AKP Phnom Penh, August 26, 2026 --

A senior official of the Royal Government of Cambodia instructed a cohort of scholarship recipients heading to Russia to serve as cultural ambassadors and accurately communicate the nation's key policy stances on border security and cybercrime prevention.

H.E. Santepundit Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister and Head of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), delivered the remarks Tuesday during a get-together at the Office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh with 40 Cambodian scholarship recipients bound for Russia.

Addressing the students, led by Mr. Khveng Phearom, head of the Association of Cambodian Students in the Russian Federation, H.E. Chhay Sinarith congratulated them on their academic achievements. He emphasised that Russia's high-standard education system – particularly in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and international relations – presents a valuable opportunity for students to acquire advanced skills needed to support national development upon their return.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith, who completed his own higher education in Russia during the 1980s, shared personal experiences to help the students adapt to academic and daily life abroad.

He urged the students to prioritise their health, master the Russian language, strictly obey local laws, and act as cultural representatives to strengthen ties with foreign peers and the Russian public.

Highlighting current policy priorities, the Senior Minister detailed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s firm commitment to eradicating online scams to safeguard national security and reputation. He outlined state measures including strict law enforcement against online crime networks, draft anti-cyber scam legislation, and enhanced international cooperation.

He added that Cambodia is preparing to host the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) from Sept. 23-24, 2026, gathering government officials, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and tech firms worldwide to tackle global cyber fraud.

Regarding border issues with Thailand, H.E. Chhay Sinarith assured the students that Cambodia remains steadfast in resolving disputes peacefully through international law, noting that the international community recognises the geopolitical realities along the border.

In response, Mr. Khveng Phearom expressed gratitude for the guidance and reaffirmed that the students – pursuing doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and medical degrees – are committed to academic excellence, respecting host nation laws, and proudly promoting Cambodian culture during their studies in Russia.

By K. Rithy Reak