The Indian embassy in Phnom Penh inaugurated a new science library at Battambang province’s Anlong Vil High School, in Sangkae district, on October 19.
The library was constructed via an Indian government Quick Impact Project (QIP), explained the embassy, which added that more libraries will be built across the Kingdom.
The Battambang inauguration was attended by Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, and Tanu Priya, the embassy’s chargé d’affaires ad interim.
During the event, Priya highlighted the deep and enduring partnership between India and Cambodia and emphasised that education, innovation and scientific learning are essential pillars of sustainable development.
She noted that the new library will provide students, teachers and the local community with access to science books, practical scientific instruments, computers and hands-on learning resources, creating an environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation and discovery.
It is the second library to open in Battambang, after the January inauguration of a similar facility in Ratanak Mondul district.
The embassy and the science ministry are expected to sign their fourth memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding QIPs in the near future, this time targeting Kampong Thom province.
This reflects the growing institutional cooperation between India and Cambodia in the fields of science, technology, innovation and education, said the embassy.
The project is supported by India’s Mekong–Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework, through which India funds ten Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in Cambodia each year in priority areas such as education, health, women’s empowerment, sanitation and agriculture.
Under this initiative, India has supported a total of 75 QIPs in the Kingdom, of which 55 have been completed.