(Phnom Penh): 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 (Jul. 15) in Phnom Penh, for the implementation of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) titled "Improving Quality of Life of Female Students at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Battambang Branch."
The MoU was signed by 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 embassy officials.
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 project aims to create a safe, comfortable and conducive living environment that will enable students to pursue higher education more effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung highlighted the deep and enduring civilizational ties between India and Cambodia, rooted in centuries of spiritual and cultural exchanges, particularly through the shared heritage of Buddhism.
He noted that India remains committed to supporting institutions that preserve these shared values while equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of their communities.
The project builds upon India's longstanding partnership with Buddhist universities in Cambodia.
Through previous Quick Impact Projects, India has supported the establishment of Information Technology Centres at 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 educational opportunities, strengthening institutional capacity and empowering Cambodian youth.
Cambodia remains a valued partner under India’s Act East Policy and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.
India implements 10 Quick Impact Projects annually in Cambodia across priority sectors including education, health, women’s empowerment, sanitation, agriculture, and climate resilience.
To date, 73 QIPs have been approved, with 55 successfully completed and 18 currently under implementation, all aligned with priorities identified by the Royal Government of Cambodia.
These new initiatives underscore the strong and growing development partnership between India and Cambodia, focused on grassroots impact, human development, and sustainable livelihoods.
=FRESH NEWS
