UC Conducts Seminar About University Ranking Systems

Reporting by Bandol Lim

In its continuous fight to improve the level of education in Cambodia, The University of Cambodia (UC), in cooperation with Quacquarelli Symond (QS), organized a seminar on “World University Ranking.”  It was the first international seminar on this subject conducted in Cambodia.  

During his opening statement Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC stated, “Ranking is a very important topic for us academics in Cambodia. It’s a new tool we can use to improve Cambodia’s higher education. This seminar is a way to open our eyes to new ways.” The seminar was held on August 15, 2009 in NagaWorld Hotel, Phnom Penh.

Dr. Kevin Downing, City University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Ms. Mandy Mok, Asia Pacific Regional Director of QS shared their knowledge about the current position of Cambodian education compared to that of the rest of the region. Ms. Mok stated, “Compared to the rest of the region, Cambodia’s education system is still in its infancy.” 

Citing Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s welcoming word that “During the Khmer Rouge Era, we Cambodians have lost a lot; knowledge, philosophers, teachers and students among many other valuable things. Because of her past, Cambodia has a lot of baggage, much more than for example a country as Thailand. But this disadvantage should never undermine our confidence or our commitment to excellence.”

On the importance of ranking, Dr. Downingstated,  “Frankly I don’t care about the number that my university takes in on the list of QS. But I do care an enormous amount about the quality of education that my school offers its students. These ranking systems drive universities to make major internal changes.” 

Dr. Downing also talked about the downsides of University Ranking Systems. Because of the methodology of the Ranking Systems, Asian Universities are not favored. They are far less known than, for example, their American or British counterparts, which makes them far less likely to end up high on the list. 

But above all Dr. Downing felt that despite their imperfections, Ranking Systems are a valuable tool in the improvement of education. They not only raise the level of a university but they raise the total academic playing field. “Rankings are not perfect, but they are the best we’ve got. Work with them, not against them, so you’ll improve the standard of your education,” advised Dr. Downing.  

Pak Thavin, General Director of the High Education Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, expressed his gratitude to UC for organizing this groundbreaking academic seminar. “This seminar will be an important platform to exchange views and experiences on rankings, so we can use it in Cambodia for the improvement of our standards.” He continued by saying that this seminar was an excellent opportunity to study in depth the Ranking System, and see if its implementable in third world countries as Cambodia. “I strongly hope we will create new know-how about upholding the quality of high education in Cambodia and the entire region.”

“By taking advantage of new knowledge and of globalization, Cambodia can leap forward,” Dr. Kao stated.  He further stressed the importance of conducting these kinds of seminars and “UC is very happy and proud to be at the forefront of the modernization of education in Cambodia.”