Cambodia, France Partner on Humanities Research and Training Under Manusastra Project

Phnom Penh, November 11, 2026: Five higher education and research institutions have signed an international framework agreement to strengthen humanities research, training and capacity building in Cambodia under the "Manusastra" project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron witnessed the signing, which brought together the Royal University of Phnom Penh, the National Institute of Education, the Royal University of Fine Arts, France's INALCO and the SeDyL research centre.

The agreement covers three priorities: upgrading teacher qualifications and research methods training at bachelor's level; supporting higher diploma programmes in foreign and regional languages, literatures and civilisations; and building young international multidisciplinary research teams.

Photo; MoEYS Cambodia
Work will focus on linguistics, literature, epigraphy and palm-leaf manuscripts to preserve language and literary heritage; history, archaeology and art history to strengthen research on civilisation and cultural heritage; and anthropology to study society, culture and social change.

The partnership also aims to deepen links between universities and research centres through joint projects, researcher exchanges, student training and postgraduate support, and to consolidate humanities research networks.

Additional partners include the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, the French School of the Far East (EFEO) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD).

Source: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport


Reported by The Khmer Daily Network