Ng Khar Thoe

Faculty Member
INTI International University

In the advent of digital eras with many fruits of inventions enjoyed by higher income groups, many underserved/ underprivileged/marginalized/vulnerable groups still have no access to technologies and opportunities for technology-enhanced learning (TEL). This paper reports part of an ongoing bigger-scale study using mixed-research methods to address these gaps by integrating transdisciplinary and cultural studies with TEL activities to enhance thinking skills and promote self-directed learning among learning disability, underserved/ disadvantaged/ marginalized and indigenous children in support of United Nation's (UN's) Education for All (EFA). However, this study only reports on qualitative data collection and analysis findings. These involve literature research, Case studies [including Cross-Case Analysis (CCA) and Exemplary-Case Analysis (ECA)], as well as document analysis on transdisciplinary learning output from research samples undergoing training integrating modular approaches. The literature review revealed that proper knowledge management on underserved groups is needed amidst landscape changes in the digital era using transdisciplinary approaches in preparation for future-ready workers to face Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0/5.0 to reach out to all in the SEAMEO region and beyond. These efforts are in line with the UN's EFA and 'Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs), especially goals No. 4 (Quality Education), No. 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Document analysis on transdisciplinary learning output is reported in CCA with examining attributes/features of blended-mode project-based programs (PBP) participated by research samples from selected SEAMEO countries (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia, and/or Thailand) supporting SDGs. Selected case exemplars are also illustrated using ECA to showcase how participants' digital literacy and thinking skills were enhanced through the abovementioned PBP. Policy recommendations for sustainable economic growth are deliberated with discussions on the way forward for inclusive education with tapping of local wisdom and grooming hidden talents towards simple entrepreneurial initiatives among the underserved/marginalized/indigenous groups for lifelong learning through nonformal or informal education as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Casey Barnett

President
CamEd Business School

Nhem Sareth

Country Director
Heifer International Cambodia

Over the last 80 years, Heifer International has focused on empowering smallholder farmers and their agricultural cooperatives to address hunger and poverty in their communities sustainably. Heifer started supporting smallholder farmers to participate in inclusive markets when the need for farmers to earn a living income became apparent. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple conflict situations worldwide have escalated the number of people facing hunger, while the climate crisis has made agriculture more fragile. Heifer takes a holistic approach to market development by identifying and resolving the foundational constraints that prevent smallholder farmers and other actors from participating equitably in the market system. The emerging lessons show that solutions to build inclusive markets are context-specific and must consider local knowledge, experiences, practices, and culture while blending in approaches that will bring sustainable and systemic change.

Tapas R. Dash

Professor & Research Advisor

CamEd Business School

The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) regards social protection as a critical tool in reducing poverty and vulnerability, improving living standards, and providing a better future for the country. Despite their vulnerability, small-scale farmers were not sufficiently and effectively covered under the social protection systems, which demanded their inclusion as they played productive roles in society and offered food to millions of Cambodians.

Against this background, this study explores the needs and social protection priorities of small-scale farmers in Cambodia, their ability to contribute to the NSSF, and the amount they would be willing to contribute to the NSSF schemes, including how debt and household expenditure might impair their capacity to contribute. Based on the current income and expense, 84.9 percent of the surveyed farmers (female: 84.6 percent) preferred to contribute up to USD 2 per month. The top three barriers to participating in the NSSF, as perceived by the surveyed farmers, include lack of access to accurate information about the NSSF, lack of understanding of the administrative process regarding membership registration, and lack of knowledge about the benefits of schemes. As farmers perceive it, the critical challenges that might hinder regular contributions to the NSSF include low income, unstable income, and rising household expenses. The study intends to support the development of policy options and specific action plans for expanding social security to small-scale farmers in Cambodia.

Kenneth Paul Charman, Professor
Casey Barnett, Professor
Ma’aji Muhammad, Professor
Chhomkeovoleak Kong
Sithika Thun

This study provides an assessment of the many facets of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Public Administration Entities (PAEs) in Cambodia. Based on a survey and interviews undertaken during 2023 it provides observations on the current practice of SOEs and PAEs in Cambodia including their role and mandate, their governance and management, and competitiveness as they are incorporated within the Public Financial Management Reform Program Cambodia has undertaken to achieve. The perspective focuses on the role and functions of SOEs and PAEs, recognizing the commercial objectives and social purpose SOEs and PAEs provide. The study also includes examples of SOEs and PAEs, their relationship within the public sector in Cambodia, and assesses their contribution and challenges on the basis of international experience of SOE and PAE management.

Siphat Lim

Professor
CamEd Business School

This study analyzed the daily fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the Khmer Riel and the US dollar using a Markov-switching autoregressive model. The study covered a period from January 4, 2005, to August 22, 2024, encompassing a total of 4989 days of data. The research findings revealed that the MS(2)-AR(1) model emerged as the most appropriate for the analysis. The empirical results from state 1 and state 2 models demonstrated that the intercept term, along with the AR(1) component, exerted a statistically significant positive effect on the exchange rate at a 1 percent significance level. Furthermore, the intercept term, which represents the average exchange rate and the volatility of the exchange rate in the state 2 model, was higher than that observed in the state 1 model. The analysis of the probability transition matrix indicated a 15.53% likelihood for FX to transition from state 2 to state 1. In contrast, the probability of FX departing from state 1 and returning to state 2 was 29.34%. Additionally, the chance of FX maintaining its position in state 1 was assessed to be 70.66%, while the probability of it remaining in state 2 was significantly higher at 84.47%.

Varabott Ho

Professor
CamEd Business School

This study explores the potential for Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLBs) in Cambodia, aiming to assess investor preferences and market dynamics that influence demand for these financial instruments. The research specifically analyzes the potential for a sustainability premium, industry variances, and the implications of regulatory frameworks on SLB adoption. Cambodia must promote the development of green financing solutions to facilitate long-term net-zero engagement with ministries, regulators, the private sector, institutional investors, and stakeholders. This study identifies gaps between the government’s policy frameworks for developing securities and the existing infrastructure and capacity. It highlights significant challenges that must be addressed to successfully promote thematic bonds in Cambodia, many of which parallel issues faced during the initial stages of green bond issuance in emerging markets. Although Cambodia's challenges are characteristic of developing nations, an enhanced policy framework with a consistent taxonomy and procedures aligned with international best practices can mitigate them. Additionally, fostering active collaboration among market participants is essential for nurturing a robust green bond issuance ecosystem. Capacity building in technical aspects and implementation is also vital for establishing trust and recognition of the GSS+ Bond market.

Md Monirul Islam

Assistant Professor
CamEd Business School

University students often generate innovative business ideas but rarely pursue them. No research has identified this issue in the Cambodian market. This study identified key factors motivating university students to pursue entrepreneurship, such as innovative mindset and financial benefits. It also explored the moderating effects of variables like gender and years of study. Based on the validated scale, a structured questionnaire was developed, and a quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with CamEd Business School students. A correlation was used to examine the relationship between variables. The findings revealed a significant correlation between entrepreneurial motivations and key factors, including role model, innovative mindset, educational experience, desire to be independent, financial benefits, and risk-taking ability. This study significantly contributes to our understanding by offering robust empirical evidence regarding the factors that drive entrepreneurial motivations among Cambodian university students. It offers insights into creating effective strategies for policymakers, educators, and organizations that support entrepreneurship to assist students on their entrepreneurial journeys. Future research may explore longitudinal studies to track the evolution of entrepreneurial motivations over time and more profoundly investigate the driving forces of these intentions.

Prou Sythan

Chief Executive Officer
Forte Life Assurance

While life insurance in ASEAN was first started in the 19th century in Singapore and Malaysia for the expat and wealthy communities, it only began in Cambodia in 2012 for the mass market. Despite experiencing tremendous growth in both life insurance and economic prosperity over the past few decades, Cambodia and the region are still at different stages in uncovering the myths about the role of life insurance in society, family, and businesses. Mr. Sythan Prou will try to address the misconception that life insurance is only for the rich and old, for families with sick people, and that it's less attractive than bank deposits.