PHNOM PENH — Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) celebrated a monumental milestone on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, hosting its prestigious 12th Commencement Ceremony at the Samdech Hun Sen and National Institute of Education (NIE) Cultural Center Auditorium. The grand event brought together hundreds of graduates, distinguished officials, and proud families to honor the successful academic completion of Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
The momentous occasion was presided over by H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport. The ceremony was further elevated by the spiritual presence of Samdech Preah Udom Vongsā Dr. Kou Sopheap, Member of the Therasaphā and Senior Advisor to PUC, who had delivered profound moral guidance and blessings to the graduating class.

A Vision of Peace: Welcome Address by Lokta Pandita Dr. Kol Pheng
The ceremony officially commenced with an inspiring welcome address by Lokta Pandita Dr. Kol Pheng, Founder and President of PUC. Expressing his profound gratitude to the families and faculty, Dr. Kol Pheng highlighted the university’s enduring commitment to providing a world-class, holistic education. He emphasized that PUC was built on a vision to nurture compassionate, enlightened leaders who utilize their knowledge with empathy and integrity to build a culture of peace and sustainable development in Cambodia.

Aligning Higher Education with National Growth and Digital Transformation
Following the welcome address, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron delivered a powerful keynote speech. He highly commended the graduates’ resilience and praised Lokta Pandita Dr. Kol Pheng for establishing an institution that serves as a cornerstone for Cambodia’s human resource development.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that PUC stands out as a premier higher education provider due to its unique integration of international academic standards with deeply rooted Buddhist values—encapsulated in the university’s core motto, Sīla Samādhi Paññā. Addressing the realities of a rapidly evolving global economy, he urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning to effectively navigate digital transformation and globalization, while consistently upholding professional ethics and social responsibility.

A Community Tribute to Sacrifice and Success
The ceremony culminated in the formal conferment of degrees, where top-tier graduates received their diplomas directly from the Deputy Prime Minister. Following the departure of the state delegation, university management—led by Dr. Kol Pheng and Chancellor Dr. Sam-Ang Sam—officially confirmed the graduate status of the entire class.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed profound appreciation to the university’s academic staff, parents, and guardians, noting that their endless sacrifices are the true driving force behind these youths—the structural pillars of Cambodia’s socio-economic future.