If Cambodia is to achieve the lofty goals quoted in the statements above, it is imperative that the country establishes a high-quality and sustainable education system with equal access to learning for all citizens. Choosing and implementing the proper strategy of the developmental path to produce graduates1 with the virtue, knowledge, skills and qualifications needed in today's market and technology-driven environment will be the key to this noble endeavour.

INTRODUCTION

The e ducation sector in Cambodia has come a long way and achieved a number of impressive accomplishments, following years of civil conflicts, internal strife, political instability and backwardness. It is noteworthy that the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) together with international partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has done a remarkable job in rehabilitating a dysfunctional education system and rebuilding a shattered economy. The transformation of the basic education system, which includes solid growth in the number of schools and universities, and great strides towards universal primary education and gender parity, should be commended. The need to develop human capital has been crucial to the Royal Government's strategy to promote new and sustainable sources of economic growth as well as improved living standards.

Still, more fundamental challenges remain. These include ensuring equitable access to education, and improving the quality of education and efficiency at all levels. Moreover, the recent global economic slowdown since 2008 has prevented many disadvantaged children from starting school and more to drop out of the system before completing primary education. Failure to reach the marginalized has denied many people, especially in the rural and remote areas, their right to education. There is an immediate need to better educate more people in order to promote more efficient and superior cadres to build up a stronger nation with economic self-sustainability.