First UK campus in Cambodia launched

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

The opening of the first UK university campus was officially announced at a launch ceremony at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Hotel yesterday.

Asif Iqbal, Executive Director of the De Montfort University (DMU), said DMU is a dynamic institution based in Leicester, UK, with a long and vibrant history of empowerment and education.

He said that founded in 1870, DMU has for more than 150 years provided inspirational teaching to students and is bringing this focus on excellence and making a global impact to Cambodia.




He added that for the first time, local and international students will be able to study and earn a UK degree at a British university in Cambodia – benefitting from the globally recognised advantages of receiving a UK university education.

“On behalf of De Montfort University Cambodia, I would like to welcome you and thank you for joining us to celebrate the launch of the first British university campus in Cambodia,” he said.

“Education plays a pivotal role in the development of individuals, economies and society. Life-long learning is the catalyst and foundation for many of our key advances,” he added.



The launch event was presided over by Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport; and attended by British MP Heather Wheeler, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia Dominic Williams; British Ambassador to Cambodia Professor Katie Normington; DMU Vice-Chancellor Sakina Zafar, President of DMU Kazakhstan and Managing Director EdPeritus; and Simon Bradbury, DMU Pro Vice-Chancellor International.




Iqbal explained that DMU Cambodia will be an enabler that can drive positive change for the first time with local and international students able to study and earn a UK degree at a British University campus in Cambodia – benefitting from the globally recognised advantages of receiving a UK university education.



He said that DMU Cambodia will begin teaching its first undergraduate students in September 2024.

The campus is located on Ko Pich within a new building that is undergoing renovations to meet the requirements and needs of students and modern teaching and learning methods.

Students will initially be able to choose from a variety of undergraduate degree programmes – all taught by an international academic team to UK academic standards – with degrees being awarded by DMU in the UK.



He said that DMU Cambodia will focus on employability and offer students access to study at DMU’s global campus network.

A Centre for English language learning will also open at the start of 2024 specialising in English preparation and English for Business.

DMU Vice-Chancellor Sakina Zafar said the university is set to play an important role in supporting the existing positive education sector developments and reforms in the country.




“The end of this event will mark the official launch of DMU Cambodia, our team will be ready and available from today onwards to discuss how we can support the next generation of undergraduates as they look to pursue their dreams,” she said.



Education Minister Chuon Naron applauded the first official UK university in Cambodia, saying that DMU will contribute to human resources development and education in Cambodia.

He added that DMU will help Cambodia promote high quality graduates in the country and Cambodian children will have to access the quality education.

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