Another round of students completed one stage in their studies at the University of Cambodia. The Center for English Studies (CES) issued certificates to students who had completed the sixth level of their Fastrax program, while the Academic Foundation Year Department (AFD) issued certificates to students who had completed the two terms of their undergraduate Foundation Year program in Term II of academic year 2009-2010. Both groups of students have passed another important milestone because they can now transition to the next phase of their young academic lives: working toward and earning a terminal Bachelor’s degree in their particular field.
A preponderance of empirical data in the west suggests that a student’s earning potential is increased with a college degree, and that increases further with additional graduate-level education. Thus, one ought to explore the critical relationship between education and the workforce. For example, an educated workforce may contribute effectively to economic growth and development, largely given the ability to fill stop-gap measures with highly-skilled and trained workers. Cambodia, as a result, has the capacity to inch its way closer to competing in the global market economy.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia, congratulated students who were present at the ceremony, and commented on how they have succeeded with great achievement.
“I urge you all to try your best to learn and make friends with other students, and you have to prepare yourself in advance to catch new opportunities to develop yourself and contribute to developing the country,” Dr. Kao stated. His message was clear. Students are encouraged to work hard and to apply themselves
in real-world practicalities, in addition to meeting academic expectations.
They should learn to embrace and develop stronger habits of connecting bridges, with friends, peers, and colleagues in the future, because developing powerful soft skills will open up many doors for them, particularly as they enter the workforce and become responsible citizens, doing their part in making the world a better place.
Dr. Kao also reinforced the importance of preparation, planning and foresight. He suggested that students should place a heavy premium on developing structured, well-thought out plans for themselves, in various contexts, but with significant emphasis in planning around academic expectations. Moreover, students should plan accordingly in order to meet certain benchmarks and objectives that will make them leaders among leaders and, eventually, competitive in the 21st century.
“To be the best person, we have to set up our plan, and that plan will make us be a successful
person in life,” Dr. Kao noted.
“You have to prepare yourself in advance to catch new opportunities to develop yourself and contribute to developing the country.”
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn,
President of UC and
Secretary of State for the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation
