The Australian Centre for Education (ACE) hosted the Official Opening Ceremony of its Tuol Kork Campus on the morning of Wednesday 2 March 2022, with representatives from government, embassies, NGOs and multinational organizations, both public and private, in attendance.

Established by IDP Education in 1992 to provide English language training to UNTAC (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) personnel, ACE is widely regarded for its premier English language training delivery in Cambodia and the region.

Left to right: HE Pablo Kang, HE Dr HANG Chuon Naron, Mr MAO Sreng

The Tuol Kork campus is one of 6 ACE centres operated by IDP Education in Cambodia, reflecting the continuing high demand for English language skills among young Cambodians and international non-native English speakers. ACE Tuol Kork was operational in 2018 but due to the pandemic the official opening formalities were delayed until now.

ACE caters to over 20,000 students each term in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and online through its virtual campus platform. Around 700,000 students representing 38 nationalities have studied at ACE over the past 30 years.

His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, His Excellency Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, and ACE / IDP Education Country Director, Mr Mao Sreng, presided over the ceremony.

HE Dr Naron delivering his opening remarks at the ACE Tuol Kork opening ceremony

Emphasizing the importance of English learning, the Education Minister remarked, “English is very important for students, to gain knowledge, as a means of communication, and as a bridge to study all other subjects. Mastering and having an enhanced command of English is very important to improve the quality of higher education in Cambodia and pursue lifelong learning goals.”

Referring to Cambodia’s role as this year’s ASEAN chair, he continued: “English is a language of ASEAN and a good command of English is important to participate in ASEAN meetings and communiques. I would like to commend ACE for providing these essential English language skills to so many Cambodians for over three decades.”

HE Pablo Kang giving his special remarks to invited dignitaries and guests

Following a tour of the new campus the Australian Ambassador, HE Pablo Kang, noted, “During these 30 years, ACE has exceeded international standards by ensuring students have access to highly qualified teachers and world class technology such as that available here at Toul Kork. ACE has remained at the forefront of education innovation, especially during the early stages of Covid, and was the first major education institution in Cambodia to develop a fully functioning Learning Management System that allowed students to continue their learning online.”

“This innovation is allowing ACE to manage the on-going corporate risks, especially those currently presented by the Omicron variant, by adopting a hybrid model of both face-to-face and online learning.”

Remarking on ACE’s growing reputation globally, the Ambassador commented, “Last year, ACE won the prestigious PIEoneer Language Educator of the Year award in London, and given that it was selected by an international panel of 43 judges from leading universities, institutions, and professional bodies across 25 countries, I’m glad to say that ACE is truly recognized internationally as an institution of excellence.”

He also reflected on the school’s commitment to CSR: “ACE should be acknowledged for their Corporate Social Responsibility, through the social communities of the organization and through its student ambassadors, students and alumni, supporting the local community on education, environment, poverty and in times of national emergency. During the pandemic, ACE provision of refreshments to frontline workers, and the opening of a campus as vaccination centre, was very commendable.”

Mr MAO Sreng welcomes guests from government, the Australian embassy, NGOs and multinational organizations

“2022 marks 30 years of our operation and contribution to the education sector in Cambodia through our English language teaching, IELTS testing and study abroad placement services. I’m delighted to lead a dedicated team to deliver world class education services to our students in Cambodia. We are also actively at the forefront of sharing best practices in the ELT industry through various international professional development forums, including the annual CamTESOL conference series,” said Mr Mao Sreng in his welcome remarks.

Currently, ACE offers both face-to-face and virtual English programs for students starting from young children from eight years old to adults and professionals.

The Tuol Kork campus is also home to an IDP Study Abroad Resource Centre and the IELTS Cambodia Official Test Centre office.

Part-owned by Australian universities, IDP Education is a world leader in international student placement services with a global network of 130 offices in 47 countries, to assist students going to study in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, the UK and Ireland.

Established by the Australian government 53 years ago, IDP Education is also a proud co-owner of IELTS (International English Language Testing System), the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test.

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• Tags: Australian Centre for Education