Dr. Kieng Rotana, President of Western University, and Dr. Soeung Rasmey, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Office at the Royal University of Agriculture, participated in the EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, from 8–11 September 2026. Their participation formed part of the CHAIn project under the Erasmus+ programme, supporting efforts to strengthen international cooperation and advance higher education internationalisation in Cambodia.

The conference and exhibition provided opportunities to engage with university representatives, international relations professionals, and higher education stakeholders from around the world. Through networking and discussions, the Cambodian representatives exchanged experiences, explored shared interests, and established connections that could support future academic cooperation. Their engagement also offered opportunities to reconnect with existing partners and discuss ways to further develop institutional relationships.

Exploring Opportunities for Academic Cooperation

Discussions focused on several areas relevant to the internationalisation priorities of Cambodian higher education institutions. Student and staff mobility was a key area of interest, with exchanges exploring how international partnerships could broaden access to learning, teaching, training, and professional development opportunities. Such cooperation can help students develop intercultural understanding and international perspectives while enabling academic and administrative staff to exchange expertise and strengthen institutional practices.

Joint research and knowledge exchange were also explored as potential areas of collaboration. Connecting institutions with complementary expertise can provide a basis for developing research ideas, sharing approaches, and addressing common challenges. Continued dialogue with potential partners will be important to identify specific interests and assess opportunities for collaboration.

Another area of discussion concerned curriculum development and innovative learning opportunities, including short courses and micro-credentials. These exchanges offered a platform to consider how international cooperation could support more flexible learning pathways, enrich academic programmes, and respond to changing educational and professional needs.

The representatives also explored opportunities for future Erasmus+ cooperation, including International Credit Mobility and Capacity Building in Higher Education projects. Networking with institutions interested in these programmes provided a starting point for identifying shared priorities and considering potential partnerships for future initiatives.

Supporting Internationalisation through CHAIn

Participation in EAIE contributed to the objectives of the CHAIn project by connecting Cambodian higher education institutions with a wider international network and supporting the exchange of knowledge on internationalisation practices. Engagement with overseas institutions offered opportunities to learn about different approaches to partnership development, mobility management, and international cooperation.

These exchanges can inform institutional efforts to strengthen international relations functions and connect international activities more closely with teaching, research, and institutional development. They also highlighted the importance of establishing clear cooperation priorities and ensuring that international partnerships respond to the needs of students, staff, and their institutions.

For Western University and the Royal University of Agriculture, the event provided a platform to introduce their institutions, share academic interests, and explore how cooperation with international partners could contribute to their development goals. Participation also helped raise awareness of CHAIn and its efforts to advance internationalisation within Cambodia’s higher education sector.

Building a Foundation for Continued Cooperation

International networking is an important first step in developing meaningful institutional partnerships. Beyond making initial connections, sustained cooperation requires continued communication, mutual understanding, and agreement on practical activities that benefit all participating institutions.

The connections established and strengthened at EAIE provide a foundation for further discussions on academic exchange, research cooperation, curriculum development, and future project opportunities. Follow-up will be important to clarify areas of mutual interest, connect relevant academic units, and identify feasible next steps.

Through their participation in EAIE 2026, the representatives of Western University and the Royal University of Agriculture contributed to CHAIn’s broader efforts to expand international engagement and strengthen cooperation between Cambodian and overseas higher education institutions. These efforts aim to create meaningful academic and professional opportunities for university communities while supporting the long-term development of higher education internationalisation in Cambodia.