Morning Session: 08:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Cambodia time)
1. “Searching for Missing Relatives at the Former Khmer Rouge’s Security Center S-21” by Solinda Kan
Abstract: During the Khmer Rouge administration (1975-1979), many Cambodian families were separated due to forced evacuations, disappearances, arrests, and executions. After the regime ended in 1979, people began searching for their missing relatives, a process that has continued since the 1980s until today. This study examines the experiences of individuals whose family members were arrested, detained, and most likely killed at the Khmer Rouge’s Security Center S-21, which is currently recognized as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Through in-depth interviews with ten families, the study brings together key dimensions surrounding their search process, which include emotional depression, socio-political contexts, and religious beliefs. These dimensions are crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, informing support services, and ultimately contributing to the broader discussion of memory, healing, and reconciliation in post-conflict settings.
Bio: Solinda Kan is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in History at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, where she is deepening her expertise in historical research and analysis. As an archive staff member at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (TSGM), she plays a vital role in assisting individuals who are searching for relatives and other critical historical information related to the Khmer Rouge period.
2. “The List of Detainees at the Khmer Rouge’s S-21 Security Center in the Context of Memory and Historical Documentation” by Sotheany Hin
Abstract: This research paper is to explore the numbering of detainees at the S-21 Security Center, now known as the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (TSGM), which has become a crucial issue in characterizing the crimes committed under the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. The lists have been reworked multiple times, with some documents being unorganized and difficult to understand. It critically analyses the different methods and documents used in identifying and analyzing existing lists and interviews to uncover underlying narratives and insights related to the historical events in the S-21 records. The findings illuminate the practical complexity of documenting Khmer Rouge archival materials and historical construction efforts, which involve post-Khmer Rouge collective memory as the ongoing effort of remembrance and missing relatives’ families, and historical documentation with their accessibility research for the young generation.
Bio: Sotheany Hin is an archives staff member of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which encouraged her to study for an MA. In 2025, she will apply for a Master of Art in the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
3. “Unveiling the Origins and Significance of Theravada Buddhist Monasteries in Middle Period Cambodia: Insights from Folktales” by Tara Pith
Abstract: The Middle period (14th–18th centuries) of Cambodia is notably characterized by the adaptation of Theravada Buddhism by the royal court and its subsequent expansion to other layers of society. Archaeological evidence, epigraphs, manuscripts, and literary texts imbued with Buddhist themes such as the Jatakas are essential sources for understanding Buddhism during that time. However, these sources offer a somewhat fragmented view, particularly regarding how the Khmers selected locations for monastery construction and the broader purposes behind those constructions. Other potential sources, especially folktales that recount stories about the construction and purposes of numerous monasteries across the country, have been largely overlooked in the scholarship of Khmer religions during the Middle period. This study focuses on the folktale corpus in the collection of Khmer folktales at the Buddhist Institute, compiled and published between the 1950s and 1970s. These folktales contain essential knowledge related to collective values, norms, local spirits, months, rituals, and Buddhist practices. The findings of this study contribute to enriching the scholarship of post-Angkor Buddhist temple constructions, building upon existing archaeological and historical understanding.
Bio: Tara Pith is a recent graduate student with a double degree in Archaeology from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and in Foreign and Regional Languages, Literatures, and Civilizations of Southeast Asia and Pacific – Khmer, with a focus on History/Archaeology, Anthropology, and Linguistics from the Manusastra Project, Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO).
4. “Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity in Pepper Cultivation: A Case Study from Memot District, Tbong Khmum Province, Cambodia” by Somica Meas
Abstract: Despite its importance, pepper cultivation faces substantial challenges in the context of climate change. This study investigates the impacts of climate change on pepper farming, with a specific focus on Memot District, Tbong Khmum Province. The methodology integrates qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques to provide comprehensive insights into the research questions. The interview is done with 7 pepper farmer households and 1 group discussion with a committee member of the pepper agriculture cooperative. The research identifies the effects of changing climatic conditions including shifts in temperature, altered rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on pepper production and farmers’ livelihoods.
Furthermore, the study evaluates the adaptive strategies employed by farmers to address these challenges, highlighting community-based initiatives, sustainable resource management practices, and the critical role of indigenous knowledge. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between climate change and agricultural practices in Cambodia, offering evidence-based recommendations to agricultural stakeholders and development practitioners. These recommendations aim to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of pepper farming communities, ensuring the sustainability of this essential sector amidst ongoing environmental and climatic uncertainties.
Bio: Somica Meas is an experienced agriculture professional with over a decade of expertise in the sector. Recognizing climate change as a significant challenge to agriculture, he developed a strong interest in addressing this issue through research and education. He is currently advancing his knowledge by pursuing a Master’s degree in Climate Change Science.
5. “Enhancing Farmers’ Livelihoods: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in the Agricultural Value Chain in S’ang District, Kandal Province” by Koemseang Borey
Abstract: Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia, boasts significant potential in agricultural production. This study explores the agricultural value chain, encompassing the processes of producing, processing, and distributing agricultural products from farm to consumer. Its primary purpose is to analyze the opportunities and challenges within Cambodia’s agricultural sector. By conducting semi-structured interviews with ten households in S’ang district, Kandal province, the study reveals that farmers encounter various challenges in their value chain, notably the need for technical support and government policies conducive to their needs. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing grassroots challenges to enhance the agricultural value chain and foster sustainable development in the sector.
Bio: Koemseang Borey is a fellow at Ponlok Chomnes Research Fellowship Program 2024, Center for Khmer Studies. He is also pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Science at Chiang Mai University. In 2022, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Vietnam National University of Agriculture with a journal publication on “Consumer’s Perception and Behavior Towards Fast Foods: A Case Study in Gia Lam District, Hanoi City.”
6. “Factors Influencing Coffee Consumption Decisions Among Young Adults in Phnom Penh” by Mit Mom
Abstract: Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world, and coffee culture in Cambodia is gaining popularity among young adults in Phnom Penh. Many drink coffee to reduce stress or refresh their minds, while others consume it to generate energy for their entire workday. This study investigates the factors influencing coffee consumption among young adults in the capital city of Cambodia. It aims to fill a gap in the existing knowledge, as research in this area has been limited. Additionally, the study seeks to create competitive advantages in the coffee beverage industry, particularly for small business enterprises. Quantitative methods were used to address a larger population and gather quantifiable data, producing more reliable results than qualitative methods. The findings showed that brand image, price, taste, and atmosphere influenced coffee buying intention. Among these, taste was the biggest factor. The intention to buy coffee then strongly influenced the actual purchase decision.
Bio: Mom Mit recently graduated with a master’s degree from the Department of Strategic and Innovative Development at the Financial University, Moscow. His op-ed was originally published by East Asia Forum and has been featured in several other media outlets, including The Cambodian Daily, Fresh News Asia, and The News Lens. He is interested in business-economic relations.
Afternoon Session: 01:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Cambodia time)
7. “A Study on Farmers’ Experiences with Various Public Health Insurance Options in Cambodia” by Monyvann Nhean
Abstract: This study focuses on farmers’ experiences with various health insurance options and investigates the barriers to enrolling in public health insurance and accessing healthcare services. By employing the ‘Leave No One Behind’ approach, the research aims to uncover patterns of exclusion, structural constraints, and unequal power dynamics in laws, policies, and practices. Through interviews with eight cooperative farmers, farmer associations, and community leaders, as well as four focus group discussions with farmers who have used public health insurance and those yet to register, the study sheds light on factors influencing farmers’ decisions. The research reveals that farmers of diverse ages, ethnicities, genders, and geographical locations with varying educational backgrounds have different public health insurance choices. However, some farmers lack access to public health insurance options, such as the self-employed scheme, due to factors like distance, limited information sources, and family economic circumstances.
Bio: Monyvann Nhean has recently been working for more inclusive and transformative policies to expand the rural population in Cambodia’s public health insurance. The work involves addressing operational concerns in public health insurance inclusion, monitoring project progress, engaging stakeholders in policy dialogues, and coordinating with relevant partners and counterparts. She has over ten years of experience in social, gender, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian development, event and campaign management, and child protection. She graduated with a dual master’s in Art of Gender and Peacebuilding from the University for Peace in Costa Rica and Transdisciplinary Social Development from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the Royal University of Phnom Penh.
8. “Multicultural Workplaces: How Cambodians Communicate at Work” by Sokunthea Hang
Abstract: Cambodian culture, deeply rooted in Buddhist values and community-oriented traditions, emphasizes harmony, respect, and indirect communication. These cultural norms often contrast with the direct communication style prevalent in English-speaking professional environments, particularly when working with Western counterparts. This study explores how Cambodian cultural values influence emotional communication in English-speaking workplaces, focusing on the challenges Cambodians face when navigating these differences.
Through interviews with native Khmer speakers working in diverse sectors, including education, development agencies, and business, this research examines how they manage emotional expression and communication in their daily work. The study aims to provide real-life insights into these challenges, offering practical recommendations to enhance workplace interactions and foster better international cooperation. By highlighting the interplay between Cambodian values of emotional restraint and the directness of Western-style communication, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication dynamics in professional settings.
Bio: Sokunthea Hang is a seasoned marketing communication specialist, consultant, and trainer with over a decade of experience in higher education, media, and communications. She has worked across diverse sectors, including education, development, investment, and media. In 2016, she earned a joint Master’s Degree in Journalism, Media, and Globalization from Aarhus University (Denmark) and City, University of London (England). Her research interests focus on media and communication, cross-cultural studies, and education.
9. “Examining the Relationship between Classroom Climate, Academic Motivation, and Academic Self-efficacy” by Sophana Tith
Abstract: A classroom climate providing autonomy support, structure, and involvement to meet students’ needs significantly affects students’ learning outcomes at all levels of education. While many studies focus on examining the relationship between classroom climate, academic motivation, and academic self-efficacy among college students, few studies focus on the context of high school students. Also, little is known about academic motivation’s influence on academic self-efficacy. This study examines the relationship between the classroom climate (i.e. teacher autonomy support, teacher feedback, and peer support) and high school students’ academic motivation and their academic self-efficacy. Data was collected from grade 10 students in Phnom Penh using a convenient sampling method, with adapted scales to measure classroom climate, academic motivation, and academic self-efficacy. This study aims to explore the relationship between self- determination theory and self-efficacy theory by examining how a classroom climate, including factors like autonomy support, structure, and involvement, impacts the academic self-efficacy of upper secondary students. By adding to the existing literature and considering recent scientific evidence, we can gain a better understanding of academic self-efficacy among upper-secondary students.
Bio: Sophana Tith holds a B.Ed. in English from IFL, Royal University of Phnom Penh and a BBA from Royal University of Law and Economics. He has been working as the academic coordinator at Western University and has been an English lecturer. Since he started to recognize the importance of research studies in the last few years, he prefers to spend much of his available time just focusing on reading research papers and taking research courses to learn more with the experts. He hopes he can write and publish his research papers in the best journal publishers, and he wishes he would become an expert or an instructor to educate and prepare the young generation to become committed and critical researchers.
10. “Cambodian Women in PhD Programs: Motivation, Challenges, and Learning Strategies” by Chandara Hong
Abstract: Despite national policies and the government’s efforts to address gender disparities and provide greater opportunities for Cambodian women in higher education (Maxwell et al., 2015; Tuy, 2019; Neak, 2020), significant gaps remain, particularly for women pursuing PhD degrees. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore women’s experiences in PhD, focusing on their motivation, challenges, and learning strategies. The study sought to understand the factors motivating such few women to pursue a doctoral degree, their unique challenges during their doctoral studies, and their effective learning strategies to achieve academic success. Data were collected from four participants using in-depth semi-structured interviews and were analyzed following thematic procedures. Participants were selected from various institutions and diverse disciplines. The findings of this research contribute to the limited body of research on Cambodian women in PhD journey, provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and institutions to support women’s academic pursuits, and promote gender equality in higher education.
Bio: Chandara Hong is an MEd Student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from the University of South-East Asia (USEA) in 2017 and began his career as a Teacher of English at IDP Education – ACE Siem Reap Campus in 2020. Currently, he works as an English teacher at PSE, Phnom Penh. His research interests focus on English Language Teaching (ELT), educational technology, higher education, and research engagement.
11. “Exploring Digital Technology Utilization in History Teaching at Cambodia’s New Generation Schools” by Vuthy Khorn
Abstract: Digital technology continues to progress and find applications across various sectors, including the field of education. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport of Cambodia has integrated digital technology into school curricula, particularly through initiatives like the New Generation Schools (NGS) aimed at modernizing general education practices. While existing research has predominantly examined the implementation of digital technology in STEM education, there remains a gap in addressing its utilization in social sciences and humanities subjects such as history. This study aims to explore how digital technology is incorporated into history lessons. It critically discusses current issues and best practices from history teachers, who have been utilizing digital technology assisted-tools exclusively for their teaching. The study employed a qualitative research approach involving in-depth interviews with high school history teachers at Preah Sisowath and Prek Leap. The findings demonstrate that, despite encountering obstacles such as financial constraints, personal resistance, difficulty adapting to new digital applications, and inadequate technological resources, these teachers exhibit a strong motivation to employ digital technology applications for student engagement and creative history education. This highlights the teachers’ resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing student learning experiences through innovative use of digital tools in history education.
Bio: Vuthy Khorn is a History teacher trainee at the National Institute of Education. He graduated from the History Department at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2022.
12. “Tracing the Evolution of Gender Equality in Cambodia during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum Era, 1954–1970” by Borei Heang
Abstract: This study investigates the progression of gender equality in Cambodia during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum, also known as the Sihanouk period, spanning from 1954 to 1970. The primary objective is to enrich the historical narrative concerning the evolution and establishment of gender equality in the country. By addressing the lack of comprehensive historical records and discussions on gender within Cambodia’s post-colonial and Cold War contexts, this research aims to provide fresh perspectives. An array of archival sources including newspaper articles, magazines, bulletins, reports, literature, films, and songs from the 1950s and 1960s are meticulously examined to uncover how Cambodian society embraced and implemented gender equality during the Sihanouk era. The study employs four key lenses to assess this adaptation: women’s involvement in the educational sector and workforce, their participation in politics, their portrayal in print media, and their representation in literature, songs, and film. By analyzing these distinct perspectives, a more nuanced understanding of the state of gender equality in Cambodia emerges, shedding light on the obstacles faced by women as well as the progress made in various aspects of society.
Bio: Borei Heang is currently working as a teacher in the World Language and Culture Program at CIA First International High School and as a GEP teacher at Cam Asean Foreign Language School. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has a strong passion for education and remains committed to advancing her expertise through in-depth research. She is pursuing an MA in TESOL at Western University, is in the process of defending her MA History thesis, and is actively practicing research article writing to support her ongoing academic journey.
13. “Application of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) in Cambodian Context: A Case of the NVC-Trained Participants from BEST Network in Battambang Province” by Rattanak Ly
Abstract: Communication is an important part of our everyday life and relationships. Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is an established communication measure to help practitioners experience healthier communication and relationships. However, its application might vary in different contexts, especially Cambodian cultural context. This study explores the experiences of applying NVC in daily life among the members of the Battambang Educators Support Team (BEST), in Battambang province, who received a Training of Trainer two-day training on NVC in February 2024. Semi-structured questionnaires are used to do seven in-depth interviews throughout the data collection process. Through the exploration of the application of NVC among these BEST network members, the study expects to disclose the practices and consequences, challenges, and adaptation of NVC application, manifesting a small portion of how NVC is applicable in the Cambodian context. The study finds that while hierarchical culture and verbally reframing negative messages are two main common challenges in practicing NVC, high levels of satisfaction with the consequences resulting from NVC application at the workplace and in the family have been experienced amongst all the respondents.
Bio: Rattanak Ly is currently a Peace Practitioner with over a decade of experience working in the field of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Rattanak holds two Master’s degrees: one in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies from Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, focusing on the practices of peacebuilding and conflict transformation, and the other in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia, concentrating on peace and conflict theories.
