The Cambodia-South Korea Relationship on Education Aid and Its Implications, 2010-2019
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Abstract
The decade after 2010 marked a turning point for South Korea as a prominent emerging Asian donor nation and member of the traditional donor group exemplifying Official Development Assistance (ODA). Korea was then becoming more important and increasing its rate of aid, while Cambodia was among the leading countries receiving Korean aid. This research analyzed conditions and implications of Korean educational aid to Cambodia in the 2010s. Mixed-methods research was done with statistical data gathered from the Cambodian ODA database, document analysis, and in-depth interviews with policy and practice stakeholders. Results were the following: 1) Korea was one of the top donors to Cambodia, ranking eighth out of 25 providers and fourth in bilateral cooperation; 2) Korea provided, after study of Cambodia’s development plan and Cambodian requirements for universal education, teacher training, and response to emerging global challenges; 3) Korea initiated smart project management to ensure achieving efficiency and goals. As a former aid recipient, Korea was thought to understand Cambodia’s strong reliance on foreign educational aid. While Cambodia benefited from Korean education aid, Korea potentially expanded its product market, tourism, and investment.
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