University of Cambodia

Overview

The University of Cambodia (UC) is a private university located on Northbridge Road in Sangkat Toek Thla, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. UC was founded on 23 June 2003 by Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Founder, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of The University of Cambodia, and Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia, Founder and Chairman of the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, and Chancellor of The University of Cambodia. UC is accredited by the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia (ACC), and is a member of the Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA).

Contents

• Overview
• Colleges and Schools
• College of Arts Humanities and Languages
• College of Education
• College of Law
• College of Media and Communications
• College of Science and Technology
• College of Social Sciences
• The UC School of Business formerly the College of Management
• Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations
• The School of Graduate Studies
• Enrollment
• Scholarships
• Facilities
• Toshu Fukami Library
• Laboratories
• Research
• ASEAN Study Center
• Council for Research and Creativity
• Institute for Research and Advanced Studies
• Cambodian Journal for International Studies
• UC Student Federation
• University of Cambodia Student Senate
• University of Cambodia Debate Club UCDC
• University of Cambodia Cambodian Red Cross Youth UCCRCY
• UC Volunteers Program UCVP
• University of Cambodia Sport Club UCSC
• University of Cambodia Horticulture Club UCHC
• Student Academic Leadership Conference
• Forum for Success
• University of Cambodia Foundation
• Alumni
• Alumni Reunion
• Academia
• Government
• International Institutions
• Media
• Non Profit
• Private Sector
• Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipients
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• UC Distinguished Fellow Award Recipients
• Affiliations
• References

The motto of the university is, “In Pursuit of Knowledge, Wisdom and Building Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The university's mission and vision focus primarily on preparing Cambodians of all ages to take on leadership roles within society by developing, enhancing, and refining their analytical problem solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

The University of Cambodia uses the American credit-based system as a model, and the programs are taught through the medium of the English language. In 2013, the University launched the Khmer Track, which offers the same UC programs, but taught in the medium of the Khmer (Cambodian) language. UC subsequently renamed the existing English language programs the International Track.

The University is organized to provide Foundation Year, Associate's, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs through its eight colleges and schools: the College of Arts, Humanities and Languages, the College of Education, the College of Law, the College of Media and Communications, the College of Science and Technology, the College of Social Sciences, the Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations, and the UC School of Business (formerly the College of Management). Additionally, the School of Graduate Studies oversees the university’s graduate programs.

In conjunction with the university’s colleges and schools, UC has set up specific institutes and centers to coordinate research and training efforts across academic disciplines. The university operates the Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (IRAS), the Council for Research and Creativity (CRC), the ASEAN Study Center (ASC), the Skills and Career Development Center (SCDC), the Center for English Studies (CES), and the Asia Leadership Center (ALC). Additionally, the university has established numerous think tanks including the Asia Economic Forum (AEF) in May 2005, and later, the Asian Faiths Development Dialogue (AFDD).

UC has gained popularity for the success of its numerous student clubs and organizations specifically: The University of Cambodia Student Senate (UCSS), The University of Cambodia Cambodian Red Cross Club (UCCRCY), The University of Cambodia Debate Club (UCDC), The University of Cambodia Sport Club, The University of Cambodia Alumni Association (UCAA), and The University of Cambodia Horticulture Club (UCHC). The University also has its own official quarterly newsletter, called The UC Bulletin, which contains regular contributions from staff, faculty, students, alumni and other special contributors.

Additionally, UC maintains many formal relationships through sanctioned Memorandums of Understanding with various national and international institutions, organizations and industry leaders.

Colleges and Schools

The University of Cambodia is home to six colleges, and two schools: the College of Arts, Humanities and Languages, the College of Education, the College of Law, the College of Media and Communications, the College of Science and Technology, the College of Social Sciences, the Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations, and the School of Business (formerly the College of Management).

College of Arts, Humanities and Languages

The College of Arts, Humanities and Languages at the University of Cambodia offers a total of five programs: one Associate’s Degree (AA) program, three Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs, and one Master’s Degree (MA) program.

College of Education

The College of Education at the University of Cambodia offers a total of six programs: one Associate’s Degree (AA) program, three Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs, one Master’s Degree (Med) program, and one Doctoral Degree (PhD) program.

College of Law

The College of Law at the University of Cambodia offers a total of five programs: three Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs, one Master’s Degree (MA) program, and one Doctoral Degree (PhD) program.

College of Media and Communications

The College of Media and Communications at the University of Cambodia offers a total of three programs: three Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs. Additionally, the College of Media and Communications offers eight short course programs.

College of Science and Technology

The College of Science and Technology at the University of Cambodia offers a total of seven programs: one Associates Degree (AA) program, three Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs, and three Master’s Degree (MA) programs.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Science at the University of Cambodia offers a total of ten programs: five Bachelor’s Degrees (BA) programs, three Master’s Degree (MA) programs, and two Doctoral Degree (PhD) programs.

The UC School of Business (formerly the College of Management)

As of May 10, 2016, the College of Management at the University of Cambodia has been officially renamed The UC School of Business. The UC School of Business offers a total of twenty-four programs: seven Associate’s Degree (AA) programs, eight Bachelor’s Degree (BA) programs, eight Master’s Degree (MA) programs, and one Doctoral Degree (PhD) program.

The UC School of Business was ranked by Eduniversal as the top business school in Cambodia, with "2 Palmes of Excellence," for its high quality instruction and strong regional influence.

Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations

The Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations (TSS) at the University of Cambodia offers a total of twelve degree programs: six Master’s Degree programs, and six Doctoral Degree programs. Additionally TSS conducts nonpartisan research.

The School of Graduate Studies

The School of Graduate Studies works with all the Colleges and Schools to spread information about UC’s offerings as well as the value of graduate degrees to prospective students. The School also works in guiding graduate students during their time at UC, and answers any questions they may have. The School of Graduate Studies is part of UC’s commitment to expansion, as well as enhancing both the quality and choices available for students.

Enrollment

The University of Cambodia has a current enrollment of about 3,300 students.

Scholarships

The University of Cambodia has offered thousands of scholarships to deserving students, both undergraduate and graduate, since its inception in 2003.

Examinations are offered annually and cover both English and general knowledge, and the top 100 students earn free tuition for the duration of their program. The scholarships themselves are named the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Vision-100 Scholarships with other monikers attached to them, depending on the donor. Sponsors for these particular scholarships have included Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Dr. Rikhi Thakral, Mr. Paul Heng, and China Fairwind, Cambodia. Other scholarships have been donated by Khmer Brewery, Cambodia Advance Communications, and The University of Cambodia.

Several hundred additional UC students have received personal scholarships, meaning private donors funded their education at UC specifically and no scholarship exam was required.

In 2016, The University of Cambodia expanded their scholarship program by creating additional categories in an effort to expand the reach of scholarships offered to deserving Cambodian students. The new scholarship programs are as follows: Academic Achiever, Merit-Based Scholarship, Top Score Achievers, High School Valedictorian Scholarship, Sports Scholarship, ASEAN Young Leaders Scholarship, TSS Scholarship, Research Assistantship Scholarship, Teaching Assistant Scholarship, Graduate Teaching Assistantship Scholarship, Partial Scholarship, and The Center for English Studies Partial Scholarship.

Facilities

The University of Cambodia’s 11-story main-campus building is smoke-free and handicapped-accessible, and features elevators and ramps. The outside grounds hold a variety of local vegetation including palm trees, car and motorbike parking, and a canteen. The UC Sport Complex is located in the rear grounds and offers both a football (soccer) field and volleyball nets. Free WiFi is available throughout the campus.

The Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations is located on the 10th story, with each classroom named after an ASEAN Member State. The University has also dedicated one hall after the World Economic Forum.

Toshu Fukami Library

UC’s Toshu Fukami Library has a collection of more than 65,000 books, magazines, newspapers, and periodicals in several languages as well as computers to access online journals. The Toshu Fukami E-Library offers a number of computers for students to use for their studies. The Toshu Fukami Library and E-Library are open seven days a week to students, staff, faculty, and the public. The E-Library also contains the ASEAN Resource Center, which is a collection of books pertaining to ASEAN.

Laboratories

As of 2009, the school has been introducing e-learning for some of its programs. There are now four separate laboratories at the UC, including the Computer Repair Lab, the IT Center Lab, the Language and Multimedia Lab, and the Networking Lab.

Research

The University of Cambodia conducts a variety of research related projects, offers consulting services, and hosts research-related events, all of which are overseen by various centers and institutes devoted to the coordination of research and publications at the university. Students, faculty, and staff are also encouraged to conduct research, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, and then publish their results in the recently launched Cambodian Journal of International Studies, a publication managed by the University.

ASEAN Study Center

The ASEAN Study Center (ASC) conducts research on cross-cutting, ASEAN-related issues. The Center promotes greater ASEAN awareness in Cambodia and contributes to Cambodia’s integration into ASEAN by publishing books on various issues in the region, hosting a diplomatic lecture series, and working with local embassies. The ASC is officially endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Council for Research and Creativity

The Council for Research and Creativity (CRC) is a coordinating body of stakeholders who work to motivate UC students, faculty, and staff to conduct research at all levels and then publish their results. It primarily focuses on conducting policy research, particular concentrating on Cambodian higher education issues and regional and international politics.

Institute for Research and Advanced Studies

The Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (IRAS) conducts research on a variety of issues, which have included leadership, globalization, academic issues inside the classroom, and Cambodian-related academic policies, among others. Both IRAS and the CRC will work on launching the Cambodian Journal of International Studies, which will showcase research produced by the UC Community.

Cambodian Journal for International Studies

The Cambodian Journal for International Studies (CJIS), overseen by IRAS and CRC, is a bi-annual research publication that provides UC students and community members with the chance to showcase various types of research they've conducted. CJIS includes articles, papers, interviews and reviews. The first edition of CJIS was published in December 2016.

UC Student Federation

The UC Student Federation is the umbrella group for all the student organizations at The University of Cambodia; these organizations include the UC Student Senate (UCSS), the UC Debate Club (UCDC), the UC Cambodian Red Cross Youth (UCCRCY), and the UC Alumni Association (UCAA). These student-led groups encourage community service and strengthen the university as a whole by having some of the most dedicated students advocate for UC in a variety of manners. They have won many national awards, including first place in Role Play at the 3rd National Youth Arts Festival 2017 from the Ministry of Culture.

University of Cambodia Student Senate

The University of Cambodia Student Senate is an elected body of students who organize and coordinate extra-curricular activities that encourage interactions between students, facility, staff and distinguished individuals. UCSS elections are held annually and are overseen by the incumbent officers, who may not be reelected, and a council of staff, faculty and members of the UC Board of Trustees.

UCSS annually organizes a Khmer New Year Celebration, and an International New Year Celebration. In recent years UCSS has also organized Mock-ASEAN events to give students the unique opportunity to replicate ASEAN meetings. The event is very similar to Model-UN activities in the US. UCSS has organized Mock-ASEAN Plus Three (2015), and Mock ASEAN-China Summit (2014). UCSS has also been responsible for UCSS Green World, an eco-centered project aimed at environmental protection awareness and reducing deforestation; UCSS Short Story Competition, a university wide English-based fiction writing competition; and “Life and Study” Radio Talk Show on Southeast Asia Radio (May 2011 – December 2011).

University of Cambodia Debate Club (UCDC)

The University of Cambodia Debate Club was created in an effort to improve and enhance students’ soft skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. Additionally, UCDC provides students with extensive training on evidence-based research methodologies and their practical applications. UCDC has hosted internal debates, in addition to competing against other Cambodian universities and international competitors in numerous debates since its founding in 2009. UCDC has been successful in many debates, including:

University of Cambodia Cambodian Red Cross Youth (UCCRCY)

The University of Cambodia Cambodian Red Cross Youth was founded in July 2011 with the purpose of building student’s skills and preparing them to become active leaders and capable resources for humanitarian efforts in Cambodia. CRCY members attend trainings and workshops, in addition to assisting with humanitarian projects across Cambodia. Trainings are often centered on promoting health and safety; the ultimate goal being that UCCRCY members share the knowledge and skills they have gained with their classmates and the community at large. The UCCRCY won the 2nd prize award on the Youth Forum Debate on "Youth and the Respect of Law on Road Traffic" in May 2016.

UC Volunteers Program (UCVP)

The University of Cambodia Volunteers Program is a new initiative that seeks to get UC students involved in the development of their nation. UCVP will organize a variety of events and campaigns to develop the skills of younger students, particularly in rural areas, and will also focus on economic and environmental issues. Students gain leadership experience and build practical skills by participating in the planning and execution of events.

University of Cambodia Sport Club (UCSC)

The UC Sport Club is led by University of Cambodia Student Senate (UCSS) project holders and a committee of advisors from the UC management team. The UCSC was founded in 2013, and teams have since participated in numerous soccer tournaments and track and field events with other institutions in Cambodia. Additionally, The University of Cambodia houses a Sport Complex, which the UCSC uses for training sessions.

University of Cambodia Horticulture Club (UCHC)

The UC Horticulture Club was created with the purpose of keeping the UC Campus “clean and green.” Membership is open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Student Academic Leadership Conference

The Student Academic Leadership Conference (SALC) is a week-long event hosted by students for students. It spans twelve half-day sessions, each of which is organized by a College or School at the University, and they all differ in format, topic, list of speakers, and purpose. This multi-pronged approach allows students to be exposed to several different learning methodologies and to experience first-hand the various personalities of all the Colleges. The Conference is open to all students, who can attend as many sessions as they desire, and they are encouraged to invite their friends to join.

Forum for Success

The Forum for Success is a binannual event geared towards both UC students and other students and professionals at large in order to equip them with knowledge from leading experts about a variety of topics related to employment, academic success, and personal fulfillment. The event is held with goal of motivating, encouraging and inspiring students so that they can make appropriate decisions in order to be successful outside of the university's walls.

University of Cambodia Foundation

The University of Cambodia Foundation (UCF) oversees the fundraising activities of the University. UCF is highly involved in student and alumni services, facilities development and research initiatives. UCF’s main function is to seek for donors to fund scholarship programs. Over 80% of UC students receive scholarships facilitated by UCF. Additionally, UCF is currently fundraising for library expansion and development and student dormitories.

Alumni

The University of Cambodia provides numerous services for alumni including access to all UC facilities and ongoing skills and career coaching after graduation. UC places a strong emphasis on producing employable graduates that are successful in their industries, and the policies of supporting and promoting UC alumni display this commitment.

Alumni Reunion

In 2015, The University of Cambodia began hosting an annual Alumni Reunion. The event was created in an effort to provide valuable networking opportunities for UC alumni and current students, as well as to build connections between alumni and UC, thus creating strong collaborations between various sectors of industry, commerce and education in Cambodia.

Academia

Government

International Institutions

Media

Non Profit

Private Sector

Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipients

As of December 2016, The University of Cambodia has awarded 39 Honorary Doctoral Degrees to distinguished individuals from across the globe.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2014

2015

2016

UC Distinguished Fellow Award Recipients

2016

Affiliations

The University of Cambodia has affiliations with multiple institutions around the globe, including the following: