(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on public and private universities to uphold academic integrity by ensuring degrees are awarded only to students who have genuinely earned them.

Speaking at the Royal University of Law and Economics' graduation ceremony on Thursday (Aug. 6), which also marked the inauguration of a new six-storey academic building, the prime minister urged higher education institutions to prioritize practical skills and quality learning over simply issuing qualifications.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet cautioned against excessive reliance on artificial intelligence, warning that graduates who depend on AI without first mastering fundamental knowledge would be ill-prepared for the workforce.

"Technology should support learning, not replace it," the premier said, adding that students must build strong foundational knowledge before using AI as a learning tool.

The prime called on universities to establish clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI and urged the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to work closely with higher education institutions to continuously improve teaching quality.

He also encouraged students to develop deep expertise in one or two fields, stressing that genuine knowledge, practical skills, and competence are far more valuable than grades or academic titles.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed that maintaining high academic standards is key to developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Cambodia's long-term growth and development.
=FRESH NEWS