Prepare to explore the world of UP and all it has to offer. From 26-27-28 June 2023, the University of Puthisastra invites YOU to join the Discovery Festival at the campus. Get ready to take a sneak peek at UP’s exciting program offerings in Health Sciences, Information Technology, Science Research, English and Employability!

The Discovery Festival is the perfect platform for high school students to discover university life and all the amazing career prospects. Discover the UP Advantage!

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to interact with current students and esteemed faculty members. Discover the wide range of majors available, explore your career options, and have fun trying your hands on experiments related to the degree courses offered at UP.

Join us for an unforgettable festival filled with excitement, exploration, and discovery. The UP Discovery Festival – a must-attend event for parents and all high school students looking to ignite their passion for learning and empower their future! Mark your calendar,

Free entry!

Rotaract Trip to Australia

Recently 9 dental students and 1 pharmacy student from UP visited Melbourne as part of a Rotaract exchange program. All the students are active members of Rotaract Club in Phnom Penh, which is based at UP, and for some it was their first time outside Cambodia.

The visit included spending 3 days at the Faculty of Dentistry at University of Melbourne. They were warmly welcomed by the Dean and his staff, and were able to spend time in the lecture room (learning about prosthodontics), the very advanced simulation lab which also had dental microscopes, and clinical areas. The students also had the honor to join with local dental students in a “community social class” in which they learned about aboriginal culture and history from a prominent Australian aboriginal speaker.

Students were also sent to observe in the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and several private dental clinics.

On the last day of their dental school visit, Dr Julie Satur showed the students around the University of Melbourne campus. They got to see the libraries, medicine gallery, art exhibition, and dental museum. Each student was presented with a dental history book and a book about women in science by the University.

Ly Sovannary, year 3 pharmacy student received the opportunity to do an internship in RI Convention in Melbourne project, Australia, through the Rotaract Club of Phnom Penh Central. During the internship, she has practiced in the community pharmacy, prepared prescribed medications, explained how to use medications to patients, learned how to manage in the pharmacy, and how to administrate the vaccine. In particular, she has developed knowledge of community pharmacies and learned about the differences and similarities of the responsibilities of pharmacists in Australia and Cambodia. This is a great hands-on experience for her.

Later, the students attended the international conference for Rotary and Rotaract Clubs. They enjoyed meeting other Rotaracters and shared experiences.

The students are very grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity to travel and learn, and feel inspired to grow the Rotaract Club in Cambodia in the future. They especially would like to thank Mrs Trudy Poole and her husband Russel for organizing the trip and hosting the students. And Dr Julie Satur and Dr Brenda Ryan for organizing their time at Melbourne University.

Course Mapping of Faculty of ICT, UP with the Queensland University of Technology

The Faculty of ICT is in ongoing discussion with Queensland University of Technology to develop an articulation program (3+2). The discussion aims to allow UPs ICT students to achieve their degree of obtaining an Australia degree WITHOUT leaving Cambodia.

UP will be the only opportunity for Cambodian students to have a degree from Australia. ICT expects to finalize the collaboration in the very near future to provide fruitful opportunity to our current year 3 students onwards.

UPs DENTAL HOSPITAL TO OPEN ON SUNDAYS FROM 25 JUNE

After discussions with students, staff and patients we will soon open the UP Dental Hospital 2 on Sundays from 9am – 12pm and from 1pm – 4pm – to treat patients who cannot make appointments with a dentist from Monday to Saturday because of their busy schedules.

Keep a watch of our social media pages for updates.

The new dental hospital is located on the first and second floors of the UP Health Center (Street 184). We provide a full range of high quality treatments by dentists and students at affordable prices.

Check-ups are free. Telephone 012-414 563 or 098 414-563 for an appointment.

UP Blood Donation, Donors the Hero

The Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery was honored to conduct the UP Blood Donation Event with the cooperation with the National Blood Transfusion Center of Cambodia. This event was held on 2nd June June 2023, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at KOSPO room, UP.

Aligned with World Blood Donor Day which happens under the Theme “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”, this World Blood Donor Day theme 2023 encourages people to donate blood and plasma to save the lives of others, sharing blood is like sharing life.

There were 64 blood donor heros with 16 people having A blood type, 22 people having B blood type, 6 people having AB+ blood type, and 24 people having O+ blood type. The majority of the participants were female with 60% (Figure 1). In addition, most of the 30% of participants were coming from the nursing department, followed by 22.5%, 22.5%, 20.0%, 2.5%, and 2.5% from dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, ICT, and other, respectively (Figure 2).

UP Welcomes USA Internship Student

Today, we would like to give a warm welcome to Ms. Thanith Muy who is a second-year student majoring in Biotechnology from California State Polytechnic University, USA to have her summer clerkship in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of Puthisastra (UP) and gains knowledge, skills, and attitude to prepare herself as a future Biotechnologist.

UP is not only a leading university that provides a high-quality pre-service education but we are also a provide opportunities to all students from other universities national, regional, and international to learn about our UP’s education system.

OSCE Training Program to Year-3 Medical Students

After successfully preparing and implementing the pre-hospital training programs for year-4 to year-7 medical students, the Faculty of Medicine has now established an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Training Program for year-3 medical students. On 6th June 2023, Dr. Prom Vireak, Deputy Dean for Clinical Affairs, provided an orientation about this new program to 130 students in Hall H. The 90-minutes session include the presentation and a demonstration.

The presentation highlighted the definition of OSCE, the benefits of OSCE training and the elements of OSCE as required in Cambodia. The demonstration, where one person plays the role of a medical doctor and another the role of a patient, showed the participants how history taking is done in OSCE. The Faculty of Medicine thinks that this new training program will equip the students with necessary skills before they start their clinical rotations in the next academic year.

From 12th June 2023, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) training program for year-3 medical students takes place at the Medical Clinic of the UP Health Center. 133 year-3 medical students are divided into 9 groups consisting of 14-15 students each. Each group receive one-week of training under the guidance of Faculty members, senior doctors and nurse at the Center. In day 1 the students learn about the health system in Cambodia, the role of triage in a health provider setting, and start to take vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate). Day 2 focuses on the physical examination of the abdomen and the respiratory system. From Day 3 to 5, the students learn how to do a proper physical examination. This training provides the students with the opportunity to be exposed to the real setting of a consultation room and to learn the basics before starting their clinical rotations in the hospitals.

Managing Medical Emergencies in the Dental Clinic

A workshop on managing medical emergencies in the dental clinic will be held on July 1, 2023, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Hall B, University of Puthisastra. The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Prom Vireak, MD and Dr. Keo Santepheap, MD.

The workshop will cover the following topics:
• Causes of collapse and how to diagnose and manage them
• What should be in the emergency kit and what drugs should be given for which emergency
• Assessing ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation)
• Performing CPR and other life-saving measures
• Managing anaphylactic reactions
• Simulation practice
• Recording vital signs

This workshop is designed for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other dental professionals. It is a valuable opportunity to learn how to recognize and manage medical emergencies and to keep your patients safe in the dental clinic. Space is limited, so sign up today! To register, please contact Dr. Bhavna Nahata at (855) 010-507-456.

UP welcomes the visit of Australia Pacific International School students and staff

Recently, the students and staff of Australia Pacific International school visited the University of Puthisastra. The primary objective of this visit was to learn more about the university and its campus. API staff and students were given a short brief about the history and mission of the University of Puthisastra. Students and staff were then escorted to the different faculties and departments of the university. Although the students from the school were already aware of the university’s programs, the visit allowed them to explore the different majors and courses they could apply once they graduate. During the visit, the students also had the chance to find out more about scholarship opportunities and the application processes. The opportunity to gather information about scholarship schemes was greatly appreciated by the API students.

UP staff also highlighted the possible collaboration opportunities between the schools. Such collaboration can lead to the advancement of both institutions, opportunities for student exchanges, and research participation.

In conclusion, the visit of the Australia Pacific International school students and staff to the University of Puthisastra was fruitful. Such visits are vital for educational institutions in strengthening relationships, creating prospects for students, and promoting excellence in education.

UP ICT organizes public IT Seminar on the topic of the “Leadership in Technology”

On Sunday, 4th June, 2023, UPs Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and Master students led by Lecturer Rin Phary organized a Public Speaking Workshop on the topic “Leadership in Technology”.

Guest Speaker was Neak Oknha Mengly J. Quach ,MD,MPH, founder, Chairman and CEO of Mengly J. Quach Education . The workshop aimed to accelerate leadership and innovation skills in ICT to students and public participants. The workshop also aimed to build capability of Masters students in leadership and public speaking. The students were exposed to shared various topics related to Leadership Skills in ICT such as Team Building, Effective Communication, Innovation and Adaptation, Ethic and Responsibility.

UP Dental Students join outreach to Krouch Chhmar Hospital with Roomchang Dental Hospital

On the morning of Sunday 11th June, a group of dentists and staff from Roomchang Dental Hospital, along with eight Year 5 & 6 dental students from UP, joined forces with dentists from the Krouch Chhmar District Referral Hospital, Tbong Khmum Province, to provide free dental treatment to more than 60 low income people from the local community. Roomchang has previously donated equipment to set up a modern dental clinic inside this hospital.

Students Mr. Mak Sangdor, Mr. Meng Sally, Mr. Heng Chansakada, Mr. Horn Chhunly, Ms. Heng Liliam, Ms. Eang Sonyta, Mr. Yorm Sileng and Ms. Eong Rongsanida found the outreach to be very rewarding, and appreciated the supervision provided by the Roomchang dentists, including their Director, Dr Tith Hong Yoeu. UP is proud to be working with Roomchang, many of whose dentists teach at UP.

Pharmacy launches Natural Product Contest

The faculty of Pharmacy launches a Natural Product Contest at Hall H. Professors, officials, and students from the Faculty of Pharmacy took part in the Natural Product Contest 2023 on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The contest focused on the exhibition of natural products by students, including ten teams competed and produced various natural products.

In addition, we had the participation from Professor Ian Findlay, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Puthisastra, as well as the participation of distinguished guests from various institutions.

UP attend MOEYS Quality Assurance Training in Siem Reap

UPs academic and support staff participate in the quality assurance training offered by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) at Angkor Paradise Hotel in Siem Reap from 4-8th June, 2023, which aimed to explain and apply specific standards, indicators, and rubrics that will apply to all Cambodian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). All Cambodian HEIs will need to meet a minimum national standard to produce much needed high quality human resources to respond to the 4 pillars, such as Quality, Jobs, Equity, and effectiveness, to achieve Cambodia’s ambition to be a middle-income then a high income country.

All HEIs will be required to achieve minimum standards in the following fields:
1. Vision, Mission & Goals
2. Management of Departments, Standards, Student Income, Supporting Staff & Assessment
3. Management of Departments, Teachers & Assessment
4. Academic Program
5. Student Services
6. Study Resources
7. Physical Resources
8. Financial Resources
9. IQA and 24 indicators

DHA will initially help HEIs achieve minimum standards then will expect all HEI to achieve standards by themselves. UP strongly welcomes National higher education standards which other countries have shown will lead to a skilled workforce, better jobs, higher salaries and much stronger economies

UP is already a very-high standard top-quality university:
• One of only 10 HEI out of 132 (8%) accredited by Accreditation Committee of Cambodia
• The only Cambodian HEI international recognized by prestigious Times Higher Education (THE)
• The top 28th private university in ASEAN
• Leader in research with over 200 scientific publications
• Best passing result in NEE
• Leading L&T delivering more than 75,000 of quality online teaching using the worlds leading Moodle system

UP students – one-month internship at Khon Kaen University

“Hello, my name is Sin Chanpheak, I am really happy to share my experience during my one-month internship at Khon Kaen University. It was a great experience that I had the opportunity to study outside, it really gave me a lot of knowledge, both communication, culture and living on my own.

During that one month I did research related to free radical scavenging activity of difference parts of Oroxylum indicum. Based on the study I presented above, I researched on 3 parts (root, seed, pod) According to my research on SOD method, I found that in the pod part there is a lot of antioxidant activity. I would like to thank the University of Khon Kaen for giving me this opportunity and thank you to the teachers and senior students who taught and cared for me during my one-month study”.

MD Students Successfully Defend Their Thesis

On 02 June 2023, Mrs. Chea Chenda, Mr. Chou Kimhab and Mr. Ma Lihay successfully defended their thesis entitled “Retrospective Study of Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Children admitted to the National Pediatric Hospital from 1st January 2017 To 31st December 2018”. The students passed with credit.

Their thesis was supervised by Prof. UNG Sophal. The Thesis Examination Committee, chaired by Prof. Callum S. Durward, included Assistant Prof. DUCH Moniboth, Dr. SVAY Somana, and Associate Prof. Saint Saly.

The study found that children in the 12 to 36 months age group were the most represented. 65% of the cases occurred between October and December. The clinical features mainly included skin lesions, oral ulcers, hand rash, leg rash, fever, anorexia, cough, vomiting, rhinorrhea. The recovery rate was very high.

Digital skill development roadmap

The Faculty of ICT team joined the consultative workshop which was organized by Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology. The consultative workshop aimed to discuss the current status of digital education and address the evolving demands of the current and future digital workforce in Cambodia, as well as co-creating the framework for digital skill development in Cambodia to align with the Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 and the Digital Government Policy 2022-2035.

Preparation for launching the new semester of the BSIT Y3S2 B13

The Faculty of Information and Communication Technology is excited to announce that the BSIT Year 3 Semester 2 Batch 13, will be launched soon in June 2023. After completing this semester, BSIT Batch 13 will be eligible to apply for an articulation program at QUT to achieve the degree from Australia.

Webinar on Thesis Development

On 02 June 2023, Mrs. Chea Chenda, Mr. Chou Kimhab and Mr. Ma Lihay successfully defended their thesis entitled “Retrospective Study of Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Children admitted to the National Pediatric Hospital from 1st January 2017 To 31st December 2018”. The students passed with credit.

Their thesis was supervised by Prof. UNG Sophal. The Thesis Examination Committee, chaired by Prof. Callum S. Durward, included Assistant Prof. DUCH Moniboth, Dr. SVAY Somana, and Associate Prof. Saint Saly.

The study found that children in the 12 to 36 months age group were the most represented. 65% of the cases occurred between October and December. The clinical features mainly included skin lesions, oral ulcers, hand rash, leg rash, fever, anorexia, cough, vomiting, rhinorrhea. The recovery rate was very high.

RxSU Summer Program 2023

There are 10 pharmacy students of the Faculty of Pharmacy who received the opportunity to attend an international conference on “RxSU Summer Program 2023” held from 5 to 11 June 2023 at Silpakorn University, Thailand. During this summer program, all the students participated in Herbal Medicine laboratory how to make Balm, Traditional Inhaler, Lipstick and Shampoo for their practical. In particular, they have learned about the Pharmaceutical Technology in class and laboratory also Precision Pharmacy.

They also explored knowledge on Health care system in Thailand and Pharmacy residency. They have visited and learned more about Pharmacy drugstore and Hospital pharmacy particularly the differences and similarities between Thailand and Cambodia.

Our students also exchanged Cambodian culture with other 7 countries including: Thailand, Lao, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as joining laboratory classes with international pharmacy students.

Also, there was a Thai hospital visiting section where students observed a Thai hospital, including primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care.

This was an amazing experience that helped our students to exchange the knowledge in order to improve research capabilities and share this grateful opportunity that they have gained from the faculty to every student.

Year 6 dental students puts smile on face of young man in UPDH

Year 6 dental student Leang Muyseang was asked by a 20 year old male patient to redo some old white fillings on his front teeth, which had been needed as a result of trauma to the teeth 10 years ago.

After isolating the teeth with rubber dam, he slowly restored the teeth to their natural beauty and the patient was delighted with the result. The supervisor was Dr Heng Rithi and photos were taken by classmate Sambath Boty. UP is proud of the high quality dental treatment that many students are providing to our patients – at very low cost.

Uncomplicating the Complicated-The Assessment of the Special Needs Patient

A webinar on special needs dentistry will be held on 25th June 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ICT. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Lydia See, a leading Australian dentist who specializes in special needs dentistry. Although the webinar is primarily for our group of postgraduate endodontics students, UP has been opened it up for all those interested, and has been initiated by the Director of the Endo Diploma course, Adj Prof. Steven A Cohn.

This webinar is a great opportunity for Cambodian dentists and dental students to learn from a leading expert in special needs dentistry. Dr. See will share her knowledge and experience on the assessment, treatment planning, and management of dental problems in special needs patients.

To register for the webinar, please visit the following link or scan the QR Code: https://forms.gle/xTX1rwoxAZXSs6m79

The webinar will be held on Zoom. The meeting ID and password will be sent to registered participants on the day of the webinar.

CIPO Welcomes Dr Philipp

Dr Philipp Schnieder and UP visited the Khmer Association for Development (KAD) community centre.. It was a highlight because KAD is a Khmer led organisation who raise funds locally and a partner of our team for many years. This meant that Dr Philipp was able to witness our team in action, using the dental unit that the Ivoclar Corporate Responsibility fund had supported. This unit is the same as that used by the Swiss military and so the team were able to deliver world class treatment in the community environment.

The KAD team were enthusiastic supporters of the school toothbrushing and the staff were able to be taught to do our ‘level one’ intervention which involves daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and the placement of topical fluorides (silver diamine fluoride). The KAD Team will record their treatments into our database so we can accurately monitor what is happening in that community. This means that when we go back we can concentrate our efforts on the children who have the most severe disease experience and it significantly reduces the cost of the program.

Key activities
• 14 Dental students enjoyed field placements
• Visit to Khmer Association for Development (KAD) Centre to treat kids
• Training for KAD staff to place SDF so our program will be more efficient in the future
• Treatment at Borey Centre
• Oral health education for caregivers at Rabbit school

UPs Science dept organizes “Microbial Characterization in Khmer Fermented Fish (Prahok)”

On Saturday, 3rd June 2023, UPs Science dept organized a special seminar under the title of “Microbial Characterization in Khmer Fermented Fish (Prahok)” at Hall B, University of Puthisastra. The honor invited speaker of the seminar was Mrs. Ny Vourchnea, a graduate student in Applied Molecular Microbiology at Hokkaido University, Japan with Ms. Heng Sreyly, Lecturer of the Science Research Program, at the University of Puthisastra as the facilitator.

This special seminar was organized to share information on the characteristics of microorganisms in Khmer Fermented Fish (Prahok), scientific research experience, and scholarship information in Japan. After the special seminar ended, all participants learned and gained a lot of knowledge and experience from our invited speaker as well as from other participants related to microorganisms and their effect on human health.

Get to know our English lecturers

Bio – Sade Lagerdien
My name is Sade Lagerdien, and I have joined the Faculty of English and Employability as an English Lecturer.
I grew up in South Africa, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Pretoria, before completing my Honors Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of South Africa. During my studies I felt the calling to the teaching profession, and so completed a diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I am passionate about helping others, and bringing out the best in students. I am excited to bring my passion, commitment, and skills to the English and Employability Department, as well as the University of Puthisastra as a whole.

Rawit

Rawit holds a bachelor’s degree from Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), he also graduated from Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE), majoring in Law. Before joining the University of Puthisastra (UP), Rawit taught English to primary and secondary students for over four years. He taught children, teenagers, and adults as well. He has presented in CAMTESOL which the topic related to teaching vocabulary to national and international participants. Rawit is a passionate person who understands working with students in university level and will do his best to build a connection and classroom community where he can help students to reach their potential, fix their mistakes and show them which areas and how they are going to develop it academically.

Rawit is very delighted to bring his experience to the University of Puthisastra. He is passionate, willing to learn and loves to develop himself when it comes to career development or teaching development. He is very grateful and very happy to work with the members of the Faculty of English and Employability. He looks forward to work and collaborate with the University for students’ growth and development and path the way for their future.

Seyha

Seya holds a bachelor degree of Education in English and a Master’s degree of TESOL from Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP). Before joining the Puthisastra University, Seyha has spent over seven years working in the educational sector. He has experience of being a Teacher of English; plus, he also has knowledge and specialization in the area of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. Seyha is passionate about working with university students, and is willing to build a classroom community where he can help them reach their potential areas of their development, academically and socially.

Seyha is very striving to bring his experience to the University of Puthisastra. He looks forward to collaborative working with the members of the Faculty of English and Employability for the students’ growth and development.

Soklin Thy

Soklin holds a bachelor degree of Education in English (BBU), bachelor degree of Economic Development (RULE), a master degree of TESOL from Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL, RUPP), and master degree of Applied Linguistics from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). Before joining the University of Puthisastra, Mr. Thy has spent many years working at tertiary education as a teacher educator. He has had experience of being a curriculum development committee for the English Bachelor and Master Program. Also, Mr. Thy has had experience of supervising master students at University of Cambodia and Western University. Last but not least, Mr. Thy used to work as an article reviewer for Education Cambodia Forum.

Mr. Thy is passionate about working with teams and students, and is willing to help students achieve their language development. Mr. Thy is very striving to bring his experience to the University of Puthisastra. He looks forward to collaborating with members of the Faculty of English and Employability for students’ growth and development.

Discussion on collaboration between the UP, Faculty of ICT and Odoo Academic.

The Faculty of ICT Team had a discussion with Odoo which is an ERP company based in Hong Kong which provides a suite of open-source business applications that cover all of the company needs such as CRM, eCommerce, accounting, inventory, point of sale, project management, etc.

ICT and Odoo agreed to host an educational workshop that focuses on introducing the ERP system & Odoo and Business Demo to ICT staff and students. The workshop is expected to be hosted online and in English. This workshop can be beneficial for teachers and students as they can experience real-life workflow and how ERP systems advance a business.