Phnom Penh: On 15 July 2026, the Embassy of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia and Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Battambang Branch, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to implement a Quick Impact Project (QIP) aimed at improving the quality of life of female students through enhanced accommodation and educational facilities.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, and Venerable Vy Sovechea, President of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Battambang Branch, in the presence of university representatives and officials from the Embassy of India.
The Quick Impact Project will provide essential furniture and computer facilities for the university’s newly constructed women’s dormitory, benefiting approximately 140 female students, many of whom come from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative seeks to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive living environment that enables young women to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung underscored the deep and enduring friendship between India and Cambodia, rooted in centuries of cultural and spiritual exchanges, particularly through their shared Buddhist heritage.
“The close ties between India and Cambodia are built on a common civilisational heritage. India remains committed to supporting educational institutions that preserve these shared values while empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of their communities,” the ambassador said.
The project builds upon India’s longstanding partnership with Buddhist universities across Cambodia. Through previous Quick Impact Projects, India has supported the establishment of information technology centres at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Battambang Branch; Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in Phnom Penh and its Battambang Branch; Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University; and Samdech Preah Mahasangharajah Bour Kry University.
These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of India and Cambodia to expanding access to quality education, strengthening institutional capacity, and empowering the next generation of Cambodian leaders. Cambodia continues to be a valued partner under India’s Act East Policy and the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation framework. India implements 10 quick-impact projects annually across Cambodia in priority sectors, including education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, sanitation, agriculture, and climate resilience.
To date, 73 quick impact projects have been approved in Cambodia, with 55 projects successfully completed and 18 currently under implementation. All projects are developed in close coordination with the Royal Government of Cambodia and are designed to deliver tangible benefits at the community level.
The newly signed project further demonstrates the growing development partnership between India and Cambodia, highlighting both countries’ shared commitment to promoting inclusive education, empowering women, and fostering sustainable development through practical, community-focused initiatives.
Photo by: Supplied
