On 10 March 2026, leaders of the General Secretariat of the National Assembly of Cambodia met with a delegation from the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh to discuss expanded cooperation in policy research and the establishment of a think tank within the National Assembly.
According to the National Assembly, the meeting involved Dr. Cheang Vannarith, Deputy Secretary-General and head of the National Assembly’s advisory team, and Professor Yang Jiemian, Chairman of the Academic Affairs Advisory Council of SIIS.
Background
The discussion was presented as part of the National Assembly’s effort to modernize its institution and strengthen in-depth policy research capacity. Cambodian officials stated that the initiative is being promoted under the leadership of National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, with a focus on enhancing policy research and building a think tank within the parliamentary institution.
Key Points Discussed
Cambodian representatives said that stronger policy research capacity would support more evidence-based and scientific decision-making in policy and legislative work. The SIIS delegation shared institutional experience in research development and highlighted the importance of expanding research institutions within higher education settings.
Professor Yang Jiemian stated that building a high-quality and professional think tank requires strong leadership, clear institutional mechanisms, and long-term commitment. Both sides also emphasized continued Cambodia-China cooperation, particularly through knowledge exchange between research institutions and legislative bodies.
Institutional Significance
The meeting indicates an intention by the National Assembly Secretariat to deepen research support structures connected to legislative work. It also records an instance of Cambodia-China institutional engagement focused on policy research capacity and parliamentary advisory development, rather than a formal legal or regulatory action.
Official Source
National Assembly of Cambodia, Facebook post published on 10 March 2026.
