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EPIC
Enhancing Pedagogy In Cambodia
A Summit for national and international education sector professionals.
Siem Reap, Cambodia, 22-24 July 2026
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
Cambodia - Kingdom of Wonder:
Cambodia’s history includes periods of great prosperity and cultural achievement, especially during the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries). Centered at Angkor, it became one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced civilizations, known for its engineering, architecture, and spiritual art. The legacy of Angkor—seen in monuments like Angkor Wat—still shapes Cambodia today through national identity, cultural pride, tourism, and education. Its past continues to influence modern cultural life and development, showing how history remains a living force in society.
Cambodia’s education faces a “perfect storm” of challenges, shaped by a history that targeted educators and a largely agrarian economy. Despite expanding access and rebuilding school infrastructure since the early 2000s, learning outcomes remain low: the country ranked last of 81 in the 2022 PISA assessment, only 17% of 15-year-olds are in Grade 10, and northern provinces lag with 3.7 years of schooling in Siem Reap and 6.1 in Battambang, versus 8.7 in Phnom Penh. These outcomes reflect systemic issues—limited teacher preparation, low in-service support, and weak alignment between policy and classroom realities—while recent reforms, including a four-year B.Ed program for primary teachers, will take time to show impact.
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.
EPIC Summit 2026 is 22-24 July in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You don’t want to miss it!
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 | Principal Investigator in the Professional Identity of Khmer Teachers Research Project
Leo recently retired from his role as CELL Director, he is vastly experienced in the world of teacher and professional education. 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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