University and graduate issues in Cambodian higher education

Authors

  • Englalin Ek Aii Language Center
  • Sovannara Muth Edniche English School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.01.07

Keywords:

Higher education, skills mismatches, work-life conflict, university and graduate issues, Cambodia

Abstract

The extent to which higher education plays a role in determining students’ professional success remains a largely controversial topic. Despite tremendous efforts from all stakeholders, problems continue to prevail in higher education in many countries, requiring thoughtful and remedial acts so that students can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed for the job market. This article examines some factors posing issues to higher education institutions and graduates in Cambodia. Key issues include limited quality of higher education, skills mismatches leading to work-life conflict at the workplace, the weak relevance of the curriculum, university lecturers’ limited teaching competence and availability for student support, and their limited involvement in research and publication activities. The article concludes with brief suggestions to improve the quality of higher education in Cambodia and ensure that students are ready and competent to enter the workforce that matches their qualifications.

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Author Biographies

Englalin Ek, Aii Language Center

Englalin Ek is currently an ESL Teacher at Aii Language Center. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education in English from the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh. As an educator, she is enthusiastic about immersing herself in professional development by dedicating her time and efforts to writing short articles and conducting research after teaching. Her research interests include adult education, inclusive education, education quality, equity education, modern teaching methodologies, and pedagogy. Her objective statement as an educator is to provide all students with a quality education that will transform their lives for the better and live a life they deserve.

Sovannara Muth , Edniche English School

Sovannara Muth is currently an ESL teacher at Edniche English School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education in English from the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh. He also earned a certificate of Professional Communication from IFL in 2021. His passion is to write short articles to contribute to the higher education literature in the Cambodian context and promote a reading and research culture in the country.

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Published

13-05-2025

How to Cite

Ek, E., & Muth , S. (2025). University and graduate issues in Cambodian higher education. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 122–131. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.01.07