On June 25, 2025, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) jointly hosted an online training session for members of the Cambodian Cyber University Network (CCUN), themed “Using AI Tools to Support Teaching and Learning in HEIs”. This training aimed to provide a systematic introduction to the functions and course resources of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) platform, and help participants master the application of AI tools in teaching and research through hands-on demonstrations. More than 150 higher education professionals from 15 Cambodian universities took part in the training.

Part of participants

Government-led Establishment of the Cambodian Cyber University Network

The Cambodian Cyber University Network was officially established in 2022 through a government decree with the aim of advancing the digital development of higher education. On June 25, 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the official launch ceremony at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, marking a significant step forward in the digital transformation of Cambodia’s higher education sector. This national alliance is tasked with enhancing the quality of universities and promoting equity across the country’s higher education landscape. It brings together a number of public and private institutions—including the Institute of Technology of Cambodia—that share data centres, digital infrastructure, and teaching resources. As an integral part of Cambodia’s digital education strategy, the network plays a key role in the field of information and communication technology education. It also strives to bridge the gap in educational resources between urban and rural areas, as well as between institutions, thereby actively boosting the international competitiveness of Cambodia’s higher education system.

The Institute of Technology of Cambodia is a leading public higher education institution in the field of engineering and technology in Cambodia, operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. By offering high-quality education in engineering and technology, it plays a significant role in the country’s development. As the main coordinating body of CCUN, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia leads technical training and capacity-building initiatives within the network to enhance the digital capabilities of higher education institutions across the country and to respond to the evolving demands of the labour market for higher education.

IIOE Supports Cambodian Educators in Enhancing Digital and AI Competencies

Mr. LAY Heng, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at ITC, stated that the launch of CCUN highlighted the strategic determination to deeply integrate digital technology into the higher education system. The network is committed to empowering university faculty through shared infrastructure and teaching resources, fostering collaboration among Cambodian universities, and comprehensively enhancing the accessibility and quality of higher education. Mr. LAY Heng emphasised that the platform and course resources provided by IIOE will offer strong support for the ongoing construction and development of CCUN, helping faculty members improve their digital and AI literacy.

Mr. LAY Heng, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, ITC

Mr. CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Partnership and Programme Office at UNESCO-ICHEI, introduced that UNESCO-ICHEI has long been dedicated to promoting the digital transformation of higher education, leveraging the IIOE alliance and platform to provide quality teacher training resources and capacity-building support to universities worldwide. He noted that UNESCO-ICHEI will further deepen its collaboration with ITC to enhance digital and AI literacy of faculty members, including those from CCUN member institutions. Mr. XU Yifan, Course Product Manager of UNESCO-ICHEI, gave a detailed explanation of the IIOE micro-certification course system, covering modules such as digital and AI teaching competencies and “AI+disciplines” courses. Ms. YANG Lan, Programme Officer from the IIOE Management Centre of UNESCO-ICHEI, demonstrated the functions and usage of the IIOE platform through practical operations.

On-site photo of attendees from UNESCO-ICHEI

Ms. SHI Ivy, founder of Hong Kong educational consulting company, Learnmonade, and senior instructional designer, showcased diverse application scenarios of AI tools in higher education teaching, including designing classroom interactions and collaborations, generating lesson plans and course frameworks, and creating visual teaching materials. She also introduced how AI tools can support research work, such as conducting efficient literature reviews and data analysis, optimising research design, and assisting with data analytics. She encouraged participants to fully utilise IIOE resources and deeply master the application of AI tools in teaching and research to improve teaching effectiveness and research efficiency.

Ms. SHI Ivy, Founder of Learnmonade and Senior Instructional Designer

Although the implementation of artificial intelligence in Cambodia is still in its initial stage, the Cambodian government has incorporated the development potential of artificial intelligence into the country's vision of 2030 and 2050, including the cultivation of talented and skilled graduates who can adapt to future needs. This training marks the beginning of IIOE's support for the Cambodian Online University Network and will accelerate the further localisation of the IIOE platform to support the implementation of relevant strategies in Cambodia.