Insights Ideas Innovations
EPIC
Enhancing Pedagogy In Cambodia
A Summit for national and international education sector professionals.
Siem Reap, Cambodia, 14-16 July 2025
EPIC Summit is accepting proposal from scholars, teachers, educators in a range of format from Cambodia and internationally. For further information, click here.
Dateline of submission: 17th of March
About EPIC
The new EPIC (Enhancing Pedagogy in Cambodia) Alliance has evolved out of a recognition among Cambodian and international education and development professionals of the unique circumstances of the Cambodian education sector and the need and opportunity for relevant, evidence-based research to guide policy-makers and practitioners. This has found particular resonance in Ireland where there is now extensive long-term engagement.
Why the EPIC Alliance?
Building on the success of the recent Professional Identity for Khmer Teachers (PIKT) research project, this Alliance will seek inspiration from the learnings at the upcoming EPIC Summit to:
- Build bridges between cultures, highlight impactful practices, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of educators worldwide.
- Expand collaborations led by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) beyond the topic of teacher identity to include other facets of teacher and pedagogical development.
- Broaden and deepen the extent of the network partnerships across Cambodia and the island of Ireland, and include international participation from HEIs in both the global north and south.
- Expand the platform for research, innovation and practice improvement, increasing international collaboration and support for improved educational outcomes in Cambodia and elsewhere.
- Increase awareness in the global north concerning Cambodian education challenges and opportunities, disseminating evidence and practice on what works to improve educational outcomes for Cambodian Children.
- Advocate for evidence-based investment in Cambodian education to drive improvement of teaching and learning.
Why Cambodia?
Cambodian education today presents a ‘perfect storm’ of challenges. Exacerbating the privations of its under-developed, largely agrarian economy is Cambodia’s unique and terrible history of brutal oppression that specifically targeted educators and intellectuals.
In recent years the country has made significant progress in developing public education; however, it has come from a very low starting point and the legacy of poor school attainment, inadequate resources, and constrained teacher professional development, remains.
However, with the benefit of well-designed workshops and ongoing support, such as demonstrated by the PIKT Project, Cambodian teachers can redefine their professional status and become agents of positive change in their classrooms and communities.
This Summit will amplify these efforts via a platform for global dialogue in the culturally rich city of Siem Reap.
Why Siem Reap?
Siem Reap, with its rich cultural and historical significance, embodies the transformative spirit of education and is a symbol of resilience and renewal.
As the home of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest temple complex, it serves as a reminder of what humanity can achieve when creativity, skill and resilience come together collaboratively.
Siem Reap, in northwest Cambodia, is also central to the success of the recent PIKT Project, making it the ideal location to share lessons learned and chart new paths forward.
Our Keynote Speaker
Her Excellency Dr Chankoulika Bo | Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
Her Excellency Dr Koulika is the Director of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Policy. She is the Co-Principal Investigator for the PIKT Research Project and visited Ireland in 2020. Dr Koulika lives in Phnom Penh and leads a team of dedicated researchers and policy makers.
“’I have spent my life doing what I believe that can bring the meaningful impact on the life of all children in Cambodia.“
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Our Programme Committee Members
Linda Seang, Research and Policy Analysis Office, Department of Policy, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS)
Linda holds a Master Degree of Education from Hiroshima University, Japan. She conducts research in gender and STEM in general education, and is involved in other research projects related to teaching and learning. Linda is also an associate editor of the journal Cambodia Education Review (CER) published by MoEYS, and facilitates peer review and editing of research manuscripts submitted for publication. She believes that education is the key to development and is passionately committed to lifelong learning.
Pov Pheung | Managing Director of SBBC
Pov is the Managing Director of SBBC, a local NGO in Cambodia. He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector ranging from being a teacher, District Office of Education Officer, and in multiple educational NGOs. Pov completed his Master of Education at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.
“’Educational partnerships have the power to uplift our organisation and uplift Cambodia’s education system. Of that I am certain.’“
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Dr Seng Set | Director Phnom Penh Teacher Education College
Since 2008 Dr Seng Set has been the Director of Phnom Penh Teacher Education College. Having always been involved in Teacher Education with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport he is particularly interested in the area of teaching and learning for quality classroom enhancement. He visited Ireland in December 2024.
“Our mission is to be the leading education institution in Cambodia and produce the highest qualified teachers for our nation“
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Professor Leo Casey | Director of the Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) at National College of Ireland
CELL offers degree, postgraduate and professional development courses for teachers and professional educators as well as engaging in education research and education innovation projects. Leo is the Principal Investigator for the PIKT Research Project and has spent considerable time in-country in Cambodia.
“Once basic and home needs are satisfied, access to a fully trained, well-resourced teacher is the single most important ingredient for childhood flourishing.“
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