(Phnom Penh): Monash University, one of Australia’s TOP higher education institutions, in collaboration with Expert Education & Visa Services Cambodia, successfully co-organised a dual-event program featuring the Monash Change It Challenge (CIC) competition and the “Accelerate Your Career Potential” information session.
The event was held on Sunday,10 May 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Novotel Phnom Penh BKK1 Hotel.
The Monash Change It Challenge (CIC) is an innovative platform designed for Grade 10 and Grade 11 students to engage in research and develop creative, solution-oriented approaches to real-world social challenges. The initiative reflects Monash University’s commitment to developing future leaders equipped with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
In its first year of implementation in Cambodia, the competition received an outstanding response. This strong engagement highlights the creativity, potential, and social awareness of Cambodian youth in addressing both local and global challenges.
The winning team, The Vigilant 3 from Paññāsāstra International School-First, impressed the judges with their presentation on the Solar-Ferrate VI Reactor - a low-cost water treatment technology that uses solar energy and recycled scrap metal as fuel to disinfect water, remove micropollutants, and eliminate arsenic contamination.
"At Monash Change It Challenge, there is no loss – only growth. We believe that bringing your ideas to the table is a victory in itself. By sharing your vision, you’ve already hit the mark and proven yourself a winner," they said.
Out of ten finalist teams, only the first-place national level winning team will be awarded a trip to Australia, where they will represent Cambodia on the international stage alongside students from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and China.
The competition was evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, Monash University, Alumni and Expert Education & Visa Services Cambodia, highlighting the initiative’s credibility and its role in strengthening educational collaboration between Cambodia and Australia.
With her deep expertise in student recruitment as a Senior Regional Manager with Monash University, Hoa Levitas tied the vision and leadership displayed by the participants to the qualities universities look for when recruiting students who will be tomorrow’s leaders.
“One of Monash University’s goals is to inspire the next generation by helping students understand their role in a rapidly changing world and encouraging them to work together to create a better future for the community,” she said. “The Monash University Change It Challenge, which is being held in Cambodia for the first time this year, is a great example of how the university supports young people in becoming future global leaders.
To all participants and prospective students considering the Monash experience, I encourage you to embrace opportunities for real-world industry learning.”
Alongside the competition, the event also featured the “Accelerate Your Career Potential” session, which aimed to provide students and parents with valuable guidance on selecting academic pathways aligned with future career opportunities.
Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from Monash University to learn about study programs for 2026 and 2027, as well as explore available scholarship opportunities for higher education in Australia.
The event's success reflected a shared belief in the talent of Cambodia’s youth. Beyond the prizes and scholarships, the initiative provided a space for students to realise that their ideas have the power to solve real-world problems.
Through this challenge, Monash University has established a tangible pathway for Cambodian students to scale their innovations and access world-class academic resources.
=FRESH NEWS
