IDP Cambodia has received two prestigious honours at the Global Excellence Awards 2024, in the Community Endeavour and Greener Futures Awards categories, highlighting its leadership in social impact and environmental innovation across the region.
Mr Sreng MAO, Country Director of IDP Education and the Australian Centre for Education, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements and the organisation’s sustained commitment to ESG and CSR initiatives. “These accolades underscore the transformative impact IDP Cambodia’s teams are creating within the communities we serve,” he said.
The Community Endeavour Award was awarded for the Cambodia International Debate & Public Speaking Championship Series (CamDEBATE), a platform that enhances public speaking and debate skills among students. This initiative seeks to foster dialogue on diverse perspectives, enhance academic and English language abilities, and address critical issues in Cambodia's education system, including the demand for soft skills, gender inequality and limited English proficiency in rural areas, ultimately preparing young Cambodians for global opportunities.
In 2024, CamDEBATE attracted over 900 contestants from more than 200 schools and universities across 17 provinces and 9 countries. The final event drew over 1,500 attendees, reinforcing IDP Education's standing as a leader in Cambodian education.
GEA Community Endeavour: From community engagement and info sessions, orientation and training series to a thrilling finale, CamDEBATE 2024 was supported by ministries, the British embassy, and prestigious institutions locally and internationally, alongside over 200 schools and universities across Cambodia.
Commenting on CamDEBATE’s strong community-focus, British Ambassador to Cambodia, HE Dominic Williams, a judge in the most recent edition, remarked, “The dedication and effort demonstrated by the contestants highlights their strong commitment to personal growth. Through intensive training in critical thinking, effective communication and thorough research, they are not only preparing for competition but also developing into the confident leaders of tomorrow.”
IDP Education Cambodia was also recognized for its commitment to sustainability with the Greener Futures Award. The organisation actively hosts numerous large-scale events each year, engaging more than 50,000 participants while promoting waste reduction and eco-friendly practices, and environmental literacy.
CamTESOL, a key event in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on professional development for English language educators, exemplifies this commitment. The conference welcomes over 1,700 delegates annually and emphasises sustainability through waste reduction and management, promoting the use of reusable and recycled materials, eco-friendly transportation, and much more.
GEA Greener Futures: Attracting participants from around the world, CamDEBATE 2024 set new benchmarks for sustainable event management, reducing its waste and carbon footprint, and promoting environmental literacy
Sreng added, “We are inspired and look forward to strengthening our commitment to driving sustainable development and meaningful community-focused initiatives, creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.”
IDP Education operates over 190 offices in 80 countries, successfully placing more than 500,000 students in world-class institutions across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, the USA, and Canada since 1969.
As a proud co-owner of IELTS (International English Language Testing System), recognized by over 12,500 organisations worldwide, IDP Education has operated the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) since 1992. ACE is the world’s leading provider of English language teaching and training, serving over 100,000 students annually from more than 30 nationalities across its campuses in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as through virtual classes.