Cambodia will require at least two generations to build a truly meritocratic bureaucracy and education system, according to researcher Vichana Sar, who argues that deep reform cannot be rushed after decades of upheaval. Writing in No Shortcuts: Why Cambodia Needs Two Generations to Build a Meritocratic Bureaucracy and Education System, Sar points to the destruction of human capital under the Khmer Rouge and the compromises made during post‑war peacebuilding. The Win‑Win Policy of 1998 prioritised reconciliation and stability, which meant retaining existing cadres rather than enforcing strict meritocracy. The result was an inflated bureaucracy reliant on patronage and seniority. Sar says Cambodia is now entering a transformative phase as older officials retire, but stresses that reform must be anchored in seven pillars. These include synergy between the ministries of Education, Labour and Civil Service to create a transparent recruitment pipeline; curbing corruption through digital governance and big data; and introducing a unified STEAM curriculum with stronger foreign language teaching to level the playing field between urban and rural students. Other proposals involve equipping rural schools with solar‑powered computer labs, deploying teachers locally, and using Siem Reap’s Wat Bo Primary School as a national benchmark for discipline and governance. The Royal School of Administration is identified as the professional forge for civil servants, while everyday civic discipline—from traffic compliance to waste management—is seen as the mirror of rule of law. Sar cautions against radical purges, instead urging elites to invest in the competence of their descendants within a transparent system. He frames reform as a collective social contract: government providing digital transparency, wealthy families supporting clean institutions, parents investing in education with integrity, and youth mastering modern skills while remaining patient. The message is clear: Cambodia’s path to a meritocratic state will be long, but achievable if society works together. “These two generations will prove to be a meaningful journey,” Sar concludes, “leading Cambodia toward a prosperous, clean and dignified future on the international stage.” -2026-08-07
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