The Government of India has provided a grant to set up an IT Centre at the Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University (SBU)’s Main Campus and Battambang Branch.
A MoU on the IT Centre establishment was signed at the SBU yesterday by His Eminent Samdech Preah Mahaariyavamsa Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Acting Rector of the SBU, and H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The event was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Seng Somony, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Cult and Religion, Kingdom of Cambodia, and other faculty members of SBU.
This initiative is Government of India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) Scheme under the framework of Mekong Ganga Cooperation, said a press release of the Indian Embassy AKP received this afternoon,.
Speaking on the occasion, His Eminent Samdech Preah Mahaariyavamsa Dr. Khy Sovanratana thanked the Government and Embassy of India for providing grants for setting up an IT Centre at SBU which will benefit students, monks and faculty.
The SBU acting rector particularly thanked the Ambassador for her continuous support and cooperation that has been extended to SBU. He stated that relationship between Cambodia and India is centuries old and Cambodia has learnt religion, philosophy, art and nirwana (happiness) from India.
While expressing her appreciation that the signing of the MoU is taking place during the auspicious occasion of Pchum Ben, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, recalled the age old bonds of friendship, shared culture & heritage. She stated that Buddhism forms an integral part of historical linkages between Cambodia and India.
The Indian ambassador continued that the IT Centre at SBU will increase digital literacy and explained the initiatives of the Government of India under various bilateral and multilateral frameworks, including under Mekong Ganga Cooperation framework. She stressed on the positive impact of such projects towards the enhancement of the overall bilateral relationship. She also added that it is her endeavour to support projects, which will have direct impact on the lives of common people.
According to the press release, the Government of India cooperates with the Royal Government of Cambodia on many grant assistance programmes that contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the people of Cambodia. Under QIP Scheme, the Government of India implements 10 projects every year in Cambodia by providing a funding of up to US$ 50,000/- each per project.
Since 2015-16, the Government of India has approved 39 projects in the fields of IT, agriculture, health, sanitation, women’s empowerment, child welfare, rural development, social infrastructure (including capacity building), environment, etc. Out of 39 projects, 20 projects have already been completed and the remaining 19 projects are at various stages of execution. These projects have received overwhelming response and created a distinct and visible impact among the beneficiaries.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press