By:
• Sopheak Keo

• November 7, 2024 , 9:50 AM

As Cambodia prepares to graduate from least developed country status in 2029, its relationship with China is shaping its future in many ways, including in education. 

China has become the top destination for Cambodian students studying abroad, offering many scholarships and promising career paths. This trend is not just about school choices; it shows how Cambodia and China are building a closer connection. But what does this mean for Cambodia’s future?

In 2024, China provided 200 full scholarships to Cambodian students. For young Cambodians, studying in China is a chance to gain valuable skills in areas that Cambodia needs, like business, technology, and engineering. 

China has also invested heavily in Cambodia’s economy, which means that many jobs in Cambodia today have ties to China. Studying in China, students feel more prepared to work in these areas back home.

The bond between Cambodia and China, sometimes called the “diamond relationship,” goes beyond economics. Cambodia’s new Prime Minister, Hun Manet, follows in his father’s footsteps by keeping close ties with China. Many analysts believe that this strong relationship influences students’ decisions, as they feel that studying in China could help their future careers, especially in industries that China supports.

While China has become very popular, Cambodian students are also studying in many other countries. Since 1994, more than 1,000 Cambodian students have received scholarships to study in Australia, with more opportunities on the way. 

South Korea and Japan are also popular, with hundreds of Cambodian students receiving scholarships. The US has around 1,060 Cambodian students, mostly studying subjects like science and business. Russia also offers scholarships and has been educating Cambodian students for decades.

These options give students a variety of perspectives and skills, which is important for Cambodia’s development. However, studying in China is especially appealing to Cambodian students because Chinese programs align well with Cambodia’s current needs and job market.

Cambodia’s students studying in China is part of a larger trend. China is using education to build stronger ties with neighboring countries. For Cambodia, this could mean that future leaders and professionals will have a closer understanding of Chinese language, culture and policies. As a result, Cambodia may lean more toward Chinese partnerships in the future, which could shape its development and international relationships.

Some worry that this closeness might make Cambodia less independent in its decisions. Cambodian students studying in China may see Chinese policies and ideas as favorable, which could influence how they lead Cambodia in the future. 

If this trend continues, Cambodia could become more supportive of projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect countries through infrastructure and trade.

For young Cambodians, China offers a valuable education at an affordable cost, especially with scholarships. Many are excited to study in fields that will help them secure jobs and contribute to Cambodia’s growth. 

But this trend may create challenges. Students studying in China may experience a cultural gap when they return home. They could feel distanced from those who studied in other places, and this could lead to a difference in viewpoints among future Cambodian leaders.

Some also worry that as Cambodia aligns more with China, it may lose some of its freedom to make independent choices. If Cambodia’s leaders are too close to Chinese ideas, this could limit Cambodia’s options for partnerships with other countries, potentially impacting its ability to criticise China's activities in the dispute over the South China Sea, as in the 2012 example.

While China’s influence is strong, Cambodia benefits from having multiple international education partners. Scholarships from Australia, South Korea, Japan, the US and Russia give Cambodian students different ways of thinking and problem-solving. 

This diversity is essential for Cambodia to build a skilled and open-minded workforce. A balanced approach to education abroad will help ensure Cambodia remains open to different global ideas and partnerships, keeping its independence strong.

The government of Cambodia and foreign donors ought to keep funding a variety of educational programs for Cambodian students. 

In this manner, Cambodia's future leaders will be prepared to guide the country in a world with competing influences and will be globally connected. With promoting international education, Cambodia may develop a workforce that is knowledgeable and diversified, strengthening its independence and progress.

The increasing number of Cambodian students studying in China is a recent development in the two countries' close ties. China has a lot of work opportunities and scholarships suitable for Cambodia, and many students think studying there will advance their careers. 

However, it is crucial to have a balanced approach if Cambodia is to remain powerful and prosperous. Cambodia can produce a new generation of talented, self-reliant individuals prepared to make decisions that benefit the nation by providing students with opportunities to study abroad.


Sopheak Keo is an AIBO Cambodia alumnus. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University (PSBU), a double degree in psychology from Angkor Khemera University and a Bachelor of Law from PSBU.