Title of Research Project: Green Campus Framework Development for Cambodian Universities: Case Study of Paragon International University
Research Project Background: Aligning with Cambodian government’s commitment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), our research aims to develop a context-specific Green Campus Framework for Cambodian Higher Education Institutions. Building upon success of Multimedia University Malaysia’s (MMU) MYSUN project, a baseline sustainability survey will be conducted at Paragon International University (Paragon U). In this initial phase, we will collect data from students, faculty, and staff to assess current practices, awareness, motivation, governance, and design priorities related to campus sustainability.
Team Members:
Prof. Dr. Pahlaj Moolio – Principal Investigator from Paragon U
Prof. Dr. Tan Kim Goek – Team member from MMU
Dr. Md Jamirul Haque – Postdoctoral Researcher from MMU & Adjunct Faculty from Paragon U.
Ms. Socheata Kim – Team member from Paragon U
Mr. Sokmeng Soeun – Team member from Paragon U
Mr. Menhsean Keang – Team member from Paragon U
Submitted Date 26 June 2025
Confirmed Date 03 July 2025
Approved Date 03 July 2025
Title of Research Project: Utilization of Oven-Dried and Burned Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) in Mortar and Concrete
Research Project Background: our team will conduct research about exploring the use of recycle materials in the construction industry on the topic of “Utilization of Oven-Dried and Burned Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) in Mortar and Concrete” (The title may vary) where we will investigate the potential use of Spend Coffee Ground (SCG) as potential substitution of sand in cement mortar. We will incorporate SCG into the mortar mix at 1% 3% and 5% as both additives and replacement of sand and applying the same replacement in concrete to see whether it will have similar result to the mortar buy using oven-dry SCG and SCG burn at 350°C. The sample will undergo a series of test to determined its mechanical properties including slump test, compressive test and flexural test and comparing it to see the differences between conventional cement mortar and SCG mortar as well as investigating the effect in concrete cube. Moreover, the SCG will be sent to a laboratory to conduct XRD, XRF as well as SEM test to see its properties including elements compositions, minerals compositions as well as its texture and microstructure.
Team Members:
Nurmurat Kandymov, Senior Lecturer, Paragon International University, Cambodia - Team Leader
Mr. Davit Ou - CE student
Mr. Kimseng Ear - CE student
Mr. Sovichhay Chhan - CE student
Submitted Date 28 March 2025
Confirmed Date 02 April 2025
Approved Date 02 April 2025
Title of Research Project: Evaluation of the Feasibility of Using Bamboo for Reinforced Concrete: A Study on Tensile Strength and Comparative Analysis with Conventional Reinforced Concrete Beam Under Bending.
Research Project Background: Our team will conduct research on the topic of “Evaluation of Cambodian Bamboo for Reinforced Concrete: A Study on Tensile Strength and Comparative Analysis with Conventional Reinforced Concrete Beam Under Bending.” (Preliminary Topic) where we will make a selection on a species of bamboo available in Cambodia from a bamboo handicraft which has followed our criteria of bamboo. Additionally, we will make site visits to the handicraft in order to bring the samples back to our laboratory to be tested in many selected experiments for evaluation of their tensile strength, bonding strength with concrete, flexural strength under bending as well as make a comparative study with the steel reinforcement.
Team Members:
Nurmurat Kandymov, Senior Lecturer, Paragon International University, Cambodia - Team Leader
Mr. Kimhak YOUNG - CE student
Mr. Mengseang CHOR - CE student
Mr. Sopheak Virak Phon LIM - CE student
Submitted Date 18 March 2025
Confirmed Date 27 March 2025
Approved Date 27 March 2025
Title of Research Project: The Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Cambodian Clays and their Effects on the Fired Solid Clay Bricks
Research Project Background: For the Final Year Project 2024, our team (two senior CE students and me) will conduct research on the topic of " The Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Cambodian Clays and their Effects on the Fired Solid Clay Bricks " (the title may vary) where we will make site visits to several brick manufacturers in the selected provinces and capital city from the four different regions of Cambodia (Central Plain, Tonle Sap, Coastal and Sea, and Plateau and Mountains) (scope of study may vary due to limitations) where we will conduct interviews with the manufacturers in order to understand the production process of clay bricks as well as to collect adequate amount of clay samples. In addition to this, those samples will be sent back to a laboratory at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) to be tested in many selected experiments for evaluation of their properties such as compressive strength and many more.
Shortly, clay samples will be conducted from at least three different locations, and brick will be made from these raw materials. Tests will be conducted to compare raw materials as well as produced bricks under laboratory conditions.
Team Members:
Nurmurat Kandymov, Senior Lecturer, Paragon International University, Cambodia - Team Leader
Askara Arn - CE Senior student
Chhich Thai - CE Senior student
Submitted Date 07 May 2024
Confirmed Date 18 November 2024
Approved Date 12 December 2024
Title of Research Project: Exploring and Bridging the increasing Digital Divide for Cambodian Students
Research Project Background: The Theory of Digital Divide postulates that there is an economic and social gap between the population of a nation and their access to technologies pertaining to information and communication. (Theory of Digital Divide in PSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE) Dr. Bob and Prof Peter from Thammasat University already did similar researches in Thailand and Myanmar. Now we want to find out effects of Covid -19 in Cambodia.
Team Members:
Dr. Meirambek Zhaparov, Paragon International University, Cambodia - Team Leader
Dr. Bob (Thammasat University)
Prof. Peter (Thammasat University)
Monyca Hap (Research Assistant)
Sy Saovattana (Research Assistant)
Fahad Syed (Research Assistant)
Submitted Date 25 December 2022
Confirmed Date 18 November 2024
Approved Date 18 November 2024
Title of Research Project: Circular Production Concepts in Southeast Asia: Customers’ Perception of Remanufactured Automotive Parts in Cambodia
Research Project Background : This research aims to explore the key indicators of purchase decision-makers (here: private car owners being a customer in a garage in the Southeast Asian developing country Cambodia) when buying spare parts for cars. The goal of this research is to understand how purchase decisions are being made in Cambodia and to provide information about the challenges and opportunities for circular production strategies in this country.
The GDP of Cambodia will increase by 8.1% per year from 2021 to 2026. This economic growth goes along with higher wealth and an increase in purchasing power across all population groups in Cambodia. With an actual GDP per capita of around 1,600 USD, the turning point is reached from a motorcycle market to a car market. An evolution already previously seen in neighboring developing countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam. With this increase in cars, the demand for spare parts for cars is rising. While in NAFTA, Europe, and certain other regions of the world a part of this spare part demand is covered by remanufactured parts, such options are as of today hardly known and barely available in Cambodia.
Team Members
Samnang, O. Paragon International University, Cambodia - Team Leader
Nanthakorn, B. Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University, Thailand
Duberg, J.V. Linköping University, Sweden
Kurilova-Palisaitiene, J. Linköping University, Sweden
Sundin, E. Linköping University, Sweden
Lindahl, M. Linköping University, Sweden
Banomyong, R. Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University, Thailand
Submitted Date 23 December 2022
Confirmed Date 23 December 2022
Approved Date 23 December 2022