On 9th May 2023, UP’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay signed a historic MOU agreement with Professor Scott Sheppard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (International and External Relations) of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia.

The agreement anticipates, for the very first time, the opportunity for Cambodian students to study for an Australian degree within Cambodia. This opens up exciting opportunities for many more Cambodians to gain valuable international qualifications at a fraction of the price of studying overseas.

Australian university education is world-class and acclaimed everywhere.

Cambodia recognizes Australian quality as Australia is the top destination for Cambodian students worldwide with over 3000 students going to Australia every year – and now they have a pathway to top-quality Australian degrees within Cambodia.

This agreement also expects to open up opportunities for Cambodians to study over 100 postgraduate Masters degree pathways in both health including Masters of Nursing, Psychology, Clinical Sciences, as well as non-health Masters such as project management, Masters of IT, Computer science, etc. QUT is a Top 10 Australian university and is one of Australia’s largest Universities with over 52,000 students and offers academic programs in fields spanning business, creative industries, education, engineering, health, law, science, and social justice across five faculties. QUT is consistently ranked among the top universities in Australia and the world.

Professor Sheppard from QUT said “QUT is proud to partner with UP, Cambodia’s leading university, to provide access to top quality Australian degrees that will make a real difference and open up the World for Cambodian graduates”.

This MOU is a further step in UP’s journey in becoming a top-quality international university – leading Cambodia proudly into achieving Cambodia’s middle-income potential and its scientific and economic ambitions. Already UP is the only Cambodian university to have joined the World Elite in the prestigious international THE (Timer Higher Education Ranking), and UP also recently achieved Top 28th private university in the entire ASEAN region.

The University of Puthisastra is very proud to be the only gateway for Australian degrees in Cambodia.

Celebrating Eng Muyngim’s Victory at the 32nd Sea Game in Siem Reap

On a sunny day in Siem Reap, Cambodian female runner Eng Muyngim crossed the finish line with a huge smile on her face. She had just competed in the 32nd Sea Game, and it was a moment of triumph for her and for all women in sports. The English team from the University of Puthisastra was there to cheer her on, and it was a moment of pride for all of us.

The 32nd Sea Game in Siem Reap was a momentous occasion for Cambodia. Muyngim was nominated to represent Cambodian female runners, and she did not disappoint. She ran with all her might, pushing herself to the limit, and her hard work paid off. She finished the race with a big smile on her face, showing the world that Cambodian women are strong and resilient.

As her colleagues, we are proud to support Muyngim in her journey. Her victory is not just a personal achievement, but a symbol of hope and inspiration for all women in Cambodia and around the world.

We celebrate Muyngim’s victory at the 32nd Sea Game in Siem Reap. She is a true champion, and her triumph is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and determination. We hope that her success will inspire many more young women to follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams with passion and courage.

UP staff attend the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games

On the night of 5 May 2023, the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh came alive as it played host to the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. The SEA Games is the region’s largest multi-sport event, bringing together athletes from eleven participating countries.

For many members of our staff, attending the Opening Ceremony of the SEA Games was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a university, we are proud to have contributed our resources and support towards the hosting of these events, which not only promote sportsmanship and healthy competition but also help to foster greater unity and cooperation among the participating nations. Our staff saw this as an opportunity to show their support for the athletes and be a part of this historic moment.

Walking into the Morodok Techo National Stadium, one couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the excitement and energy of the crowd. From the beautiful costumes of the performers to the magnificent light show and fireworks, the opening ceremony was a visual spectacle that left everyone in awe. As we left the stadium that night, we were left with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games. UP staff felt proud to have played a small role in supporting the hosting of this historic event and to have witnessed moments that will live with us forever.

Using of ChatGPT in Higher Education

ChatGPT has become a household name as a go-to tool for users seeking support in a wide range of complex tasks. From handling complex issues, coding programs, syntax, and translation to designing course syllabuses, solving math problems, summarizing texts, conducting literature reviews, writing abstracts, research policies, project proposals, designing creative content, digital marketing, and analyzing case studies, ChatGPT offers assistance in many areas.

However, the rapid development of ChatGPT, from ChatGPT-1 to the most recent version, ChatGPT-4, has raised concerns among many universities worldwide. The overreliance on ChatGPT has led some students to neglect their full learning potential and use ChatGPT to cheat and use ChatGPT to do their assignments. Although some Asian nations, including Cambodia, have not officially permitted the use of ChatGPT, some students in those countries still find ways to use it without authorisation.

In response to this, CamTech University organized an open discussion on “ChatGPT for Higher Education: To Ban, Or Not To Ban, That Is The Question” on April 27, 2023. Esteemed experts from four different higher education institutions, including Prof. CHHEM K. Rethy (Professor of Technology and Humanity at CamTech), Dr. SAM Seth Serey (Director General, Institute of Digital Research and Innovation, CADT), Mr. TAM Sakirin (Vice Dean of Faculty of ICT at University of Puthisastra), and Mr. Leo Fernandez (Vice President for Academic Affairs, KIT), shared their perspectives on the benefits, challenges, control, and overall view of whether to permit or prohibit the use of ChatGPT in higher education institutes.

After a comprehensive five-hour presentation by local and international researchers, the panel discussion arrived at the consensus that ChatGPT-4 has become a significant and spontaneous assistant for all users and should be permitted within the established policy framework.

UP Pharmacy join US “Clinical Pharmacy” conference

The International Conference on “Practice and Education in Contemporary Clinical Pharmacy” held from June to July 2023 at the University of Illinois Chicago, USA. The Faculty of Pharmacy would like to congratulate the faculty staff and Pharmacy students, including:

Mr. Sor Darayuth, Pharmacy Rotation officer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, was invited by the University of Illinois Chicago on this study tour to enhance the collaboration between the University of Puthisastra and the University of Illinois Chicago. During his visit, the UIC will arrange for meetings with deans, department heads and faculty members. In addition, he will attend a number of sessions at the International Conference on ‘Practice and Education in Contemporary Clinical Pharmacy’, covering a number of topics covered by clinical practice, such as clinical education and patient counseling. Patient Pharmacy, patient case analysis and evaluation.

There will be three Pharmacy students, including:
1. Ms. Leng Lina, 5th year Pharmacy student
2. Heang Phyda, 5th year Pharmacy student
3. Chhour Kimngean, 5th year Pharmacy student

The Faculty of Pharmacy appreciates the efforts of all the alumni. This achievement reflects the ability of Pharmacy students of the University of Puthisastra.

Congratulations to 10 successful students for attending an international conference, Thailand

Congratulations to the 10 students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Puthisastra who have been selected to take part in the International Conference on “RxSU International Summer Program 2023”
International Conference on “RxSU International Summer Program 2023” was held from 5 to 11 June 2023 at Silpakorn International University, Thailand. The Faculty of Pharmacy would like to congratulate 10 medical students, including:
1. Mr. Lat NoreakSathya
2. Ms. Yoy Sovattey
3. Ms. Roth SreyNuch
4. Mr. Loun Channra
5. Ms. Ma Sreyleak
6. Mr. Poul Philip
7. Ms. Ouom Narin
8. Ms. Phy Chanmoulnithik
9. Ms. Sin Chanrozana
10. Ms Chhour Kimngean

The International Conference on “RxSU International Summer Program 2023” will cover the basic topics needed for the system of education, health, research and cultural exchange among students. The Faculty of Pharmacy appreciates the efforts of all the successful students, including professors, teachers, for guiding the students, and this achievement reflects the ability of the medical students of the University of Puthisastra.

The Faculty of Pharmacy strongly believe students will strive to complete their studies to the best of their ability and ethically in order to improve the health sector.

Abt Associates Allyson Bear and PMI VectorLink visit UP

On Wednesday, 10th May 2023, Senior Vice President of Abt Associates Allyson Bear, board members and PMI VectorLink Chief of Party Mr Im Chanry visited the University of Puthisastra. Mr. Ly Chanvatanak, Head of Health Sciences and Biotechnology, and Mr. Hem Chanvatanak have given a warm welcome. The meeting was hosted a meeting with all delegates for collaboration with Abt’s project (PMI VectorLink).

The meeting was focusing on the current collaboration project which is for capacity of molecular works for malaria vector Anopheles mosquitoes of malaria parasite detection and species identification and confirmation. Moreover, there was a laboratory tour of UP’s Laboratories where the collaboration project is taken place.

With this visit, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology, Abt Associates Allyson Bear, and PMI VectorLink believe our collaboration will run more smoothly and successfully.

Youths21 on going activities

UP students actively being creative to make their own projects focusing on the business ideas and start up. This round will be conducted as the competitions. After the first trainings, the students are required to create their business plan, create the video as well as with the presentation with other groups. After the competition there will be only 10 out of 24 universities will be selected for the next round! We wish our students all the best for this competition!

Faculty of ICT in cooperation with Puthi Campaign organize workshop on “Cybercrimes”

Faculty of ICT and Puthi Campaign have conducted a workshop to raise the awareness of cybercrimes. This workshop is opened to all UP students to equip with knowledge about cybercrimes and be able to apply the right tool to protect their online identity. The workshop also shares the tips to project their online data.

MD Students Successfully Defended Their Thesis

On 10 May 2023, Mr. BUNNA Sothearith, Mr. DY Bora and Mrs. DARA Malen successfully defended their thesis entitled “Clinical Manifestations and Management of Newborns with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Hospitalized in The Neonatal Unit at the National Pediatric Hospital in 2019”. The students passed with credit.

The thesis was supervised by Dr. KIM Bunna and Dr. PEN Kakada. The Thesis Examination Committee, chaired by Dr. CHEA Sin, included Dr. KEA Sokleng, Dr. PHAN Samnang, and Dr. SVAY Somana.

G6PD deficiency is an X-linked hereditary condition. In Cambodia the prevalence ranges from 13.4% to 26.1% in males and from 3.1 to 4.3% in females.

The study found that the frequency of G6PDd was 24.7% and the M:F ratio was 1.25:1. Anemia caused 79.6% and fever 42.4% of admissions.

Third-year pharmacy students, 10th generation, and fourth-year pharmacy students, 9th generation, start their internships for the new academic year 2022-2023

Pharmacy students have started their internships for the new academic year 2022-2023 in hospitals throughout Phnom Penh (both public and private hospitals): Preah Ang Duong Hospital, Preah Keto Mealea Hospital, Cambodia-China Friendship Hospital Preah Kosamak, Phnom Penh Referral Hospital, Pochentong Hospital, Choray Phnom Penh Hospital, National Pediatric Hospital, and Kantha Bopha Hospital.

The internship provides students with the opportunity to observe the flow of work in the hospital pharmacies directly. Students can learn in particular about the practicalities and new discoveries that have not been encountered before under the supervision of teachers and pharmacists in hospitals and medical laboratories. The internship lasts for one semester, and our students are encouraged to study hard to gain the knowledge and skills of hospital pharmacists and medical laboratories.

MSIT and BSIT Students Complete First Assessments of New Semester and Batch, with BSIT Y3S1 Wrapping Up for Next Term

The students of the MSIT and BSIT finished their first assessments for the new semesters and Terms accordingly to the different Batches and the last Assessments for the BSIT Y3S1 which their semester is came already to an end and ready for the upcoming one!

Lecturer’s Orientation of semester II (2022-2023) Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology

On 29th of April, 2023, the Department of Science Research and Laboratory Sciences of University of Puthisastra conducted an orientation for lecturers with the participation from Mr. Ly Chanvathanak, Head of Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology, Mr. Say Sinith, Director of Laboratory Sciences, Mr. Be Sokkeang, a program coordinator of Science Research, Mrs. Ken Prohmvibossny, Senior HR officer, Mr. Khel Malin, a Software Developer, lecturers, as well as staff of the faculty. The objectives of this orientation are to demonstrate the overview the curriculum of semester 2, Using UPerP system for taking the attendance, grading, making up class, especially latest updating the UP’s policy from HR department. Through this orientation, the Faculty of Health Sciences and Biotechnology strongly believes that teaching and other activities in the second semester will run smoothly and effectively.

From Data to Action

During April, Dentistrys CIPO team spent time supporting a number of strategic initiatives. The most important of which was to participate in the Ministry of Health lead “Technical Working Group” meeting. The CIPO team shared their experiences in delivery of oral health care to children and in that way they helped to inform the development of the National Action Plan for Oral Health. The other way that they are supporting that initiative is through developing explainer videos and social media content to gather further engagement. We hope these advocacy actions contribute to increased access to care for children in Cambodia

In terms of clinical care, 400 children received treatment and in addition CIPO supported the prison dental project and student research. There are a number of different groups of dental students who are collecting data in order to evaluate our approach to providing care for children with special needs.

The Faculty of Medicine Cooperates with KidsCareEveryWhere

decision support solution with a mission to provide the most useful evidence-based information to healthcare professionals at the point of care to improve health outcomes worldwide. A team will visit UP and provide training on DynaMed use to the students in July. The training could be then extended to part-time lecturers, who are also hospital clinicians. 13 medical students are expected to be DynaMed champions.

During the meeting, Dr. Dieckmann discussed how to possibly allow medical, nursing and pharmacy students to access DynaMed for free by providing institutional access to the University of Puthisastra. DynaMed is a leading clinical

decision support solution with a mission to provide the most useful evidence-based information to healthcare professionals at the point of care to improve health outcomes worldwide. A team will visit UP and provide training on DynaMed use to the students in July. The training could be then extended to part-time lecturers, who are also hospital clinicians. 13 medical students are expected to be DynaMed champions.

Medicine and Pharmacy Students Join Project Lokun

11 students, who are also the planning committee for Lokun Project in Cambodia, from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Puthisastra, together with medical students from the National University of Singapore, went for a humanitarian mission in Pursat Province to provide free-of-charge medical consultations and treatment to people from four villages. The mission lasted 10 days.

This mission has provided the UP students with an opportunity to improve their organizational, management and communication skills in addition to their clinical skills.