AKP Phnom Penh, October 2, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed that investment in education and health remains the top priorities of the Royal Government of Cambodia, stressing that the Government has not cut spending on the two key sectors.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of over 2,000 students of Asia Euro University, held in Phnom Penh this morning, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the budget allocated to the education sector in 2027 is expected to increase by 4.7 percent compared with 2026, reaching around US$1.1 billion annually.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the increase demonstrates the Royal Government’s continued attention to human resource development and the provision of quality education for the Cambodian people.

The Prime Minister also reassured the public that increased spending on the defence sector would not come at the expense of education and health.

“There is no need to worry about budget cuts to education and health. If budget reductions are necessary, these two sectors will be the last to be cut,” he stressed.

For the health sector, the 2027 budget is also projected to increase, although at a more moderate rate of 1.5 percent, reaching approximately US$680 million.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet further underlined that the Royal Government would continue its social assistance programmes despite economic challenges stemming from external factors, including conflicts, inflation and rising fuel prices.

The Royal Government would continue to consider appropriate measures to support and assist the people, particularly those facing difficulties amid the challenging economic environment, the Premier said.

By Heng Panha