Logo Ponlok Chomnes

Ponlok Chomnes is a four-year initiative to strengthen the capacity of the knowledge sector and inform public policy analysis and dialogue in Cambodia. In partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Asia Foundation is strengthening organizational and technical capacity among Cambodian research institutions and creating an enabling environment for policy dialogue. Program Overview l Ponlok Chomnes in Brief.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS
  • Conduct diagnostic assessments of Cambodia’s knowledge sector landscape.
  • Support four local research institutions through providing technical and institutional capacity development.
  • Provide up to nine small grants to organizations to conduct research focused on priority policy areas at local and/or national level, with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion.
  • Foster policy dialogue by encouraging partners to host regular policy discussions and forums.
  • Create opportunities for greater and more inclusive networking across knowledge sector actors
KNOWLEDGE SECTOR
  • The Knowledge Sector is the institutional landscape of government, private sector, and civil society organisations that provide research and analysis to support the development of public policy.
  • The Knowledge Sector includes:

  • THINK TANKS

  • UNIVERSITIES

  • SPECIALIZED AGENCIES

  • PRIVATE RESEARCH CONSULTANTS

  • NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

HOW DOES PONLOK CHOMNES WORK?
  • Local research institutions are empowered to determine research topics that align with Cambodia’s development priorities.
  • Technical and organizational capacity development available through the program helps Cambodian research organizations to build on their existing strengths.
  • The program iteratively refines its approach using evidence gathered during implementation.
  • The program connects partners in Cambodia, other ASEAN countries, and Australia to build research networks and promote collaboration.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Technical Advisory Council provides strategic advice to support the successful implementation of the program. Other roles of the Technical Advisory Council include:

  • Providing insights and recommendations to support the successful implementation of the program.
  • Promoting visibility of the program.
  • Advising on how the effectiveness and efficiency of the program can be improved.
  • Advising ways the program can ensure it is in line with policies, laws and regulations in Cambodia.
  • Connecting the program to appropriate networks to expand effectiveness and impact where possible.

Ms. PHEAN Sophoan

Country Director
Oxfam

H.E. MAK Ngoy

Director General
Directorate General for Higher Education
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport

H.E. NGAN Chamroeun

Secretary of State
Ministry of Interior

H.E. ROS Seilava

Secretary of State
Ministry of Economy and
Finance

Ms. ENG Chandy

Executive Director
GADC

Ms. SIN Putheary

Executive Director
CCC

H.E. TEAN Samnang

President
National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

H.E. TOUN Thavrak

Secretary of State
Ministry of Planning

Mr. Andreas Zurbrugg

Deputy Ambassador
Australian Embassy

ENGAGE WITH US

Follow the Australian Embassy Phnom Penh Facebook page and the Policy Pulse website to see calls for Expression of Interest in either core funding or Emerging Research Fund opportunities.

In addition to our core partners and Emerging Research Fund recipients, we look forward to collaborating with other knowledge sector institutions in Cambodia and the region. Reach out directly to express your interest in our annual policy forums, regular policy dialogue events, and other policy research activities.