The Cambodian education system has always had challenges, particularly in higher and postgraduate levels. Despite some progress, the country still lags behind its regional peers in research output, academic incentives, and postgraduate assistance. 

The government should use proactive measures to improve higher education, specifically by incentivizing PhD graduates to promote research, innovation and national development.

Cambodia has 189 higher education institutions, consisting of 79 governmental and 110 private entities distributed across 20 provinces and the capital. 

There were 285,599 higher education students in 2021-2022, 33,018 associate's degrees, 237,243 bachelor's degrees, 13,008 master's degrees and 1,330 doctoral degrees. 

Nonetheless, the caliber and availability of higher education continue to be substantial issues. Despite the rise in university enrollment, the dropout rate persists at elevated levels due to financial limitations, insufficient academic assistance and restricted employment opportunities following graduation. 

The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports (MoEYS) has initiatives to enhance research by aggregating undergraduate, master's and doctorate theses. These documents are kept as resources for scholarly and research reasons. 

This signifies a notable enhancement in the safeguarding of intellectual contributions. However, additional measures are necessary to motivate young Cambodians to undertake and finalize their PhDs.
Governments worldwide acknowledge the significance of assisting PhD graduates due to their contributions to knowledge creation, innovation and national advancement.

China offers substantial incentives to PhD graduates, such as assured employment in state institutes, housing allowances, and financial assistance. This approach has encouraged young intellectuals to do PhD studies, thereby enhancing the nation's academic and technological progress. 

South Korea has established extensive policies to help PhD candidates via research funding, academic scholarships and career development initiatives. These policies have enabled the establishment of superior educational institutions and competitive knowledge-based economies.

Cambodia should emphasize investing in higher education and research to maintain its competitiveness in the ASEAN area. Providing incentives to PhD graduates would enhance educational quality, promote research and innovation, mitigate brain drain, and establish role models for future generations. 

The government can promote increased enrollment in PhD programs by offering financial incentives, employment assurances or research funding. The increase in PhD holders enhances research and policy formulation contributions, which are essential for national advancement.

A considerable proportion of Cambodian academics pursue superior prospects outside owing to insufficient local support, and incentives could aid in retaining talent domestically. 

Observing esteemed PhD graduates being honored increases the likelihood that young people will pursue higher education and contribute to national advancement.

To attain these objectives, the government ought to contemplate policies including financial incentives, employment placement initiatives, housing and social benefits, recognition and awards, and international cooperation. 

Scholarships, research grants and stipends for PhD students would alleviate financial concerns. Prioritizing PhD graduates for positions in academia, government agencies, and research institutes would enhance job opportunities.

Enhancing housing aid, healthcare benefits, and additional social incentives for PhD holders will improve their quality of life. Recognizing academic accomplishments via national awards and recognition programs will underscore the significance of research and scholarship. Collaborating with international organizations to secure research funding and develop exchange programs would elevate Cambodia's academic reputation.

Investing in PhD graduates transcends personal recognition; it is essential for ensuring Cambodia's future as a knowledge-based economy. The government must implement clear standards to incentivize and assist individuals who commit years to higher education. By doing so, Cambodia will fortify its academic institutions, cultivate world-class scholars, and augment its worldwide competitiveness.

Prom Thary is a PhD scholar in political science at RUDN University, Moscow. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Saint Petersburg State University, Russia, and a master’s degree in law from UME University, Cambodia. He serves as a civil servant at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.