Cambodia Investment Review
Twelve Cambodian students will pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom during the 2026–2027 academic year, focusing on fields including financial technology, cybersecurity, public health and environmental policy.
The British Embassy in Phnom Penh hosted a pre-departure reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence on September 4 to recognise nine recipients of the UK government’s Chevening Scholarships and three recipients of the ASEAN-UK Women in STEM Scholarships.
More than 60 guests attended the event, including representatives from Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, scholarship sponsors, Chevening alumni and the families of the departing scholars.
Scholars Target Skills Linked to Cambodia’s Development
The 12 scholars will enrol in one-year master’s programmes at universities across the UK.
Their areas of study include public health, education, cybersecurity, user experience design, global social development, entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainability, environmental policy, media and communication for development, and financial technology.
The range of programmes reflects growing demand in Cambodia for specialised skills that can support digital transformation, sustainable development, financial-sector innovation and improvements in public services.
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to candidates considered to have strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential. The programme is funded by the UK government and allows recipients to study postgraduate courses at British universities.
The ASEAN-UK Women in STEM Scholarships, meanwhile, are designed to increase opportunities for women from Southeast Asia to undertake postgraduate study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ambassador Highlights Chevening Community
British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams said the reception carried personal significance as it was the final Chevening farewell he would host during his posting.
“Although this is a happy evening for our new Chevening scholars, I am a little bit sad because this is the last Chevening farewell I will host as British Ambassador to Cambodia,” Williams said.
He recalled that a Chevening farewell was the first event he and his wife hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence after arriving in Cambodia four years ago.
Williams said Chevening scholars and alumni had since become an important part of their lives, with the couple meeting members of the community in both Cambodia and the UK and attending the weddings of some former scholars.
“We will truly miss the Cambodian Chevening community,” he said.
Building Cambodia’s International Talent Network
The scholarships provide Cambodian professionals with access to postgraduate education and international networks in the UK before they return to apply their knowledge in Cambodia.
The latest cohort is expected to strengthen Cambodia’s talent base across several sectors that are increasingly important to the country’s competitiveness, including technology, finance, education, health and environmental management.
The scholars will begin their respective programmes during the 2026–2027 academic year.
