginning in May 2009, nine Nobel Laureates and distinguished international personalities will visit as a part of the series. For a list of upcoming speakers and other ALC events, visit www.alc.uc.edu.kh.

5 4th Asia Economic Forum Addresses Financial Crisis and Regional Issues

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

UC hosted 17 guest chairs and panel- ists for this year’s AEF. The distin- guished speakers included:

H.E. Jose de Venecia, Jr. Congressman, House of Representatives; Chairman, CDI Asia Pacifi c; Founding Chairman, International Conference of Asian Politics, Manila, Philippines H.E. Ong Keng Yong Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Singapore; Former Secretary-General of ASEAN, Singapore Dr. Haruhisa Handa Founder and Chairman, Asia Economic Jose de Venecia, Jr. urged Asian leaders to consider the effects of globaliza- Forum; Chancellor, The University of tion when preparing economically for the future. This was de Venecia’s fi rst Cambodia; President and Founder, appearance at the Asia Economic Forum. International Foundation for Arts and Culture, Tokyo, Japan ith global fi nancial markets currently izing World: Challenges, Priorities, Leader- W treading through rocky waters and the ship and Future Directions,” and a focus on H.E. Imron Cotan Asian stocks taking a swift plunge in Octo- the fi nancial crisis was the thread that linked Secretary General, Department of ber, this year’s Asia Economic Forum could the conference’s four sessions together. Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Indonesia not have been more strategically placed. As the opening speaker of the fi rst ple- H.E. Bounkeut Sansomsak “Indeed, this fi nancial crisis has nega- nary session, “Issues and Challenges Con- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lao tively affected millions of people, particu- fronting Asia,” Lord George Carey of the PDR Vientiane, Laos larly those in Asia, U.K. offered an out- and amounted to sider’s perspective on Dr. Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi obstacles against “ This fi nancial crisis how the fragile state Principal Adviser to the Director- development and of the economy has General, United Nations Industrial has negatively affected Development Organization, Vienna, poverty reduction,” affected Asian coun- Austria Prime Minister millions of people, tries. Although East Samdech Hun Sen particularly those in Asia holds some of the Lord George Carey said in his keynote Asia... weakest economies, he Former Archbishop of Canturbury, speech, which ” said, the buoyancy of London, England opened the confer- Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister East Asain trade has ence. guarded the region How appropriate, then, that the conven- against the global economic downturn. ing of the 4th Asia Economic Forum, The “It is undeniably the case that Asia has University of Cambodia’s independently run been blessed with able and inventive people think-tank, brought in experts from around and enriched by ancient cultures,” Lord Car- the region and the world October 14-15 to ey said. examine, analyze, discuss and exchange views However, this safeguard is a structure on such issues as sustainable development, the AEF panelists considered could impede global competition, poverty reduction and economic development. Much discussion environmental sustainability. This year’s fo- during the session led to concerns about rum focused on the theme “Asia in a Global- how East Asia countries face the challenge 6 During his keynote address, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen touched on the global fi nancial crisis and how it has affected Asian econo- mies. This hot topic set the tone for the rest of the two-day conference. of not only competing regionally with coun- globally. Concern for education, community tries like China and India, but competing on building and sustainability – both environ- the global scale as well. According to the mental and economical – ranked high as panelists, challenges such as rising expecta- “should-be” focal points for Asia’s leaders. tions in regards to poverty, the environment “Some problems in education have yet to be and disease control, as well as the challenge addressed, such as lack of school facilities, very of educating people to improve human re- low teacher-to-student ratio and the inadequacy sources and technology have to be balanced of curriculums,” said Imron Cotan, Secretary alongside current economic concerns like General of Indonesia’s Department of Foreign rising food and oil prices. Affairs. “The solution to this problem is con- H.E. Ong Keng Yong, former Secretary- scientious national planning with an eye to the General of ASEAN, focused primarily on goal of universal education.” Southeast Asia and ASEAN, by outlining six During day two, the session opened up challenges of Asia’s future. He said in the discussion on the topics “The Role of Asian future, Asia leaders would have to manage Leadership in the World” and “Asia’s Future society’s increasing expectations, reconcile Directions.” In the former, the panelists national interests with ASEAN goals, func- highlighted qualities they would like to see tion economically in a globalizing world, in their leaders as Asia continues on the path compete with economically prosperous toward globalization, including a service Seventeen guest chairs and panelists countries, educate society on technology attitude, logical thinking and an aggressive focused on the challenges, priorities, and work together on transnational issues. approach toward achieving goals, as well as leadership and future directions of In his presentation, Dr. Haruhisa Handa, what issues the leaders need to think critically Asia in the context of a globalizing AEF Founder and Chairman, tied a country’s about. The conference ended with thoughts world. Picutred above: H.E. Ong economic success to the success of their on future directions for the continent. Keng Yong, Dr. Jebamalai Vinanchiar- education system by citing two case studies “East Asia’s combination of intelligent achi, H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea and that detailed Japan’s education structure over interventionist states and visionary entrepre- Professor Rajah Rasiah. the years. Education, he said, especially the neurs willing to think long-term should en- education of ordinary citizens is extremely able our home region to pace global growth AEF adds another facet to include the Aus- important to economic development. all over again – as it did between 1960 and tralian perspective. UC President and AEF Moving into session two, “Current Pri- 1990,” said Jose de Venecia, Jr., Congress- Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said orities for Asia,” the panelists gave their man in the Philippines’ House of Represen- there will be two conferences, one in Phnom personal viewpoints on what Asia needs tatives and Chairman of CDI Asia Pacifi c. Penh and another in Perth, Australia. to focus on in order to be able to compete The dialogue will continue next year as the For more details visit www.aef.org.kh. 7 AFDD Aims for Change Through Exploration of Religious Perspectives RIGHT: Mem- he Asia Faiths Development Dialogue bers of Cam- (AFDD), in its second year, brought to- T bodia’s Muslim gether people from different religious faiths community at and professions from around the world to AFDD. share ideas about how common discus- sion among people with varying beliefs can BOTTOM: Kath- achieve peace, cooperation and harmony. erine Marshall, This year’s conference entitled “Building with Dr. Handa Peace, Cooperation and Harmony Through and Dr. Kao, Inter-Faiths Dialogue” took place on Octo- opened the con- ber 17 and built upon the AFDD’s fi rst con- ference with a ference, held in December 2006, by adding keynote speech in the concept of cooperation, calling reli- about the need gious leaders to put their faith into action. for inter-faith “This dialogue is needed because, despite dialogue. countless intersections, the worlds do not meet comfortably and we are still groping to different perspectives on how to take the ef- fi nd bridges,” said keynote speaker Kather- forts of the AFDD in a forward-moving di- ine Marshall, who is involved in the World rection to resolve world confl icts. Chou Bun Faiths Development Dialogue and served as Eng, Secretary of State to Cambodia’s Min- former counselor to the World Bank Presi- istry of Interior, pointed out that people can dent. “The vocabulary, the images and sto- use their similarities to understand their dif- ries, and the intellectual constructs of differ- ferences, while Tepsakha Khi Sovanratana, ent worlds, can be very discordant and seem Vice Director at Preah Sihanuraja University far removed. But in reality they overlap and in Cambodia, pointed out that Buddhists are intertwined.” believe that world peace cannot be achieved The conference addressed this issue of without peace within individuals. cooperation – or as Marshall put it, “building Overall, the panelists had a common Christian, Shinto and Jewish religions as well as bridges” – as well as the ideas of peace and consensus that the diversity of faiths and support from the Royal Family in Cambodia. harmony in three plenary sessions. The fi rst cultures need to be preserved and valued, “I asked them to collaborate under one looked at Cambodian perspectives, the sec- especially in the changing landscape of the purpose – that is, to help save underprivi- ond took a regional and international point 21st century. As Marshall mentioned, the leged people’s lives and heal disease,” Handa of view, while the third explored what inter- inter-faiths movement is becoming a global said. “All religions have a common purpose faiths dialogue will lead to in the future. trend seen on the regional, national and in- to save underprivileged people. So to save In the fi rst session, representatives of ternational levels. Cambodian people’s lives, their differenc- Cambodian Islamic, Protestant and Bud- “The modern interfaith movement large- es were no problem. They, hand in hand, dhist faiths all highlighted education as the ly refl ects changes linked to modernization worked together.” most important means of promoting peace, and globalization,” she said. “First, one’s The goal of AFDD is to spread the glob- cooperation and harmony among the differ- religion today, in most modern societies, is al inter-faiths movement across Asia. ent religious sects. not a simple given, an inherited identity, and “We hope that it will be an additional tool The panelists of the second session re- second, religions are far more intertwined and provide a different perspective using faith iterated the need for education and called today, with different groups living together based understanding to help develop a culture for religious leaders to disseminate ideas of all over the world, than they generally were of peace,” coordinator Bandol Lim said. peace and cooperation among their follow- in the past. Thus, a product of moderniza- According to Samraing Kamsan, mod- ers. At the heart of this, said Jose de Venecia, tion is the emergence of plural societies and erator of session one of this dialogue, peace Jr., a Congressman in the Philippines, the interfaith work is one avenue to address the and development are directly linked. need for people with different ideas to begin implications of this vast social change.” “Without peace, there is no develop- talking to one another. Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Founder and Chair- ment,” he said. “We would like to ask inter- “There cannot be peace among nations man of AFDD, showed conference attendees faith groups to educate about peace and to unless there’s peace among religions. There how inter-faith cooperation can be put into work toward harmony in society so we have cannot be peace among religions unless action. After years of attending various inter- no more confl icts.” there’s dialogue,” he said. faith dialogues, he decided to start Sihanouk For more information on AFDD, visit In the third session, the panelists took Hospital, which combined the efforts of the www.afdd.org.kh. 8 Course to Dispel Garment Industry Myths he garment industry might conjure up never go away,” said GIPC Chief of Party T some paradoxical thoughts among the Jane O’Dell to the students. “Second, in the young and educated students of UC. While garment industry, you will learn how to man- New many are eager to wear the latest fashions, age production and manufacturing. Then you they see factory work as a grungy job they can take that expertise to other industries.” Perspectives: will steadily avoid. However, with fi gures As Van Sou Ieng, Chairman of the Gar- Inside the garment industry from leading organizations in the garment ments Manufacturers’ Association in Cam- industry saying 80 percent of Cambodia’s bodia (GMAC), pointed out, there are nearly The classroom converged with exports and nearly 300,000 of its jobs stem 300 garment factories in Cambodia that hire the real world as 30 students in from the garment trade, is this an industry 25 to 30 managers each. Still, the country’s “IBS 309: Textiles and Garments in that up-and-coming Cambodian profession- industry isn’t as productive as in neighboring the Global Economy” visited New als should give consideration to? countries, so there is a desperate need for Island Clothing garment factory in The Garment Industry Productivity Cen- educated Cambodians to take over manage- November. ter (GIPC) thinks so and, along with USAID, ment positions and improve the industry. “The field trip was a chance to is funding a new course at The University of “We need Cambodian managers so we show the students an actual fac- Cambodia that will put the garment indus- can send expats back to their countries and tory,” said Gina Lopez, Associate try in the scope of the global economy. As lower costs,” he said. He also added that re- Dean in the College of Manage- part of UC’s International Business degree cent graduates need not hang on to those ment and professor of the course. program that is being revived this year, “IBS preconceived notions that a career in gar- “To let them see the actual opera- 309: Textiles and Garments in the Global ments means you’ll be working in a dirty tions – the process.” Economy” will teach students the ins and sweatshop for meager pay. He pays his ac- While the course, through a se- outs of the garment industry and what it has countant $500 per month and his managers ries of lectures and case studies to offer educated managers. $750 per month. done in the classroom, allowed stu- UC received books, reading materials, The University of Cambodia is one of dents to gain a better understand- PowerPoint presentations and brochures the fi rst recipients of this new program initi- ing of how Cambodia’s garment in- from GIPC, all to be used to aid the profes- ated by GIPC that aims to build local capac- dustry fits into the world economy, sors’ lectures in the classroom. Gina Lopez, ity in the garment industry in order to allow Lopez wanted to challenge the Associate Dean in the College of Manage- Cambodia to compete in the global arena. students’ expectations of the in- ment who is spear-heading this new course, “The University of Cambodia was one dustry and give them the chance to also said the students will investigate case of the highest rated,” O’Dell said about the observe what she considers one of studies and take a site visit to Adrian Ross’ universities that GIPC surveyed to take part the safest, most employee-focused New Island Clothing factory, which she says in the program. “It has good programs and factories in Cambodia. is one of the fi nest run garment factories in programs that are focused on the employ- During a factory tour and orienta- the country. ability of students, as well as how students tion with owner Adrian Ross, many In the course launch, which took place can contribute to society and, of course, be of the students gained a new per- October 8, representatives from GIPC, rewarded with good pay." spective on the work environment. USAID and the garment industry came to Currently, nearly 100 students are enrolled Here are some of their thoughts: UC to rally students enrolled in the course in the course. Depending on the student re- around the benefi ts that this course will sponse, it might be offered again next term. “I thought the factory would be bring them and their future careers. dirty, but when I entered the door, “First of all, the garment industry will I was like ‘Wow!’ It was clean.” - Kheng Vanny, Business Management During a tour of New Island “Most of the hard jobs are done Clothing gar- with technology. The cutting ment factory, of the cloth and the printing of students learned the patterns – I expected people about the vari- would do those jobs.” ous stages of the - Chhit Chanleakhena, Accounting garment-making process. They “The owner Adrian Ross is simple found that man- and modest. He talks to everyone agement in this like they are friends or family.” industry could - Kang Muy Theng, Finance Banking be diffi cult but rewarding. 9 Study Tests UC Students’ Cognitive Abilities C students participated in a German RIGHT: Student U psychology study that will compare participants Cambodian mental rotation skills, or the in the mental ability to rotate mental representations of rotation study two- and three-dimensional objects, to those took three tests. of German students. Their scores will Anne Janssen, a research assistant at Free be compared to University of Berlin, gave the students a se- that of German ries of three tests – two to test their mental students. rotation ability and one general intelligence test. According to Janssen, similar studies BOTTOM: Anne done in Germany have shown a strong cor- Janssen per- relation between mental rotation and I.Q. formed this Gender has also shown to be a big factor in psychology study the outcome of the test. as apart of her “We’ll see if it’s the same here,” she said. diploma thesis Janssen decided to perform her study at Free Univer- here as part of her diploma thesis because sity of Berlin. there is a lack of research on mental rotation in smaller countries like Cambodia. She was Upon her return to Germany, Janssen will also intrigued by the relative youth of the give the same tests to a sample of German universities here, and when she selected the students and compare those results to the school to perform the study, she took into results of UC’s students. She then intends account that The University of Cambodia to publish the results in a German journal as has only been in operation for fi ve years. well as a Cambodian journal. UC’s students were eager to contribute Dr. Angus Munro, the Vice President of to the study, and Janssen said she was over- Academic Affairs, said that an article could whelmed by their volunteerism. appear in the Journal of Cambodian Studies, “In such a short time, it’s incredible,” which is published by the UC Press, should she said. Three-hundred-ten student volun- the outcome of the study prove signifi cant. teers participated in the study, exceeding her However, he said neither Free University goal of 300. “In Germany, the same sample nor The University of Cambodia has made would take three months to obtain.” any formal commitment. UC Gathers Information to Publish First Cambodian Encyclopedia ambodia has a rich, deep culture and and is putting together a rough outline of the country, giving a free copy to all schools C history, but the country’s growing li- the book’s layout. However, as he gathers and libraries. The reference book will also braries still contain only bits and pieces of more information, the topic list continues be sold in bookstores and abroad. its records. In an effort to provide the na- to grow. Soon, the committee will approach Initital funding for the encyclopedia tion’s schools and libraries with a complete Cambodian and foreign contributors who project was provided by the university with reference source about Cambodia – from will help write the encyclopedia’s content. a $5,000 donation from the BG Group and its history and art to its research and agri- Once the encyclopedia is complete – an in-kind support from Monument Books. culture – Dr. Angus Munro, Vice President original deadline set for December 2009 – However, the university is still seeking sup- of Academic Affairs, and a UC committee it will be printed in both a Khmer and an porters for the project and businesses or- has begun work on the Encyclopedia of English volume. ganizations that would like to purchase ads Cambodia. “This will be used as an opportunity that will be included in the book. Accord- “The goal is to make it accessible to all for our student interns to translate Khmer ing to Munro, the project will not stop after of Cambodia,” Munro explained. entries to English and English entries to the initial printing. In subsequent editions, Currently in the beginning stages of this Khmer,” Munro said. UC will continue to revise and fi ll in gaps in massive project, Munro said he has com- The university plans to then distribute the encyclopedia’s content. piled an initial list of nearly 4,000 entries the fi rst edition of the encyclopedia around 10 CES Grows as Program Develops n June 2007, during the term when Pay six two-month terms, to complete. Upon such as Robinson Crusoe. To complement I Chheng How took over as the Center for completing the certifi cate, students should the readings and aid in the students’ under- English Studies (CES) Director, the center be able to operate fl uently in English. standing, the students also watch DVDs of taught 130 students. In the past year and a The stricter attendance guidelines, as well the stories. half, the number of students has increased as the increased requirement on the number Then the students move onto academic nearly 10-fold, with nearly 950 students en- of tests and quizzes that the teachers must writing in the fi nal two levels of the program. rolled for the October 2008 term. give, has seemed to benefi t the center, with CES recently introduced a new textbook se- Much of this increase can be attributed about 90 percent of the students graduating ries, “Effective Academic Writing,” which to UC’s scholarship program, which offered successfully from the program. has better facilitated both the students and full, four-year tuition to more than 600 fi rst- “When there are tests, students work the teachers during the learning process and year students to begin their studies at UC in hard,” said How. has bridged the gap between basic English October 2008. According to How, however, But much work has gone into improving classes and B.A. programs. much of the infl ux in the number of stu- the overall quality of the program. Here is a “When we fi rst introduced writing skills, dents can be attributed to the updated CES look at the ins and outs of CES. it was diffi cult for both teachers and stu- program, which has increased the center’s dents,” said How. “Now the teachers are A Focus on the Basics credibility and reputation. Since June 2008, comfortable with it, and the students must Reading and writing are essential skills CES has updated its textbooks, improved learn to adapt.” needed to become fl uent in the English lan- teacher qualifi cations, imposed stricter Eng- guage, and in the past year CES has made The Language Lab lish language assessments and increased the these two aspects a priority, said How. Once As part of required class assignments, hours of learning per student. students master the speaking and listening students spend time in the language lab to CES, which operates on a system separate skills that are taught in the fi rst two levels improve their comprehension and pronun- from the regular UC academic schedule, is a of the program, they move onto improving ciation. They use two programs, the Ameri- required supplemental certifi cate program their reading skills. can designed “Rosetta Stone” and “Tell Me that UC students must complete to prepare “We always encourage students to read,” More About English,” which focuses on them for the English used in their Bachelor’s said How. In the intermediate levels, stu- British English. degree courses. Composed of six levels that dents are required to read six selections from “The [computer] programs not only im- cover the basics of speaking, listening, read- Asian, European and American literature, prove their listening skills, but improve their ing and writing, the program takes a year, or confi dence in doing audio and visual exer- cises,” How explained. CES introduced “Tell Me More About Students used English” to the language lab during the Oc- their time in the tober 2008 term in order to offer a larger language lab to variety of exercises to the students. It has supplement the become a favorite among the students, he instruction they said. received in their Business English English classes. CES hopes to implement a 16-month They used the business English program next term, geared “Rosetta Stone” toward people working in NGOs, in busi- and “Tell Me nesses or with the government. Although the More About curriculum has been established, there has yet English” com- to be a student enrolled in the program. puter programs. The program offers coursework that teaches a formal style of writing and speak- ing that can be used in workplace situations. Students will learn the correct way to write business documents such as faxes, e-mails Special Recognition: and memos, and how to conduct telephone conversations and interviews using formal CongratulationsCongratulattions to Bandol Lim, DeputyDeputy Director of the OfO fi ce of the English. President and Asia Leadership Center Director, who was selected With classes taught mainly by native Eng- by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to attend Asian Renaissance: lish speakers, students will engage in group Capacity Building for Future Leaders in Southeast Asia. Lim has discussions and perhaps visit businesses been recognized as one of Asia’s young leaders and will meet with outside the classroom in order to put their members of ASEAN during the fi rst week of December in Indonesia. formal English into practice.

11 Student N E W S Team of Aspiring Lawyers Places Second in National Mock Trial Competion room full of professionally dressed A men and women, clad in their col- lared shirts and pressed black pants and skirts, watched as Mr. Som Sovan sat on trial for robbery, accused of stealing a woman’s purse while she was returning home from a trip to the ATM. The scene could have been straight out of a courtroom drama, but it wasn’t. It was the prompt for the Second Annual Cambo- dia Mock Trial Competition, hosted by The University of Cambodia. Teams of students from The Univer- sity of Cambodia, Build Bright University, Royal University of Law and Economy, Cambodian Mekong University and Panna- sastra University of Cambodia converged in the UC Conference Center September 3-5 to present their cases to a panel of judges, in competition to be the top legal team in Cambodia. Students were awarded points on a number of qualities including their overall Students from one of UC’s mock trial teams accepted their second-place performance, creation of questions, exhib- medals alongside adviser Tep Punloeu, Vice President of Academic Affairs ited information, control of the witness and Dr. Angus Munro and U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Piper Campbell. closing statements. “The students take it seriously. They work law student Chanphila said he was chosen performing. He said he hopes to continue to hard. They are passionate,” said Steven Aus- to compete because of his good grades and help the students develop their skills by in- termiller, the event’s organizer. “Their work participation in class discussions. stituting a legal clinic at the university, which is better than most advocacy seen in the U.S. Chanphila, who played prosecutor in one will provide resources to help the students in and Cambodian courts.” of the preliminary rounds and defendant their preparation. The competition is part of USAID’s ini- Som Sovan in a second preliminary round, tiative to promote creative, non-traditional saw a challenge in developing questions for educational methods within Cambodia and the trial and working with the given facts. Oops! teach advocacy to students, said Austermill- “You have to make a point and protect er, the legal education adviser at East West your side of the case,” he said. The competi- Piper Campbell, Charge d’Affaires at Management Institute, which, along with tion helped him improve his advocacy skills, the U.S. Embassy, made a glaring error USAID and the American Bar Association, and he wants to take those skills into his fu- when she mistakenly called The Univer- sity of Cambodia by the name Cambodia helped fund the event. ture career as a lawyer. University. Campbell was presenting the UC prepared for 10 weeks and sent two “I can help my country do a lot,” he said teams of fi ve students to take part in the second place medals to the UC Mock about his decesion to be a lawyer. “And if Trial Team on September 5 when she competition. One team, consisting of stu- my family has problems, I can help them.” dents Heng Kanal, Van Chanphila, Mao announced the sname of a non-existent Not having made up her mind quite yet school. Sovanratha, Lim Srey Sros and Po Vannary, as to whether to pursue a career in law, In made it to the fi nal round and were deemed Phirun, also a third-year law student, said the The UC team hesitated to appear on “second winner” by the judges because al- competition gave her an opportunity to put stage, but swallowed their pride to ac- cept an award they were rightly due. though they didn’t win their case, they gave her coursework into action. They would, however, like to advise Ms. a compelling performance. “I want to get good advice and experi- Campbell in the future to please do her “The judge said there was only a slight ence,” she said. “Because I’m studying law, I homework. difference between the teams and that it was must practice.” hard to make a decision,” said Tep Punloeu, The students have greatly improved their "We are The University of Cambodia," the the team’s mentor. skills from last year, said Punloeu, doing a students proudly declared. As part of the qualifying team, third year better job with memorizing the facts and 12 Debate Team Argues Environment Issues “Because it was my fi rst time, I felt a little Four UC stu- bit nervous. That’s why I forgot my points,” dents competed he said. “There were many people around in a debate re- me so I lost confi dence.” garding climate On the other hand, Dane, an English ma- change and jor, felt it was use of humor that might have health policy. hurt him. As Keng explained, they had to be The debate, strict about the points they were making, but hosted by the also engage the audience. They can use hu- Ministry of mor, but not so much that they waste time. Environment, “They have no experience, so they didn’t aired on TVK in know how to be on television and compete September. with other teams,” said Dean Gina Lopez, the team’s adviser. The more experienced members of the team were competing, at hree UC debate team members made lish major, who said the team argued that the the Mock Trial competition held at UC on T their debut television appearance along- government should create a health policy the same day. side a veteran debater and fellow team mem- around greenhouse gasses and the changing Even though the debate did not end as ber at the "Youth Environmental Debate" climate. they hoped, the team agreed they learned a hosted by the Ministry of Environment at Before the day of the debate, the students lot from the experience. Not only did they TVK on September 5. had about a month to research information learn to work together in a group and get Kang Sokkim with her rookie teammates to support their points. They gathered data practice researching and organizing infor- Ou Dane, Tim Vutha and Riel Rathsatya went from the Ministry of Environment, the Min- mation, they also had the opportunity to head to head against Cambodian Mekong istry of Health and the U.S. Embassy. expose their knowledge and communication University in a debate over whether climate The team also recognized that this initial skills to high level ministry members. change should be included in governmental debate posed some challenges that they will “Now we have experience on how to win, health policy. The team from The University work on for future competitions. know our weak points, and can improve,” of Cambodia fought a tough battle, but did Although Rathsatya, an International Vutha said. not make it past the preliminary round. Relations major, said he believed they orga- The debate club resumed meetings for “We planned very good, but lacked confi - nized their information well, being in front the new term in October. dence in our speaking,” said Vutha, an Eng- of a large audience made him jittery.

Scholarship Students Rewarded With Angkor Wat Concert

Twelve scholarship recipients at- tended the MTV EXIT concert in Siem Reap December 7 as a reward for receiving the highest scores on their scholarship exams. Cambo- dia Advance Communications Co. Ltd. sponsored the students’ trip to the first-ever concert to be held at the ancient Angkor Wat. MTV and USAID co-hosted the event to raise Students attending the concert (from left to right): Ou DaneDane,, awareness about human trafficking InInnn ChChanan BBora,ora, KKimim KKhemrin,hemrin, NeNethth MMonika,onika, TiTimm VuVutha,tha, LLornorn and featured the bands Placebo Lenghim, Reil Rathsatya, Thang Lily, Sry Kimhong and Click 5. Not pictured: Nhan Kongkearith, Khuan Chan Nary

13 Senate Ends Year with Student Forum

During the university’s 5th Anniversary celebration, jointly organized by Student Senate and the UC administration, students from the Center for English Studies performed comedic skits. s The University of Cambodia’s Stu- ship program, and according to Treasurer Adent Senate wraps up 2008, the offi cers Lim Ainay, the forum gave older students refl ected on this administration’s activities. the opportunity to share their experiences at This year the students organized and imple- university. mented a university-wide Khmer New Year “It will give students who won scholar- celebration in April and held a new student ships confi dence,” said Vice President 2, Var welcome forum in December. Vathana. The New Year celebration was an all-day The Student Senate will reconvene dur- event. In the morning, nearly 40 to 50 monks ing the third week of December to hold – some who study at UC and some from lo- elections for the new year, and all UC stu- cal pagodas – received a food offering or- dents will participate by voting. Current ganized by the Student Senate. In the after- Vice President Morm Sambathrathmanith, noon, students gathered in the UC Canteen a second-term foundation year student, said to take part in dancing, games and a singing he hopes that the new administration will competition. There was also an educational be able to carry out some project ideas that debate, judged by UC President Dr. Kao have already been discussed, including ser- Kim Hourn, where the students discussed vice projects and a Woman’s Day. UC students showed off their tal- the pros and cons of attending UC. Although he says he will not run for re- ents during Student Senate events On December 6, the Student Senate held election, Sambathrathmanith said he will of- like the Khmer New Year and the a forum in the UC Conference Center for fer his support to the new offi cers. 5th Anniversary celebrations. upperclassmen to talk with fi rst-year stu- “If the new members of Student Senate dents about study skills, time management want to carry out these projects and need Students who are interested in applying and other related topics. UC welcomed 600 advice from someone with more experience, for an offi cer position, can turn their CV new students this year through the scholar- they can come to me and ask,” he said. into the administration offi ce. 2008 Student Senate Offi cers President: Vice President - Administrative Affairs: Vice President - Technical Affairs: Oeun Sam Art Morm Sambathrathmanith Chim Chandanika Secretary: Treasurer: Faculty Adviser: Nuon Sovannvatey Lim Ainay H.E. Samraing Kamsan

14 Foundation Year: Student Perspectives sonal challenges that the students must over- Foundation year come. The rigor of the coursework and high students gather expectations from the professors leads the before class students to question their abilities. Lily, for begins in the UC example, said she often fi nds it diffi cult to Conference Cen- remember all the points she needs to make ter. Although when giving oral presentations, and Vathana the room fi nds it intimidating to answer questions in accomodates front of a class of nearly 200. Add to that, classes of 100 all the coursework being done in their sec- to 200 students, ond language, English, and university life foundation year proves to be a huge adjustment. students say “In foundation year, you learn basics that they are look- will help you get your Bachelor’s,” said Lily, ing forward to cueing in on why the fi rst year at UC is so the new campus important. During their fi rst two terms, the facilities. students sharpen skills such as public speak- ing, research and studying, that will help ntering the foundation year at a univer- years of English Literature training from a them during their four years at UC. E sity can pose many exciting opportuni- local under his belt. However, leaving his Vathana found in-class group work par- ties and challenges for new students. Meet- family in Kampong Cham Province, he has ticularly helpful in meeting study partners ing new people and adjusting to city life, as learned to adjust to city life. Not only has he and learning about new cultures. As diffi cult well as managing time with work and stud- met new friends and rented an apartment, as the coursework can be, he said he refuses ies, are just a few of the experiences founda- but he has learned to use the technological to give up. tion year students face. This is a vital step for conveniences not found in the provinces. “It’s diffi cult, but if I want to be successful, students beginning their college careers. “I’m from the countryside, so I never I must study hard,” he said. “I never give up.” The University of Cambodia was among used the Internet before,” he said, explain- On Facilities 33 universities to receive a three-year accredi- ing this has made his class assignments that There’s no denying that the cramped tation from the Accreditation Committee of require Internet research a challenge. “So at quarters of UC’s current facilities are be- Cambodia (ACC) for its Academic Founda- UC, I’m learning to use the computer.” coming even tighter as the UC student body tion Department (AFD), a high achievement He has found the computer science grows each term. While the new Phnom for a university that has been in operation course, one of the fi ve compulsory courses Penh campus is being constructed at Sangkat for only fi ve years. in which foundation year students must en- Touk Thla and is expected to be completed “This is one of the most important of- roll, particularly helpful and important in by the end of 2010, UC’s newest students fi ces of the university because if we fail ac- preparing for his Bachelor’s program. have taken note on how the current site has creditation, we cannot run foundation year During the students’ foundation year, UC affected their learning. and can only accept second year students,” also provides numerous opportunities out- “This afternoon when we were studying, AFD Director Dr. Y Ratana said. side the typical coursework that encourage an ambulance went by and distracted us,” In January 2009, UC will begin the next the students grow intellectually and, as Lily Vanthana said. He commented that the cur- review process for the foundation year de- put it, “learn about society.” rent building seems much smaller than other partment, where the ACC will scrutinize the Pursuing her degree in International Re- universities and because it sits so close to curriculum, facilities and human resources lations, Lily said she hopes to one day work the road, the noise of traffi c causes a distur- as well as interview students and faculty. in Cambodia as a diplomat. Having the op- bance as it fi lters into the classroom. In the past three years, the department has portunity to attend various ceremonies as Both Lily and Vanthana also noted that improved the program, such as making re- well as the Asia Economic Forum, has ex- with such large class sizes and with no facil- visions to course syllabi, by taking into ac- panded her knowledge about the country ity to support the numbers, it’s diffi cult to count ACC recommendations. and the world. get one-on-one time with the professor and As the department administration focuses The Foundation Year Experience the room gets hot. on improving the program for the next three Ranked in the top three universities in “Everything will be up to date and mod- years, students Chin Vathana and Thang Lily Cambodia, UC has presented many oppor- ern in the new building, which will help,” offered their impressions of UC and univer- tunities to new students, including offering said Lily. sity life during their fi rst year here. full-tuition scholarships to bright students However, President Dr. Kao Kim Hourn New Beginnings profi cient in English and hiring faculty with noted the varying class sizes, including the When Vathana began his fi rst year at UC an extensive knowledge base to help guide larger lecture classes, will help students adapt this October, working toward a major in their learning. to the real world. Business Management, he already had two But with these opportunities comes per- 15 SupportersU N I V E R S I T Y

The University of Cambodia Dr. Handa Appointed as PM Adviser F O U N D A T I O N Congratula- Prime Minister believes Dr. Handa has done To give supporters from the private tions to Dr. Har- a lot and will continue to do a lot for Cam- sector the opportunity to contribute uhisa Handa, bodia,” said Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, UC Presi- to The University of Cambodia’s Chancellor of dent. “We are truly happy and I think this mission of excellence in providing The University will go a long way in enhancing the relation- quality education, research and of Cambodia, on ship between The University of Cambodia public service initiatives, the uni- his appointment and the Prime Minister’s offi ce and between versity established the UC Foun- as Adviser to the Cambodia and Japan.” dation. Founded in 2005, the UC Prime Minister of Dr. Handa’s many accomplishments in- Foundation will support academic Cambodia. Dr. Handa assumed his offi cial clude establishing Cambodia's fi rst "Japa- programs, student scholarships, duties as an adviser to Samdech Hun Sen nese Culture and Business Research Center," faculty and facility developments, beginning in July . He was also appointed as contributing to the international welfare of and more. the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the blind as Vice President of the United Cambodia in Fukuoka, Japan, in October. Kingdom's Royal National Institute for the If you have a passion for improving “Dr. Handa has been offi cially recog- Blind and serving as Chancellor to The Uni- higher education and would like to nized by the leaders of this country. The versity of Cambodia since 2003. learn more about how to unite with us in continuing the UC tradition, please visit our website. Book Donation Expands UC Library www.ucfoundation.net Many thanks for the donation of 569 students. books to the university’s Toshu Fukami Over the years, Dr. Thakral has sup- Thank you to all individuals and institutions who have Library courtesy of Dr. Rikhi Thakral, Ex- ported the development of UC's students lent their support to The University of Cambodia. We hope ecutive Director of the Thakral Group. The through his donations of books, computers to have included a complete list of those who have made books ranging from a number of disciplines, and scholarships. This year, he generously fi nancial and in-kind contributions, however, we would like to express our sincerest apologies to any names we have including law, economics, science, social offered 100 four-year, full-tuition scholar- forgotten. If you have contributed to The University of sciences and health, will contribute to the ships to Cambodia's best and brightest high Cambodia and are not present on the list, please write our expanding knowledge and literacy of our school seniors. editor at [email protected] so we can add your name in next quarter’s newsletter. Professor Merry White, Boston University, U.S. INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS UC Earns German Mr. Winston Hauw, Rider Levitt Bucknall, Singapore Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Founder and President, International Mr. Angelo Ponzetta, Caran d’Ache, Switzerland Foundation for Arts and Culture, Japan Mr. Gaurav Bhushan, Accor Asia Pacifi c, Singapore Recognition Mr. Rikhi Thakral, Executive Director, Thakral Group of Mr. M. Oswald Pichler, Accor Asia Pacifi c - Operations for Companies, Singapore Thailand, Laos and Cambodia The University of Cambodia received its Mr. Paul Wenson Heng, Founder and President, Unigen Mr. Thierry Loustau, Proposed JV Partner of Accor in fi rst international recognition this Novem- Corporation, U.S. Cambodia ber through Germany’s Kultusministerkon- INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS Mr. Gary Suter ferenz, a governmental organization that Mr. Sok Thon International Foundation for Arts and Culture oversees educational issues. This notoriety, World Mate Mr. Heng Sreay Worldwide Support for Development Mr. Puy Kea which equates a UC education with that of a Thakral Holdings Group H.E. Chay Lyheang German university, means more opportuni- Cambodia Advanced Communications Co. Ltd. (CADCOMS) IN-KIND DONATIONS ties abroad for UC students. Unigen Corporation Asia Center for Research and Human Development Projects In order to standardize the qualifi cations The Sasakawa Peace Foundation The Asia Foundation for foreign students who study abroad in BG Group Association Des Bibliothecaires Et Documentalistes Du Shanghai Academy of Economic Sciences Cambodge Germany, Kultusministerkonferenz looks Exel Corporation Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the status of universities worldwide and INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS British Embassy rates the quality of their degree programs. Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace Dr. Haruhisa Handa For UC students, recognition from this Cambodian Red Cross Dr. Rikhi Thakral Embassy of India organization will allow easier access to Ger- H.E. Khieu Kanharith Embassy of the Republic of Singapore man study visas and open opportunities to H.E. Tea Banh Friends of Khmer Culture Ms. Midori Miyazaki apply for German graduate programs, said International Finance Cooperation Professor Rajah Rasiah Dr. Angus Munro, Vice President of Aca- Khmer Writers’ Association Ms. Angeline Thakral, Thakral Group Ministry of Economy and Finance demic Affairs. Although students might have Mr. Anil Shrivastava, Thakral Group Ministry of Environment to take a few extra classes before jumping Mr. Lim Keng Hwee, Thakral Group Ministry of Information Mr. Arvinder Singh Bedi, Thakral Group into graduate studies at German universities, Ministry of National Defense Ms. Christina Chia, Thakral Group he said, with this recognition, they will not National Center for Disabled Persons Ms. Lee Siew Yian, Singtel, Singapore National University of Singapore have to start at the B.A. level. Ms. Michelle Huong, LHP, Vietnam Partnership for Development in Kampuchea (PADEK) Mr. John Hudson, Thakral Holdings Group, Australia United Nations Development Programme nization (UNESCO) Mr. Karam Singh Bajaj, NPC Corp, Japan United Nations Educational, Scientifi c and Cultural Orga- U.S. Embassy Professor Katherine Marshall, Georgetown University, U.S. 16