I am Stephen Paterson, Associate Professor and Vice-Rector in charge of international academic programs at the National University of Management.
I have been involved in entrepreneurship education in Cambodia and the ASEAN region for more than 20 years. Based on this background and experience, I believe that the academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels of NUM School of Public Policy will definitely fulfill the needs of those who are working for the government, entrepreneurs, business organizations, and education/research institutions.
As part of the internationalization of higher education, our international programs aim to provide students with an international environment and experiences in learning and research. All courses are conducted in English by international and Cambodian professors or lecturers who hold degrees from abroad or have extensive experience in their areas of expertise. Currently, we have international cooperation with university partners on a number of activities including study tours, student exchanges, joint workshops/seminars/research, credit exchange, and dual degrees for students in our undergraduate programs. We are now extending such international cooperation to our students enrolled in graduate-level programs.
Aligned with the strategic vision of the National University of Management (NUM)—to be a leading institution in education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship—the School of Public Policy actively encourages both academic staff and students to engage in research and work-based projects throughout and beyond their academic journey. We firmly believe that teaching, learning, and research are interconnected pillars that enhance the educational experience.
The School of Public Policy is located at NUM’s Veal Sbov International Campus, which is home to four specialized research centers (CERI, AERI, CDL, CCIL & Combovers Center) that provide essential support for the students. In addition, the NUM Social Innovation Lab, NUM Career Center, and NUM Robotics Lab at NUM Wat Phnom Campus will expose our students to business incubation, technology, and career development. Within this academic environment, our students master their majors and improve their problem-solving skills through evidence-based decision-making.
The National University of Management’s Center of Excellence for R&D and Innovation (CERI), formerly known as NUM-Research Center, has been established since 2013. It was a result of the university’s effort to create a network between academia and the business community, as well as to promote research activities among faculty members and other researchers worldwide. Motivated by the strong commitment of NUM management and staff, several development partners, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme in Cambodia, have provided support for the implementation of various project activities under the center.
The National University of Management is proud to have been selected by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports to establish an institute dedicated to supporting academic research focused on economic issues and policy development, particularly in relation to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Research Institute underscores NUM’s commitment to fostering and promoting research among faculty members in the fields of economic strategy and policy. The initiative is inspired by Cambodia’s role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2022, and it is anticipated that the research efforts will align with the themes and priorities set forth during Cambodia’s chairmanship in advancing the development of the AEC in accordance with the ASEAN Charter.
The Center for Digital Law is situated on the Veal Sbov Campus of NUM and collaborates with various related faculties, including the School of Public Policy, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Digital Economy, the Faculty of Information Technology, and other like-minded research centers, as well as the NUM School of Graduate Studies. The missions of the Center for Digital Law at NUM encompass (i) technology transfer support, functioning as a Technology Transfer Office (TTO); (ii) conducting research and studies on technology and digital laws; and (iii) providing legal training.
The Cambodian Center for International Law serves as a think tank dedicated to promoting and disseminating research on international law.
With the support of USAID Cambodia, the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), in collaboration with The Asia Foundation and the National University of Management (NUM), has launched the "Digital Career Development" project.
This five-year initiative aims to enhance digital employment skills by strengthening the capacity of higher education institutions in Cambodia to meet international standards in assessments. It seeks to increase the availability of scholarships, internships, and relationship-building opportunities, thereby supporting the implementation of skills development and employment opportunities for Cambodian youth. As a partner in this project, NUM has established a Career Center, also supported by USAID.
The CamboVerse Center is dedicated to exploring and developing virtual and augmented reality experiences that highlight Cambodian cultural and historical contexts. This center not only promotes the preservation of cultural heritage but also facilitates its innovative dissemination through modern technology, ensuring it remains accessible to a global audience and future generations. By integrating technology with cultural education, the CamboVerse Center aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of Cambodian culture, history, and contributions on a global scale.
The NUM Social Innovation Lab is an integral component of the EU-funded South-East Asian Social Innovation Network (SEASIN), with additional support from SMART Axiata.
This Lab not only serves as a venue for seminars and interactive workshops focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship but also functions as an incubator to nurture and launch new social ventures.
Empowering Future Leaders in Public Policy!