The University of Cambodia (UC) was honored to host a visit from Distinguished Professor Wang Yong of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies on February 4, 2011. H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC and Adviser to Samdech Techo Prime Minister, graciously welcomed Dr. Wang and his family and friends to the University. Dr. Kao also extended his sincere appreciation, on behalf of Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Chancellor of UC and Adviser to the Royal Government of Cambodia, to Dr. Wang for paying a visit to the University.
In the meeting, which was attended by several members of the UC team, Dr. Kao and Dr. Wang discussed opportunities for academic cooperation between the two universities. Guangdong is interested in creating a new major focused on Cambodian Studies, and hopes that UC can help it to establish the program and can send instructors to teach courses there, according to Dr. Wang.
“The University realizes the importance of Cambodia,” said Dr. Wang, who proposed the Cambodian Studies program at Guangdong, which currently offers six other Southeast Asian languages, except the Khmer language.
He also offered his help to UC in establishing a Japanese and Chinese Studies program. Dr. Kao said that UC would be happy to support the development of a Cambodian Studies program at Guangdong, and that UC is moving ahead to create a Japanese and Chinese Studies program here. The University is also willing to share knowledge and explore possible faculty exchanges with Guangdong University.
“I am very happy that we are meeting and agree to work together on these areas,” said Dr. Kao, adding that there are many areas of cooperation the two universities can work on.
UC is excited to build a partnership with Guangdong University, particularly with Dr. Wang, and is currently exploring the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understand (MOU) with Guangdong.
After the meeting, Peter Tan Keo, Vice President for Strategy, Development and International Cooperation, and Kong Rathana, University Registrar and Deputy Director of the Office of Administration, accompanied Dr. Wang and his party on a tour of the new UC campus and the Southeast Asia Television (SEATV) facilities. UC also hosted a dinner at Tonle Bassac Restaurant for the distinguished visitors, during which members of UC and Dr. Wang’s group continued to discuss opportunities for academic cooperation and learned more about the two countries’ culture and traditions.
Dr. Wang is a renowned scholar in the field of Japanese and Chinese Studies, particularly in terms of culture, exchanges, and history. He has published over 10 books on these topics, and has played an integral role in the advancement of academic and empirical knowledge throughout the region and globe. Dr. Wang also served as a former professor of Dr. Handa, who helped introduce Dr. Wang to UC.
