Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the abolition of the Modern Learning Center (MLC) because of the lack of state management stemming from two standards of learning in schools.
The cancellation of the MLC program, which is a collaboration between the public and private sector, has upset scores of parents who sent their children for additional lessons under this initiative in schools.
MLC was an education model to help students reach their full potential in a digital future. It was implemented in 2020 in 18 primary schools. Run as a full-day class, it provided trilingual education in Khmer, English and Chinese, along with integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
“The formula of the Modern Learning Center has been removed,” Hun Manet said during an annual conference organized by the Education, Youth and Sport Ministry.
“Please do not create two systems or standards within the same school—this must not happen at all. In the new-generation schools, even with parental involvement, all students should be treated equally. I urge the complete removal of this program and seek your understanding,” he said.
He said out of 18 schools, the MLC program in 12 schools were suspended while the rest (where the program started two months ago) will be allowed to carry on with the academic year before ceases.
The initiative began as an effort to establish public-private partnership in improving the education system, however, the MLC was apparently not feasible. “I recommend additional advice by the ministry to implement other mechanisms to ensure 100% state management,” Hun Manet said.
A 37-year-old parent, who declined to be named, expressed sadness over the removal of the program. Her son studies at a primary school in Phnom Penh, which runs the MLC program.
“The quality [of MLC] is comparable to [education in] private schools that charge thousands of dollars. Some private schools don’t even have the RoboThink program [STEM and coding program] yet,” she said.
There are two school sessions for students. One follows the national curriculum, is taught by certified public school teachers under the supervision of the state and uses government-approved textbooks. Even the enrollment is decided by the public school principal.
The other session offers an advanced curriculum, including English, Chinese, computer studies, and RoboThink, which is not included in the standard public school program.
Ros Savithy, MLC principal director, did not respond via email to CamboJA News at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, Hun Manet instructed the ministry to continue improving school governance — modern education system — as well as ensure relevant institutions “thoroughly and strictly” review the conditions for teachers who wish to transfer to different locations.
“I request that clear and reasonable conditions [are given] for the transfer of personnel staff and teaching staff. I don’t mind deputy directors or directors seeking transfers as well,” he said. “But for teachers, the conditions should be stricter. It’s not about prohibiting transfers completely, but there should be a balance.”
He shared that the loss of a single teacher means the loss of quality in education for hundreds or thousands of students for a long time.
A primary school teacher in Batambang province Nhek Arun said the ministry should first ensure that teachers live in proper living conditions, rather than put more burden on them.
“Normally, if someone is comfortable living in one place, they would not want to change their workplace. When they request a transfer, it is likely due to challenges in their living conditions,” said Arun.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, the total number of schools across the country amounted to 19,591. Of that, 13,948 were public schools, 2,295 private schools, and 3,348 community preschools, according to Minister Hang Chuon Naron.
Additionally, there are 194 higher education institutions nationwide – 79 state-run and 115 private higher education institutions. In total, there are 4,171,962 school and university students in the country, he said.
Cambodian Institution for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun viewed that the challenge caused by the MLC was that it was privately managed and some parents who can afford it send their children there, while those who cannot, see their children left out.
This creates inequality or what is known as a “double-standard system” in public schools. On one hand, it helps eliminate injustice for students whose parents cannot afford additional tuition, thus the cancellation ensures equal access to education. On the other hand, it is a lost opportunity for students who wish to study more.
However, he said, some parents are satisfied that their children spend a full-day in modern learning schools, where they can learn languages and soft skills.
Education, Youth and Sport Ministry spokesperson Khuon Vicheka could not be reached for comment.
