Exploring the Dynamics of International Education: Opportunities and Challenges By Prof. Ian Findlay, President and Vice-Chancellor University of Puthisastra, Cambodia

nternational Education (IE) is a dynamic landscape that extends educational opportunities across borders. Broadly defined, IE involves the provision of education by institutions in one country for students in another. The University of Puthisastra (UP) in Cambodia stands out as a beacon for those seeking a transformative education with a global perspective.

Benefits of International Education at UP:
Global Citizenship: Embrace diversity! Students at UP, whether domestic or international, are exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. This exposure fosters understanding, tolerance, and the development of global citizens. Graduate Employability: A global education enhances employability. Openness, experiences, and networking opportunities at UP provide students with a competitive edge in the global job market.
Foreign Qualifications: UP degrees are internationally recognized and highly valued, opening doors to a world of opportunities for its graduates.
Wider Benefits of International Education: Economic Contribution: IE contributes significantly to the economy. In Australia, for instance, IE is valued at $37.4 Billion per year, and in the UK, it amounts to $43 Billion.
Research Collaboration: Multi-national research teams address global challenges. Collaborative efforts in areas like healthcare and climate change involve diverse perspectives and expertise.
Capacity Building: Initiatives like the 1951 Colombo Plan have led to the education of thousands of foreign scholars, fostering capacity building in South and Southeast Asia.
Models of International Education:

Traditional On Shore (TOS): Students study in a foreign country, offering cultural enrichment and international networks. However, it comes with a high cost, which may deter those from less affluent regions.

• Enabler: Foundation courses in one country provide access to degrees in another, offering a more cost-effective option for students.
• Partnership: Universities have joint curricula, allowing students to benefit from both local and foreign content. This model reduces costs but requires careful coordination.
• Country Satellite or International Branch Campuses (IBCs): Physical campuses in foreign countries enhance the university’s profile but come with significant financial and regulatory challenges.

Enrollment for Faculty of ICT Year 1

The Faculty of ICT offers two kind of program:
+ BSIT: Bachelor of Science in Information and Technology
-Major in Database and Programming
-Major in Computer Networks.
+MSIT: Master of Science in Information and Technology

We provide 50% and 65% of scholarships. So we are encouraged to join the Faculty of ICT. We have many famous professors and lecturers that graduated from abroad. Especially we have partners from different countries like Korea, China, Japan, USA, UK, Thailand..etc.

Medical students participated in International Elective Program at Chiang Mai University

Six UP medical students from Year 5 and Year 6 finished their 1-month elective program at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.

UP provides international programs to all its students – unlike other Cambodian universities.

During our 1-month period we received the warm welcome and attention from Thai medical students and students and their respective doctors. We experienced another medical learning system and platform which focuses on cases-based learning with bedside teaching. In OPD, they allowed us to practice with real patients for the consultation while in surgery theatre, they are well-prepared and always ready for urgent surgery cases. Moreover, each department has its guidelines based on international guidelines which guide the physician and medical students to stay on the same page in order to effectively treat the patient properly.

Chiang Mai University encourages our students to join their elective program, to exchange experiences. It was an eye-opening experience in the different setting from Cambodia’s.

UP joins Monash University conference

Ms. HOUT Huysean, and Ms. Nara Votey, Staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Puthisastra attended the Monash Initiate conferences organized by Monash University Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

On October 25, 2023, staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Puthisastra have done the oral presentation related to public health which the topic is about “Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Antibiotics and Their Associated Factors Among People Living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia” and “Prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression and Antipsychotic drug use among university students in Phnom Penh, Cambodia”.

“ In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I attended the 25th Initiate Conference of Monash University. It provided us with more opportunities to learn and immerse ourselves in a richer, international cultural environment. In the meantime, we are collecting valuable insights and experiences in the pharmaceutical sector that help us improve our capacity to produce new research articles។Basically, recommendations and direction for future school research exchanges from the school committee. Monash University’s inaugural conference lectures help us apply the lessons we’ve learnt in the actual world and broaden our perspective on how the modern world sciences have been established.

All things considered, the joining of Monash initiate conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that expanded perspectives and cultivated enduring relationships.”

New Version of UP’s FY on the Way

UP’s Foundation Year (FY) has evolved into a much better program. We have updated our curriculum (in terms of credit expansion and course contents adjustments) in order to better prepare our students for their specialized years (i.e., Year 2 and above).

Importantly, we have privileged our students with incredible opportunities to gain a top-quality British and Australian degree. Completing a FY program, students can transfer into either an Australian or British university.

Come and feel this golden learning experience!

The Second OSCE Mock Testing (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

On October 07-08, 2023, The Faculty of Pharmacy organized the second OSCE mock testing for the generation 8th of pharmacy students to prepare for the upcoming internal exit exam at Hall B, Building B, at the University of Puthisastra from 08:00am to 05:00pm.

The aim of Mock Testing OSCE
1. The students better prepared for the upcoming internal exit exams.
2. The students known about the actual exam process and prepare the best
3. The students will be knowing their strengths and weaknesses to adapt well for future exams.

Clinical Pharmacy Club

Welcome to the 6th week of the Clinical Pharmacy Club with the distinguished speaker, Mr. Sor Darayuth, who is currently a Master degree student in Medical Biology and will share some of his biological laboratory experiences on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Hall H, Building H, University of Puthisastra, from 1:00 to 2:00 noon.

This week, the Coordinator of the Clinical Pharmacy Club will be presenting a presentation under the topic “Pharmacists involved in Interpreting Laboratory Test Results” by Honorary Speaker Mr. Sor Darayuth, a Master degree student in Medical Biology.

The benefit of this course is also to gain new knowledge about:
1. Understand the interpretation of laboratory test results.
2. Ability to educate patients
3. Timely and accurate referral of patients to a healthcare provider

UP joins Pharmacy Schools Deans under the ASEAN PharmNET

On November 13, 2023, Dr Chea Sin, Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy joined a meeting with all deans from the Pharmacy Schools under the ASEAN PharmNET to discuss about the “2024 ASEAN PharmNET Conference” together with “US-Thai Pharmacy Consortium Meeting” which consist of prestigious pharmacy schools from ASEAN PharmNET and the US. These two conferences are expected to create new collaborations among pharmacy schools in ASEAN and the US. Tentatively, the meeting will be physically held on 12-14 June 2024 in Bangkok.

There will be the renowned experts from pharmacy schools under ASEAN PharmNET and the US to share their knowledges and experiences in various pharmacy fields and to create the platform where pharmacy schools in ASEAN and the US can develop new partnerships to collaborate on pharmacy education, practice and profession.

Year 4 pharmacy Students start conducting clerkship at Hospital and institution in Phnom Penh

Year 4 pharmacy students at University of Puthisastra (UP) started their semester I clerkship at medical laboratories in different hospitals such as Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, Preah Angduong Hospital, Phnom Penh Municipal Referral Hospital, Preah Kossamak Hospital, National Pediatric Hospital, Kuntha Bopha hospital, Cho Ray Phnom Penh Hospital, VS medical laboratory.

Year 4 pharmacy students will do their skill practice in different sections (parasitology, bacteriology, hematology, biochemistry, serology and immunology).

The Faculty of Medicine Organized a Lecturers’Orientation Session at UP Campus

The Faculty of Medicine held on 31st October 2023 an orientation session for the lecturers teaching in the academic year 2023-24.

The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Sandro Vento, outlined the importance of being very serious in any student assessment, as obviously the students should pass the exams only if they have really acquired the required knowledge. Dr. Thao Titya, Dr. Yi Vannary, Mr. Kham Sokheng and Mrs. Ken Prohmvibossny illustrated the assessment policy, the usage of UPERP and the HR policy.

Orientation Sessions for Medical Students

The Faculty of Medicine has recently organized orientation sessions for Medical Students about to start the new academic year 2023-24.

In the opening speech, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Sandro Vento, advised the students to pay due attention to the lectures taught, to take notes, to ask questions whenever they need clarifications, and to avoid any form of academic misconduct.

Dr. Thao Titya, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, encourage the students to get familiar with, and follow all University policies.

Dr. Prom Vireak, Deputy Dean for Clinical Affairs, provided information about the clerkships/internships and their policies, and gave an overview of the pre-hospital training and of OSCE exams.

Mrs. Rien Samriththyda, Registrar, and Mr. Kham Sokheng, Head of Information Technology, presented the assessment policy and the usage of UPERP, respectively.

November Engagement Activity

On November 13, 2023, the Student Services team organized the “Blooket Game” to help students release stress and tension, get to know more about UP, and get many gifts such as mug, umbrella, tumbler, raincoat and pen. We hope to end this event with fun and a good memory.

The overall objectives of the game are to:

• Obtain our pupils’ participation in the UP activities
• Relax and enjoy yourself.
• Discover more about UP.
• Get to know more friends from different faculties.

University of Puthisastra Online-Learning Platform (UPOP)

UPOP (UP Online Platform) is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalized learning environments. UP is a prestigious university that promotes health sciences and technology in Cambodia to the world. To achieve this goal, the Digital Learning Facilitator Team provides trainings/orientations to lecturers and students for every upcoming semester. The Learning Centre supports lecturers daily, both face-to-face and online as needed.

This training will be fully beneficial for UPers to face the challenges of the 21st century, which is currently facing the 4.0 industrial revolution. The training focuses on the theory and usage of the UPOP official format manual. Our team is really happy to assist all the lecturers, faculty members, and students whenever they need help.

The Art of English Speaking An Empowering Experience

English is widely spoken throughout the world and is seen as the international language of success. To be great within the medical field, communication skills (especially English communication skills) are essential. You need to be able to communicate complex ideas and medical advice to your patients, ensuring exceptional medical care. It is because of this that the English Faculty sees the importance of providing workshops that provide necessary skills related to English communication to staff and students.

On the 2nd of November, the English Faculty’s Academic and Vocational English Programs coordinator, NORIN Rathana, hosted a participative and interactive workshop for staff members titled The Art of Speaking.

The participants were introduced to practical tips to manage nervousness, easy structures for spontaneous communication, and proper language for impromptu speeches. Throughout the workshop, participants had opportunities to put to work the skills and techniques that they had learnt by working in pairs to simulate real-life situations.

The workshop was highly informative and participants left feeling empowered with their new knowledge and skills.

Fortune Smiles on Mr. Darril Paxton: Winner of UP Health Center’s Lucky Draw!

Luck has a way of finding its path to those who least expect it, and for Mr. Darril Paxton, a routine visit to the UP Health Center turned into a stroke of good fortune. In a recent lucky draw conducted by the health center, Mr. Paxton emerged as the lucky winner, walking away with a delightful prize of $30. UP Health Center continues to spread joy and surprises through its ongoing lucky draw, with the enticing promise that the next winner could be you!

As the names were drawn, Mr. Darril Paxton’s name stood out, making him the fortunate recipient of the $30 prize. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as Mr. Paxton received his winnings, reflecting the joy that comes with unexpected good fortune. It’s moments like these that make the UP Health Center not just a place for wellness but also a source of unexpected delight for the customers.

The UP Health Center’s lucky draw is an ongoing event, and the chance to win exciting prizes is still up for grabs until December 2023. This initiative aims to create a sense of community engagement and appreciation for the health center’s customers. Every visit to the health center is an opportunity to participate in the lucky draw, with prizes ranging from cash rewards to wellness packages and more.

Student’s Orientation Semester I, Academic Year 2023-2024, Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology

On 6th November 2023, the Department of Science Research and Laboratory Sciences, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology, the University of Puthisastra conducted an orientation session for the students of Bachelor of Science Research (BSR), Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (ADL) and Bridging Bachelor Degree of Medical Laboratory Technology (BBL)

The purpose of student orientation is to demonstrate readiness for the new semester, curriculum, internships, study tours, and research activities, as well as UP’s policy and student regulations. Through this orientation, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology strongly believes that the teaching and learning activities in the first semester will run smoothly.

Lecturer Orientation of Semester I, Academic Year 2023-2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology

On 3rd November 2023, the Department of Science Research and Laboratory Sciences of the University of Puthisastra conducted an orientation for lecturers with the participation of Mr. Say Sinith, Program Manager in Laboratory Sciences, Mr. Be Sokkeang, Program Manager in Science Research, Mrs. Ken Prohmvibossny, HR Supervisor, Mr. Kham Sokheng, IT manager, staff of the faculty, as well as all lecturers and teachers from both departments.

The purpose of lecturer orientation is to demonstrate the overview of the curriculum of semester 1, Using the UPerP system for taking attendance, grading, and making up class, especially the latest update the UP’s policy from the HR department. Through this orientation, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology strongly believes that teaching and other activities in the first semester of, the academic year 2023 – 2024 will run smoothly and effectively.