Author: School of Publc Policy

Let’s read remarks of Prof. Sengtha Chay on a course titled “Web 3 Technology for Business” at NUM-School of Public Policy.

The Web3 Technology for Business course, part of the Master of Science in Digital Economy program at the School of Public Policy, National University of Management, immerses students in the digital economy through digital assets like tokens, NFTs, and soulbound tokens (SBTs). It covers key Web3 concepts, including Decentralized Finance (DeFi), GameFi (blockchain gaming), SocialFi (social media and finance), FitFi (fitness finance), DataFi (data finance), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, Metaverse Economy, Web3 Smart Cities, Decentralized Science (DeSci), and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). These topics equip students to understand and innovate in decentralized systems shaping industries and societies.

Students engage with real-world use cases for each topic, researching and presenting practical applications. For example, they might propose a DeFi model for financial access, design a tokenized real estate system, or develop a decentralized smart city framework. This hands-on approach bridges theory and practice, fostering problem-solving skills relevant to real-world challenges.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is deeply integrated into the course, enhancing research and teaching students to create effective AI prompts for insightful analysis and innovation. This prepares students to leverage AI alongside Web3 technologies in the digital economy. The course also emphasizes teamwork, analytical thinking, and presentation skills through collaborative projects and presentations, ensuring students develop both technical and professional competencies.

Delivered through lectures and team-based presentations, the course offers a practical learning experience. From exploring digital twins in the Metaverse to designing decentralized urban systems, students gain skills to lead in diverse sectors. Tailored for Digital Economy students, this course empowers them to drive innovation in the decentralized future.

Click here to understand the Master of Science in Digital Economy!

In the morning of June 3, 2025, the students from the Master’s Program of Business Law and Master’s Program of Public Policy of the National University of Management paid a study visit and attended the sharing session hosted by DFDL Mekong (Cambodia).  The themes of the session focused on laws and legal services for corporate affairs and taxes.  The speakers answered well to the questions, reflecting the profound experiences and expertises of the business laws. Last but not least, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to DFDL  for the great hospitality and sharing of practical experiences.

On 31 May 2025, the NUM School of Public Policy hosted an insightful seminar on Cambodia’s Opportunity in the US-China Trade War: A Perspective from the Rules of Origin at the NUM Veal Sbov International Campus. The session was coordinated by Dr. Nop Kanharith, Director of the School of Public Policy, and featured a compelling keynote by Mr. Fu Tianxin, a distinguished Chinese lawyer from Dagrand Law Office.

The presentation focuses on 3 key issues, including (i) US-China trade war, (ii) rules of origin and (iii) the opportunities for Cambodia. In conclusion, the speaker was of the opinion that the rules of origin serve as one of the tools for Cambodian economy development. He further advised the participants to conduct research or choose international trade as the area of expertise in their professional development.

We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Fu for sharing his practical knowledge in the field of international trade with the participants. Lastly, we would also like to encourage the participants to attend the next similar events of NUM-SPP at NUM International Campus.

On the morning of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the National University of Management had the honor of hosting a lecture on “Foreign Policy and Parliamentary Diplomacy” under the distinguished chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. CHEM Widhya, Member of the Senate Standing Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Information.

His Excellency Professor Hor Peng, Rector of the National University of Management, delivered a welcoming speech, providing the Presiding Committee and esteemed guests with insights into the university’s history and progress.

During his lecture, His Excellency Dr. CHEM Widhya began by introducing his personal background, then highlighted key events related to peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts that have significantly contributed to Cambodia’s development. He also shared his diplomatic and leadership experiences with the approximately 250 professors and students in attendance.

Dr. Anthony Marinac is an Adjunct Professor, teaching a course on “Political Psychology” to the students of Master of Public Policy at NUM School of Public Policy

The field of psychology asks the simple yet crucial question: why do people behave the way they do?  Why do they feel the way they feel?  How can we influence the way that people act and feel?

For students to develop Mastery of Public Policy, they must recognize that public policy is also often about considering the way that people behave, and the things that they feel.  People’s feelings and behaviors are crucial to their engagement with public policy, from behaviors such as paying tax and complying with road rules, through to feelings such as national pride, and loyalty towards the King.

The field of political psychology looks beyond the individual, and asks why the population as a whole acts and feels the way it does.  In our study of political psychology, we use a range of psychological models and theories to consider the best ways in which public policy can influence the behavior and feelings of people; but also the ways in which the behaviors and feelings of people should influence public policy.

We examine these matters at a range of levels – from individual, to family, to nation – and in a range of circumstances, from positive issues like economic development, through to harmful national emergencies such as genocide and warfare.

Public policy is ultimately powerful because it affects people.  A Master of Public Policy must therefore understand the psychology of people, as individuals and in groups, in order to devise and assess public policy which can advance the welfare of those people, and the Kingdom as a whole.

On the morning of May 21, 2025, students from our Master of Science in Digital Economy and Master of Public Policy programs, along with staff from the NUM School of Public Policy, participated in the Learning Event led by Dr. NOP Kanharith, Director of the NUM School of Public Policy, at Sun and Moon Hotel, Phnom Penh.

The event was organized under the Ponlok Chomnes II program (PCII).

Let’s explore this insightful perspective by Mr. Sinet Kleung, Technical Advisor, Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, on the role of public policy in Cambodia’s development!

Studying Public Policy has been a transformative experience for me. It has not only deepened my understanding of how societies function and decisions are made but has also equipped me with the tools to think critically about the policies that shape people’s lives. Through this major, I have developed essential skills in policy analysis, strategic planning, and critical thinking skills – skills that are crucial for anyone aspiring to work in the public sector and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. 

In the face of Cambodia’s complex development challenges, this major provides the tools to create evidence-based and practical solution aligned with national and sub-national needs. It bridges theory and practice, preparing students to contribute to a more inclusive governance. I believe more Cambodian students should pursue this field to help build a sustainable future for our country.

Public Policy is more than just a set of Public Policy of government’s actions; it is also a field of Policy Sciences that emphasizes policy analysis, integrating modern analytical tools and methods such as argumentative approaches, participatory policy analysis, and negotiation support.

Public Policy, as a part of Political Science, is developed through a Systematic Process that involves problem identification/reidentification, policy formulation, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. It is influenced by various factors, including political ideologies, public opinion, economic considerations, and legal considerations.

The decisions and actions are taken by government bodies or authorities to address societal problems or improve the conditions of a country or community. It encompasses a wide range of issues, such as healthcare, education, taxation, transportation, technology, digital economy, financial technology, e-commerce, environmental regulations, social welfare, and economic development so on.

Cambodian government now uses public policy to promote the general welfare, ensure social justice, protect public health and safety, and provide essential services to citizens. Public policies can be enacted through legislation, executive orders, and regulations. The government also aims to address both long-term and immediate needs of society and are subject to continuous review and adjustment based on domestic, regional and international evolving trends and status-quos. 

Understanding and analyzing public policies are vital for government, citizens, policymakers, and researchers. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of policies is necessary to assess their impact and make informed decisions about potential policy improvements or changes, particularly in monitoring and evaluation (M &E) as the tools needed.

In fulfillment of needs and desired outcomes of policies, citizens can engage themselves with public policy by participating in the democratic process, such as political choice, voting, contacting elected officials, joining advocacy groups, or providing feedback during public consultations. 

Professor Dr. Anthony Marinac teaches “Political Psychology” to the second-semester students of the Master of Public Policy at the National University of Management-School of Public Policy (NUM-SPP). 

On May 10, 2025, the National University of Management-School of Public Policy (NUM-SPP) held an online seminar with a focus on sharing experiences in writing master’s and doctoral theses. The session was aimed at students of the Master of Public Policy and Master of Science in Digital Economy programs, as well as doctoral students from NUM SGS. The seminar featured Mr. Hun Seyhakunthy as the speaker and was coordinated by Associate Professor Nop Kanharith.                            

Here is the biography of the speaker:

Mr. Hun Seyhakunthy is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Development Economics, concentrating on human capital accumulation in developing countries. His specialized interests include industrial policy, firm-level productivity, and labor and education economics. Seyhakunthy has significant experience in coordinating and managing grants and projects funded by international organizations and government agencies dedicated to development cooperation, such as the Asia Foundation, USAID, Sida, SDC, UNDP, and Mekong-Lancang Cooperation. Additionally, he possesses skills in statistical analysis and data science and has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles, working papers, policy papers, and technical reports.