(Phnom Penh): The Royal University of Agriculture officially launched the DYNAMIC Agribusiness Builder program on July 25, marking a major step in Cambodia’s efforts to nurture a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
This initiative is part of the broader DYNAMIC project (Developing Youth and Nurturing Agripreneurship for Market Impact and Community Growth). DYNAMIC Agribusiness Builder serves as a flagship activity under this project, offering students intensive training, mentorship, field visits, and business incubation opportunities. The program is funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), supported by Khmer Enterprise (KE) and implemented by ChildFund Korea (CFK), Wonders International and Royal University of Agriculture (RUA).
The kickoff event, held on July 25 at the RUA campus, brought together students, trainers, and key partners.
Prof. Houn Thavirak, Vice Rector of RUA, said during the opening remarks, “I encourage all students to fully engage in the program. The university will provide strong support throughout your journey.”
There are 104 RUA students (female 51%) in year 3 and year 4 are participating in the program. The five-weekend training program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering entrepreneurial mindset, agricultural value chains, Lean Canvas, MVP development, financial planning, and pitching. Students will work on real business ideas, with each team receiving $300 for business model and prototype development. The top 10 teams will be awarded an additional $1,000 to further advance their ideas.
“This is not just the launch of a program. It is the beginning of a shared movement,” said Jaekyun Rho, Country Director of CFK Cambodia. “It is driven by bold ideas, collaborative energy, and a deep belief in Cambodia’s agricultural future.”
“Over the next two months, you’ll explore real problems, design real solutions, and test your ideas in the real world,” added Mr. Sung Bum Lee, CEO of Wonders International. “You’ll be supported by mentors, inspired by your peers, and challenged to grow. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start now. Start small. Build what you believe in.”
The kickoff also featured Krech Sreyneang, an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist from Khmer Enterprise, who congratulated the RUA students, expressing hopes for deeper collaboration and increased student engagement with KE in the future.
Sok Kimchhin, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at RUA, concluded the event by summarizing the key messages from the speakers and reaffirming that his team stands ready to provide support to the students throughout the program.
As part of the kickoff, two student representatives also took the stage to share their motivation and expectations for joining the program. They expressed a strong desire to explore agribusiness opportunities and build practical skills for the future.
Running annually until 2027, the DYNAMIC Agribusiness Builder program will be followed each year by a startup competition hosted by the DYNAMIC project. Participants will receive bonus points, reinforcing the project’s focus on promoting agri-entrepreneurship.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is a South Korean government agency that facilitates international cooperation and mutual exchanges between Korea and developing countries through a variety of development programs.
ChildFund Korea (CFK) is an NGO dedicated to protecting children’s rights in Korea and supporting children suffering from poverty and disease for over 77 years.
Wonders International focuses on market-driven international development projects that address the root causes of poverty, going beyond traditional charity models.
=FRESH NEWS
