The Australian Center for Education (ACE) held the official opening ceremony for its Tuol Kork campus last Wednesday, attended by government officials, embassies, NGOs and multinational, public and private organisations. .
Established by IDP Education in 1992 to provide English language training to UNTAC – United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia – staff, ACE is widely regarded as its first English language training delivery in Cambodia and the region.
The Tuol Kork campus is one of six ACE centers run by IDP Education in Cambodia, reflecting the continued high demand for English skills among young Cambodians and non-native international English speakers.
ACE Tuol Kork was operational in 2018, but due to the pandemic, official opening formalities have been delayed until now.
ACE welcomes over 20,000 students each term in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and online through its virtual campus platform. Approximately 700,000 students representing 38 nationalities have studied at ACE over the past 30 years.
HE Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, HE Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, and Mao Sreng, ACE/IDP Education Country Director, presided over the ceremony.
Mao Sreng, Country Director of ACE/IDP Education. PROVIDED
Underlining the importance of learning English, the Minister of Education said: “English is very important for students to acquire knowledge, as a means of communication and as a gateway to study all other subjects. . Mastering and having a better command of English is very important to improve the quality of higher education in Cambodia and pursue lifelong learning goals.
Referring to Cambodia’s role as ASEAN Chair this year, Chuon Naron said, “English is an ASEAN language, and a good command of English is important for participating in meetings and meetings. ASEAN releases. I want to congratulate ACE for providing these essential English skills to so many Cambodians for over three decades.
After a tour of the new campus, Ambassador Kang said, “During these 30 years, ACE has exceeded international standards by ensuring students have access to highly qualified teachers and world-class technology, such as available here in Toul Kork.
“ACE has remained at the forefront of innovation in education, especially during the early stages of Covid, and was the first major educational institution in Cambodia to develop a fully functional learning management system which allowed students to continue their learning online.
“This innovation enables ACE to manage ongoing business risks, particularly those currently presented by the Omicron variant, by adopting a hybrid model of face-to-face and online learning.”
Commenting on ACE’s growing global reputation, the Ambassador said: “Last year ACE won the prestigious ‘PIEoneer Language Educator of the Year’ award in London and, being selected by a jury of 43 judges from universities, institutions and professional bodies in 25 countries, I am happy to say that ACE is truly recognized internationally as an institution of excellence.
Kang also reflected on the educational institution’s commitment to CSR: “ACE should be recognized for its corporate social responsibility through the organization’s social communities and, through its student ambassadors. , students and alumni, supporting the local community on education, the environment, poverty and national emergencies.
“During the pandemic, ACE’s provision of refreshments to frontline workers and opening a campus as a vaccination center was commendable.”
Sreng said in his welcome address, “2022 marks 30 years of our operations and contribution to the education sector in Cambodia through our English language teaching, IELTS testing and job placement services. foreigner.
“I am delighted to lead a dedicated team to provide world-class education services to our students in Cambodia.
“We are also actively at the forefront of sharing best practices in the ELT industry through various international professional development forums, including the annual CamTESOL conference series.”
Currently, ACE offers face-to-face and virtual English programs for students, from children aged eight and up to adults and professionals.
The ACE Tuol Kork Campus also houses an IDP Study Abroad Resource Center and the official IELTS Cambodia test center office.
Partly owned by Australian universities, IDP Education is a global leader in international student placement services, with a global network of 130 offices in 47 countries to support students going to study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand , the United States and the United Kingdom.
and Ireland.
Established by the Australian government 53 years ago, IDP Education is also proud co-owner of IELTS (International English Language Testing System), the world’s most popular English proficiency test.
Chuon Naron uncovers a plague on the Tuol Kork campus. PROVIDED
Australian Ambassador HE Pablo Kang (centre) tours the campus. PROVIDED
The Tuol Kork campus is one of six ACE centers. PROVIDED
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