Phnom penh: An Information Technology (IT) Centre was inaugurated at Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University in Phnom Penh on Oct. 23, supported by the Government of India under the Quick Impact Project (QIP) scheme of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework. The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Holiness Samdech Bour Kry, Great Supreme Patriarch of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya Order of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Rector of Preah Sihamoniraja Buddhist University; H.E. Sdechpheakdey Nguon, Vice Rector of the University and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Cults and Religious Affairs; and H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, along with distinguished monks, faculty members, and students.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, under the Quick Impact Project Scheme of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), India provides grant assistance for ten projects annually in Cambodia, focusing on socio-economic development in key sectors such as education, health, sanitation, women’s empowerment, and agriculture, among others. To date, India has sanctioned 64 Quick Impact Projects in Cambodia, with 47 successfully completed and 17 currently in progress.

In his remarks, the Ambassador underlined the deep and time-honoured civilisational bond between India and Cambodia, strengthened through centuries of spiritual and cultural exchanges-especially Buddhism, which continues to inspire both nations in compassion, wisdom, and peace. He noted that India’s support to Buddhist educational institutions reflects a meaningful effort to preserve this shared spiritual heritage while advancing digital literacy and technological empowerment.

H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung highlighted that similar IT Centres have been established by India at Preah Sihanoukraja Buddhist University in Phnom Penh, its Battambang branch, and Samdech Preah Mahasangharajah Bour Kry University, reflecting the shared commitment to promoting education, innovation, and Buddhist values in the digital age.