China’s Guangxi University is determined to establish its first Khmer language faculty, which will be followed by the establishment of a Cambodian studies programme.

Since its inception, the university has educated thousands of students from Asean. Currently, there are about 1,300 students in its foreign language institute, whereby 70 Cambodians study in various undergraduate, masters and doctorate programmes.

“Our university is being recognised at the national level as a member of Project 211, a government-funded initiative to elevate research and faculty hiring standards for a select group of rising Chinese universities,” said Qin Chengqiang, dean of the university’s Sino-Canadian International College.

He added that Cambodian students at the university are under full scholarship from the Chinese government while others hold university scholarships.

Mr Qin said that Cambodian students are well-behaved and are focused on their studies with hopes to complete their programmes in order to return home and be employed by the public and private sectors.

“We do recognise that these students are now competent in two languages – Khmer and Mandarin – and the university is considering measures to introduce English language classes so that the students would be proficient in a total of three languages,” he added. “They will have a better chance of getting jobs.”

“Guangxi University was selected as a beneficiary of the Double First Class University Plan, with funding awarded to the Department of Civil Engineering,” Mr Qin said. “Four disciplines in engineering, agriculture science and material science have been ranked in the top global one percent according to Thompson Reuters.”

The university grants bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across 27 colleges and departments, including 98 undergraduate majors.

Mr Qin said Guangxi University is also at the forefront of the Belt and Road Initiative as China looks for comprehensive Asean connectivity.

The university is considering opening specialised schools and faculties to better prepare Asean students to take advantage of a growing relationship with China.

To this end, Mr Qin said the university may expand its School of Asean Research by creating the Cambodian studies programme for students to have a deeper and better understanding about Cambodia, its culture, heritage, and economic and political standing.

He noted that due to specialised funding from the Chinese government, the university bolstered its key departments.

“In 2001, Guangxi University and the South China University of Technology entered into an agreement to support the former,” Mr Qin said. “In September 2007, the university established its School of International Education. Now the school teaches Chinese languages and administers international collaboration.”