Yeungnam University President Choi Oechul Receives Honorary Doctorate in Education from Western University, Cambodia

Choi Oechul, President of Yeungnam University, was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Education from Western University in Cambodia on the 14th of last month, a fact that was revealed belatedly on the 4th.

President Choi is the first foreigner to receive an honorary doctorate from Western University in Cambodia. He was recognized for his contributions to nurturing Cambodian talent and national development through supporting the establishment of the Saemaul Economic Development Department at Western University. He is credited with playing a decisive role in rooting Korean education, culture, and Saemaul studies in Cambodia.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Im Cha-il-li (right) is congratulating Yeungnam University President Choi Oe-chul, who received an honorary doctorate, by presenting him with a bouquet.

President Choi, who serves as an advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, has been continuously requested directly by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly to impart Saemaul studies, with the first tangible result being the Saemaul Economic Development Department at Western University.

Yeungnam University has supported the establishment and operation of the Saemaul Economic Development Department at Western University and jointly operates a 2+2 dual degree program. The first cohort of students enrolled in 2022; they study at Western University for two years and then transfer to Yeungnam University's Department of Saemaul International Development in 2024 to study Saemaul studies in Korea for two years. Upon graduation, they receive bachelor's degrees from both Western University and Yeungnam University simultaneously.

Since 2014, President Choi has served as an advisor to the Cambodian Prime Minister, providing government policy advice on various projects related to Cambodia's national development, especially in rural development utilizing the Saemaul Movement. Since his tenure as the inaugural dean of the Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School (PSPS) at Yeungnam University, established in 2011, he has supported over 50 Cambodian government and key institution officials in pursuing master's degree programs.

Students who studied at Yeungnam University are currently active as senior policymakers and operational leaders in major Cambodian government ministries and other sectors.

On August 14th, Western University held a degree conferral ceremony for President Choi, attended by Chairman Te Laurent, President Kieng Rotana, faculty members, staff, students, and numerous public officials who graduated from Yeungnam University's Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School.

Notably, the ceremony was attended by Touch Visalsok, Deputy Minister of the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, who provided a direct explanation of the background behind the honorary doctorate award. At the event, Deputy Minister Visalsok stated, “The government recognizes President Choi Oechul’s contributions to Cambodia’s development, and we believe the exchange and cooperation between Western University and Yeungnam University will greatly contribute to the spread of the Saemaul Movement in Cambodia. The dual degree program in Saemaul studies between the two universities is expected to serve as a bridge extending beyond inter-university cooperation to international cooperation. The government will continue to support this with responsibility.”

President Choi expressed his gratitude, saying, “As an educator and Saemaul studies researcher, I have only made modest efforts to nurture talent in developing countries including Cambodia, so I am thankful to receive the honor of an honorary doctorate. I believe that all people, regardless of race, skin color, place of residence, religion, gender, occupation, or income level, should be respected and able to enjoy a dignified life. I will strive to improve the quality of life for many people around the world who are facing difficulties.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.