About

In order to assist Cambodia’s rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, Japan resumed the provision of MEXT scholarship to Cambodia in 1992 in order to equip the new seeds of human resources to support the social base of the country. Thanks to this, many Cambodian students have pursued their dream of quality education in Japan, a home of the inspiration of cutting-edge technologies and the second largest economy in the world. In 1992, the first group of Cambodian students departed to study in Japan; this happened after the official ending of civil war in Cambodia. Since then, an ever increasing number of graduates of various scholarships, and even self-financed students, have returned home. They have been playing important roles within Cambodian society, be that of public servants, private sectors, academic institutions, or NGOs. 

With a significant increase in number of alumni’s presence in Cambodia, a group of Cambodian students graduated from academic institutions in Japan, who share a common view on the importance of binding the alumni network, have initiated the establishment of Japan Alumni of Cambodia, better known as JAC. The first Tsudoi 集い (gathering) by founding members who had just graduated from Japan was in 1999. The Ministry of Interior approved the creation of JAC on July 5th, 2002. The official establishment of JAC was held on August 31, 2002. In June 2006, JAC was formally accepted as a member of ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA). Being a member of ASCOJA, JAC cultivates further opportunity of growth and extension of network beyond Cambodia.

Cambodian students who graduated from universities or any academic institutions including short-term training in Japan either under private or government-sponsored programs are eligible to be a member of JAC. Currently, JAC has approximately 900 registered members, making this association one of the oldest and biggest alumni associations of Cambodians studying overseas.

JAC is governed by a board comprising five members, including the current president, two former presidents, and two former general secretaries. This structure ensures a smooth transfer of JAC’s legacy and activities from one generation to the next, embodying the Sempai-Kohai principle, which emphasizes the mentorship between seniors and juniors.

Cambodian students who graduated from universities or any academic institutions including short-term training in Japan either under private or government-sponsored programs are eligible to be a member of JAC. Currently, JAC has approximately 900 registered members, making this association one of the oldest and biggest alumni associations of Cambodians studying overseas.