19/03/2026
Final Review Meeting: Bilateral Agreement between Sweden and Royal University of Phnom Penh (17–19 March 2026)
The Royal University of Phnom Penh successfully hosted the Final Review Meeting of the Bilateral Agreement between Sweden and Royal University of Phnom Penh—marking a significant milestone in this long-standing collaboration.
We were honored by the active participation of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the International Science Programme of Uppsala University, and the SPIDER of Stockholm University.
The meeting highlighted remarkable achievements across multiple areas:
• ICT Development: Strengthening infrastructure, including networks, Wi-Fi, and data centers, alongside the development of ICT policies, Master Plans, University Management Systems, Scientific Research Laboratory Systems, and Library Management Systems.
• Capacity Building: Supporting 11 academic staff to pursue PhDs in Sweden and training over 150 Master’s students locally.
• Research Support: Enhancing thematic research through scientific equipment, consumables, mobility support, and guest lectures.
• Academic Programs: Supporting six local Master’s programs, and establishing new programs including a Master’s in Biotechnology and a PhD in Physics.
• Collaboration & Networking: Expanding regional and international partnerships.
• Research Dissemination: Promoting conferences, publications, and academic journals.
These efforts have significantly contributed to human resource development in key disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, Bio-Engineering, and Environment, while strengthening graduate education in science and technology at RUPP.
Notable progress has also been made in research infrastructure, including the renovation and upgrading of scientific laboratories and the installation of advanced scientific equipment—further boosting research productivity and innovation.
The review also emphasized RUPP’s continued institutional growth through improved research management systems, enhanced academic quality, and long-term strategic development.
Key lessons learned include the importance of strong leadership, effective resource management, sustained capacity building, international collaboration, and adaptive implementation for long-term success.
RUPP extends its sincere appreciation to all Swedish partners and supervisors for their invaluable support in advancing higher education, research excellence, and sustainable human resource development in Cambodia. We also express our gratitude to the local project management, supporting teams, and sub-program coordinators for their dedicated contributions to the success of this partnership.