EPIC Summit 2025

The new EPIC (Enhancing Pedagogy in Cambodia) Alliance has evolved out of a recognition among Cambodian and international education and development professionals of the unique circumstances of the Cambodian education sector and the need and opportunity for relevant, evidence-based research to guide policy-makers and practitioners. This has found particular resonance in Ireland where there is now extensive long-term engagement. Building on the success of the recent Professional Identity for Khmer Teachers (PIKT) research project, this Alliance will seek inspiration from the learnings at the upcoming EPIC Summit to:

1) Build bridges between cultures, highlight impactful practices, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of educators worldwide.
2) Expand collaborations led by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) beyond the topic of teacher identity to include other facets of teacher and pedagogical development.
3) Broaden and deepen the extent of the network partnerships across Cambodia and the island of Ireland, and include international participation from HEIs in both the global north and south.
4) Expand the platform for research, innovation and practice improvement, increasing international collaboration and support for improved educational outcomes in Cambodia and elsewhere.
5) Increase awareness in the global north concerning Cambodian education challenges and opportunities, disseminating evidence and practice on what works to improve educational outcomes for Cambodian Children.
6) Advocate for evidence-based investment in Cambodian education to drive improvement of teaching and learning.

Why Cambodia?

Cambodian education today presents a ‘perfect storm’ of challenges. Exacerbating the privations of its under-developed, largely agrarian economy is Cambodia’s unique and terrible history of brutal oppression that specifically targeted educators and intellectuals.

In recent years the country has made significant progress in developing public education; however, it has come from a very low starting point and the legacy of poor school attainment, inadequate resources, and constrained teacher professional development, remains.

However, with the benefit of well-designed workshops and ongoing support, such as demonstrated by the PIKT Project, Cambodian teachers can redefine their professional status and become agents of positive change in their classrooms and communities.

This Summit will amplify these efforts via a platform for global dialogue in the culturally rich city of Siem Reap.

Start: 14 July 2025

End: 16 July 2025