Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for comprehensive improvements to the country's education system, urging the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to modernize textbooks, strengthen teacher training and introduce more innovative teaching methods as the 2026–2027 academic year begins. His priorities include scientific reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, foreign languages, information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy and research skills to better prepare students for a rapidly changing global economy.
Key Facts
New academic year: Began November 1, 2026.
Prime Minister: Hun Manet.
Main priority: Modernize textbooks and improve education quality.
Teacher development: Regular training in foreign languages, ICT, AI, digital literacy and research.
Primary education: Greater emphasis on early-grade reading and mathematics.
Secondary education: More innovative teaching and stronger STEM programmes.
Education access: Expand classrooms, libraries and laboratories to reduce student dropout rates.
Cambodia's education structure: Six years of primary education and six years of secondary education.
Hun Manet Calls for Modernized Textbooks and Practical Learning
As students returned to classrooms on November 1, Hun Manet urged the Ministry of Education to continue modernizing textbooks across primary and secondary education.
He said educational materials should place greater emphasis on scientific reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving and the practical application of knowledge.
The curriculum should also strengthen students' understanding of regulations and broaden their awareness of global developments, helping them develop competencies aligned with internationally recognized standards.
The emphasis on practical learning reflects the need to prepare students not only to understand academic concepts but also to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
Modernized textbooks and teaching materials are expected to play an important role in supporting these objectives.
Teachers Urged to Strengthen Digital, AI and Language Skills
Teacher development is another major priority in the Prime Minister's education reform agenda.
Hun Manet called for regular training to help teachers keep pace with rapidly changing social, technological and global trends.
Priority training areas include:
Foreign languages: Improving teachers' ability to support language learning and international communication.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Strengthening digital teaching capabilities and technology integration.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Building awareness and knowledge of emerging technologies.
Digital literacy: Developing the ability to use digital tools effectively.
Research skills: Strengthening information analysis, investigation and evidence-based learning.
The focus on AI and digital literacy reflects the growing importance of technology in education and the future workplace.
Teachers will need relevant knowledge and practical skills to help students navigate technological changes and develop competencies for an increasingly digital economy.
Preschool and Primary Education to Receive Targeted Reforms
Hun Manet also highlighted the importance of age-appropriate teaching approaches, particularly during children's early years of education.
Preschool: Play-Based Learning
For preschool children, he stressed the importance of play-based learning.
This approach places emphasis on learning through activities, exploration and interaction, supporting children's early development and preparation for formal education.
Primary Schools: Reading and Mathematics
At the primary level, the Prime Minister called for greater emphasis on two assessment approaches:
Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA): Focuses on evaluating children's early reading abilities.
Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA): Focuses on assessing foundational mathematics skills.
He also called for stronger support for students experiencing academic difficulties through the Personalized Teaching to Overcome Marginalization (PTOM) programme.
The programme targets learning gaps among primary school students, with the aim of helping children who are falling behind receive more focused educational support.
Secondary Schools to Strengthen STEM Education
For secondary education, Hun Manet urged the Ministry of Education to promote more innovative teaching approaches and strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
STEM subjects are increasingly important for developing technical knowledge, scientific understanding and problem-solving abilities.
Strengthening these areas could help students prepare for further education and future employment opportunities in technology, engineering, manufacturing, research and other technical fields.
The call for stronger STEM education also complements the broader emphasis on ICT, AI and practical learning throughout the education system.
Government Urged to Expand School Facilities and Reduce Dropout Rates
Improving education quality must go alongside expanding access to schools, according to the Prime Minister.
Hun Manet urged the Ministry of Education to reduce student dropout rates and ensure that more children can continue their studies through secondary education.
This will require expanding educational infrastructure, particularly in areas where facilities remain limited.
The priorities include:
Additional classrooms to accommodate students.
More school libraries to support reading and independent learning.
Better-equipped laboratories for science and practical education.
Improved access to educational facilities in underserved communities.
The expansion of school infrastructure is particularly important for supporting practical learning and STEM education, which require suitable teaching spaces and equipment.
Understanding Cambodia's Education System
Cambodia's formal education structure consists of 12 years of schooling, divided into primary and secondary education.
| Education level | Grades | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Primary education | Grade 1–6 | 6 years |
| Secondary education | Grade 7–12 | 6 years |
Students who complete Grade 12 must sit for the national high school examination, commonly known as the Baccalaureate Exam.
The examination offers two academic tracks:
Science.
Social science.
The education structure provides the foundation for the proposed improvements in curriculum, teaching quality, assessment and access to secondary education.
Angkor Times Analysis: Education Reform Is Central to Cambodia's Future Workforce
Hun Manet's education priorities highlight the connection between classroom learning, workforce development and Cambodia's long-term economic competitiveness.
As businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies, automation and AI-enabled processes, the demand for workers with strong analytical, technical and communication skills is expected to remain an important consideration for employers.
First, curriculum modernization must translate into practical competencies. Updating textbooks is an important step, but students also need opportunities to apply scientific concepts, solve problems, conduct research and develop independent thinking.
Second, teacher training will determine the quality of implementation. Introducing AI, ICT and digital literacy into education requires teachers who understand these technologies and can use them effectively in the classroom. Regular professional development and access to appropriate teaching resources will be important.
Third, foundational learning must not be overlooked. The emphasis on EGRA, EGMA and PTOM is significant because reading and mathematics form the basis for more advanced learning. Students who do not develop these skills early may face difficulties throughout their education.
Fourth, STEM education needs supporting infrastructure. Laboratories, equipment, qualified teachers and practical learning opportunities will be necessary to turn STEM priorities into meaningful educational outcomes.
Finally, reducing dropout rates is essential for developing a broader skilled workforce. Expanding access to secondary education can help more Cambodian students complete their schooling and pursue vocational training, higher education or employment.
For Cambodia, the long-term success of these priorities will depend on implementation, including teacher development, curriculum delivery, school infrastructure investment and measurable improvements in student learning outcomes.
The Prime Minister's announcement establishes the direction of reform, while detailed implementation targets, budgets and timelines for the individual measures were not specified in the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Cambodia's new academic year begin?
The 2026–2027 academic year began on November 1, 2026.
2. What education reforms has Hun Manet called for?
He called for modernized textbooks, stronger teacher training, innovative teaching methods, improved foundational learning, stronger STEM education and expanded access to schools.
3. Which digital skills should teachers develop?
Priority areas include ICT, artificial intelligence, digital literacy, foreign languages and research skills.
4. What are EGRA and EGMA?
EGRA stands for Early Grade Reading Assessment, while EGMA stands for Early Grade Mathematics Assessment. Both focus on evaluating foundational learning among primary school students.
5. What is the PTOM programme?
Personalized Teaching to Overcome Marginalization (PTOM) is a programme intended to provide targeted support to primary school students who experience academic difficulties and learning gaps.
6. Why is STEM education receiving greater attention?
STEM education develops knowledge and competencies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, supporting students' preparation for technical careers and further education.
7. How many years does Cambodia's formal school system cover?
Cambodia's school system consists of six years of primary education, from Grade 1 to Grade 6, followed by six years of secondary education, from Grade 7 to Grade 12.
8. What examination do Cambodian students take after Grade 12?
Students take the national high school examination, commonly known as the Baccalaureate Exam, which offers science and social science tracks.
9. What infrastructure improvements has Hun Manet called for?
He urged the expansion of classrooms, libraries and laboratories, particularly in areas where educational facilities remain limited.