Conference Proceedings

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The Conference Proceedings section collects and preserves peer-reviewed research papers, presentations, and scholarly abstracts delivered during our academic conferences and research symposia.

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A New Flow of Money Toward Social Issues: From Analysis of Japanese Social Crowdfunding Platform
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Koichi Nakagawa; Genjiro Kosaka
As a supplementary mechanism that goes beyond the limits of conventional financial systems, crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, have become important funding sources. Crowdfunding enables the generation of funds for business ventures that find traditional profit-based means difficult (Bruton et al., 2015; Davis et al., 2017; Moss et al., 2015). Typical examples are social businesses that address public issues. In crowdfunding, even traditionally hard-to-fund projects such as environmental protection, heritage preservation, welfare for the disabled, and disaster recovery, can be funded by people who agree with their activities. On crowdfunding platforms, money is moved according to a logic that differs from conventional financial systems. Previous studies have revealed the differences between conventional investment and crowdfunding (Allison et 4/, 2015; Belleflamme ez al., 2014; Cholakova & Clarysse, 2015; Mollick, 2014). A notable feature of crowdfunding platforms is that projects with prosocial orientations are likely to be supported (Allison ez af., 2013; Gorbatai & Nelson, 2015; Pietraszkiewicz et al., 2017). The prosocial orientation of a business refers to its attempt to solve issues related to social welfare through commercial activities (Yunus, 2009). The prosocial orientation of projects in crowdfunding is preferred because the investment motive in crowdfunding is based on altruism, whereas the conventional investment motive is based on self-interest (Allison et al, 2015; Belleflamme ez af., 2014; Cholakova & Clarysse, 2015). In line with this thought, previous studies have pointed out that linguistic expressions of prosocial orientation in campaigns have a significant impact on the success of funding. For example, words indicating virtuous orientation (Moss et al., 2015), altruism (Pictraszkiewicz et al., 2017), and political rhetoric such as accomplishment rhetoric and blame rhetoric (Allison et 4l., 2013), have been reported to foster the success of fundraising.
Analysis of a Multi-Country University Collaboration: The Erasmus+ Friends Project
(CamEd Business School, Feb-23) Raymond Zepp, Dewey
The paper examines the pros and cons of a three-year collaboration among 11 universities from 5 Asian countries and 4 Eastern European universities. The FRIENDS project, sponsored by the European Union, was centered on the theme of Internationalization at Home (IaH), to provide international experiences to university students staying on their home campuses, without traveling abroad. The methodology and analysis are based on interviews, over three years of the Project, with delegates from the 11 participating universities. Key focal points of the interviewees (of their choosing) were the nature of Europe-Asia collaboration, variations among the universities (especially disparities in size), unexpected consequences arising from the collaboration, and difficulties in the implementation of project activities. Suggestions are made regarding future such collaborations, especially for small universities that find it difficult to meet stringent targets for student numbers and other outputs. Keywords: Collaboration, project, internationalization, goals.
Analyzing Interrelationships of Critical Barriers to University Technology Transfer: Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives from Vietnam
(CamEd Business School, Feb-23) Phi- Hung Nguyen,; Trinh Trong Hung; Nguyen Thanh Tam
Universities have been tasked with generating and disseminating knowledge in an innovation system over the past few decades. However, university technology transfer (UTT) is regarded as a barrier to the commercialization and community application of innovative technologies. Consequently, identifying the obstacles and their complex interrelationships that impede the successful implementation of UTT provides a better understanding of the process, which may be considered as inputs for important decision-making initiatives. This study proposes an integration of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method and Grey theory to identify the critical barriers by comparing the perspectives of key stakeholders, including university scholars, entrepreneurs, and technology transfer offices, and examines the interrelationships between proposed barriers. These findings aim to assist various stakeholders in comprehending the impact of barriers on formulating strategies and initiatives to carry out the UTT process in Vietnam effectively. Keywords: MCDM, university technology transfer, DEMATEL, Grey Theory
Business Disruptions from Social Distancing
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Miklós Koren; Rita Pető
Social distancing measures are effective non-pharmaceutical interventions against the rapid spread of epidemics (Bootsma & Ferguson, 2007; Markel et al., 2007; Hatchett et al., 2007; Wilder-Smith & Freedman, 2020). Many countries have implemented measures, such as school closures, prohibition of large gatherings, and restrictions on non-essential stores and transportation to slow down the spread of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic (Anderson et al., 2020; Cohen & Kupferschmidt, 2020; Thompson & Serkez, 2020; “Mayor de Blasio Issues New Guidance to New Yorkers,” 2020). What are the economic effects of such social distancing interventions? Which businesses are most affected by the restrictions?
Cambodia’s Cash Transfer Program and the Laid-off Workers’ Economic Priorities in the Post-COVID-19 Context: A Labor Market Assessment
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Tapas R. Dash
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a devasting effect on the global economy. The rapid spread of the virus led to the disruption of supply chains and freezing demand, limiting the flows of travel, trade, and investment (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2020). The lockdown measures implemented across nations to control the spread of the pandemic triggered supply and demand shocks and posed severe challenges for people with low incomes (Dash & Dash, 2021). Almost 1.6 billion informal economy workers, out of a worldwide total of two billion and a global workforce of 3.3 billion, suffered massive damage to their capacity to earn a living (International Labor Organization [ILO], 2020). To mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable, countries diversified their measures, and social assistance played a crucial role in rescuing targeted people. The social assistance program is short-term in general, and due to the unpredictable nature of the crisis, the extension over time was uncertain. To meet the needs of the people during the crisis, several countries expanded their social assistance programs in general and cash transfers in particular. Globally, over 2020–2021, cash transfers reached 1.36 billion people, which means one out of six people in the world received at least one cash transfer payment (Gentilini, 2022). In addition to the unprecedented scale of cash transfers, many beneficiaries’ profiles show that 203.7 million workers received unconditional cash transfers, including 184 million in the informal sector and 19.7 million in formal jobs (Gentilini et al., 2022).
Cambodia’s Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Through Structural Transformation
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Blaise Kilian
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly halted two decades of booming economic growth in Cambodia. While the crisis was an extraordinary conjunctural shock, it illuminated the structural limitations of a growth model that enabled Cambodia to lift millions of people out of poverty. Therefore, implementing the policy agenda to address these weaknesses became even more pressing. This chapter puts into perspective some of the triggering factors for success and failures Cambodia encountered towards the lower-middle income status it achieved in 2015 and some of those it will experience while moving towards the upper-middle income status it aims to reach by 2030. Between these two milestones, COVID-19 can be seen as a magnifier of existing weaknesses and a catalyst for remedial policies.
Cambodian Civic Participation and COVID-19
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Catherine Cecil
Throughout Cambodia, a myriad of organizations tackle diverse issues, experiencing firsthand the multifaceted challenges the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed. These challenges extended beyond health, severely impacting the economy and complicating efforts in civic engagement. Research from the Last-West Management Institute (EWMI) highlighted that the economic ramifications of the pandemic were particularly concerning for the Cambodian population. The pandemic’s restrictions hindered the gathering of citizens for democratic participation, posing a significant obstacle to civil society’s efforts toward fostering positive change. In response, civil society adapted by evaluating citizen concerns, prioritizing health issues, and engaging smaller groups in civic activities to maintain interest and participation among the populace. As Cambodia grapples with the consequences of COVID-19, the nation confronts significant economic, social, and health-related challenges. The crisis has not only precipitated economic hardships but has also made the promotion of civic participation more challenging, reflecting the intricate link between public health and democratic engagement. This context was underscored in discussions with representatives from major United Nations (UN) agencies, academia, and the business sector, emphasizing the importance of incorporating perspectives from Cambodia’s civil society. These dialogues serve as a crucial platform for sharing insights and strategies, underscoring the collective effort required to navigate the pandemic’s multifaceted impact on society.
Capacity Building in Green Bonds in Cambodia: Universities Must Play a Key Role to Support the Industry
(CamEd Business School, Feb-23) Ho Varabott
This paper discusses, analyzes, and focuses on Green Bonds in Cambodia. In order to prepare for long-term net-zero engagement with the Government Ministries, regulators, private sector, institutional investors, and stakeholders, Cambodia needs to promote and facilitate green financing development and solutions. The objective of the research is to analyze the gap between the Policy of Frameworks on Development of Government Securities objectives and the existing infrastructure and capacity in place. After several face-to-face interviews undertaken in Phnom Penh and desk research, researchers have found that there are still some major challenges to be addressed to promote the Green Bonds in Cambodia and to make it a success. These issues were mostly the same experienced at the earlier stage in Green Bond issuance, particularly in emerging markets, as referred to the research papers cited in our literature references from 2013-2022. The challenges in Cambodia are typical for those in a developing country, however, these may be overcome by an enhanced policy framework, with consistent taxonomy and procedures aligned with the international best practices and guidelines, active and smooth collaboration among market participants, beneficial for the green bond issuance ecosystem, and the required capacity building on technical features and implementation, in order to build trust and recognition of the Green Bond market. Keywords: Green Bonds, emerging markets, collaboration, stakeholder engagement
Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs
(CamEd Business School, Feb-23) Monirul Islam
Entrepreneurship is an essential factor in any country’s growth and development opportunities. A country may contain valuable material resources, but only the entrepreneurs can use the resources for productive use. So, it is crucial to promote and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Entrepreneurs also create job opportunities for the young generation. This paper examines the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs in starting their businesses. The main problems faced by entrepreneurs are financial, production problems, labor, and government-related problems. This paper discusses how entrepreneurs overcome barriers while starting their businesses. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneur, startup, challenges
COVID-19 Fallout and Building Forward Better in Cambodia
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Alissar Chaker
The United Nations declared the COVID-19 pandemic a public health emergency and a socio-economic crisis quickly turning into a human rights crisis. The impacts of the pandemic were not limited to public health; it has also caused severe social and economic effects by increasing poverty, amplifying vulnerabilities and inequalities, and entrenching structural discrimination and exclusion. This was reflected in the unequal access to information and vaccination and the collateral impacts of measures taken to combat the propagation of the virus, including food insecurity, rising unemployment and poverty, increasing domestic and gender-based violence during confinement periods, and loss of schooling. Like in other parts of the world, strict measures were implemented nationwide in Cambodia to contain the spread of the virus, including mobility restrictions, curfews, lockdowns, and closure of schools and businesses. The measures effectively limited the spread of the virus, kept the caseload under control, and kept the death toll at a relatively low level. However, on the other hand, they also posed a multifold challenge to Cambodian households, businesses, and the national economy. Informal workers, vulnerable households, and Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) have struggled to survive and are still struggling to recover. The pandemic and the restrictive measures have had cumulative impacts on Cambodian society and the economy.
COVID-19, Mobility and Entrepreneurship
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Sambath Sim; Satyendra Singh
COVID-19 is a contagious infection that was detected in 2019. The disease was unique in how people became ill so quickly and succumbed to death. Infected by COVID-19, over six million people perished. However, the vaccine was invented in 2020, and people have been able to take it since 2021. The vaccine is a preparation that stimulates the body’s immune response against diseases and is usually administered through needle injections, orally by mouth or sprayed into the nose (CDC, 2021). When taken in the body, it generates antibodies that form protection against a specific disease. These diseases could be seasonal or pandemic, impacting citizens, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, service-related firms suffered as it restricted people-to-people contact. COVID-19 also affected customer service (Camacho et al., 2022).
COVID-19: Economic and Social Impact Assessment in Cambodia
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Nick Beresford
COVID-19 has taken immense tolls on societies and economies around the world, including through dramatic global impacts on trade, production and other economic activities. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank and United Nations system have all estimated the high costs of COVID-19, but mainly at the regional level, such as for ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The UN Secretary General Report in April estimated a regional contraction of —0.1 percent in gross domestic product (GDP) for 2020 in South-East Asia, contrasting to the predicted 4.5 percent growth before the pandemic. UNDP Cambodia has undertaken a costing of socioeconomic impacts specific to Cambodia. Crucially, the crisis operates through both demand and supply channels. Cambodia is highly exposed as it relies on a narrow cconomic base built from garments, tourism, agriculture and construction. It has a highly open economy, where exports and imports are around 62 percent and 63 percent of GDP, respecively. Foreign direct investment is 11 percent of GDP. On the supply side, Cambodia is highly reliant on China for raw materials for its garment industry and as a source of tourists. On the demand side, China is an important export destination for agricultural products. Capital inflows from China are key to sectors such as construction. Cambodia’s higher value-added exports go mainly to Europe. COVID-19 effects will exacerbate the pre-existing loss of trade preferences from the partial suspension of the European Union’s Everything But Arms programme, starting in August 2020.
Creating Shared Value in Cambodia
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Kenneth Paul Charman
This chapter presents the initial findings of a survey of firms in Cambodia based on structured interview and questionnaire to explore the intentions of local firms in Cambodia to address social needs as part of their business model. Addressing social needs whilst simultancously making a profit is a practice that would be interpreted as creating shared value. The Cambodian firms were located and interviewed by students taking the course. This was the first time that this survey was carried out. The timing of the study was highly appropriate during the COVID-19 pandemic as the sudden downturn in economic activity combined with the pressure on public services to cope with the pandemic, not to mention the concerns of the population facing the spreading threat of COVID-19, has focused attention on social needs as well as business performance. Whereas prior to COVID-19 business performance would more likely be primarily be assessed in terms of growth, market share and profit margins, during and post COVID-19 the contribution of a firm’s activities to the social good has arguably become more of the focus of attention. What the firm is actually doing and how this contributes to the needs of the community it serves is now a question more likely to be asked, rather than whether the firm has simply been able to find a profitable niche and source of growth. This survey is based on the components of creating shared value which provide a framework and is intended to provide an indication as to whether firms in Cambodia consider that they are contributing to social needs. The survey has included many small firms, a few large international firms and covers a range of sectors. Many of the firms are young, having been established in the last one-to-five years. Most operate either within Phnom Penh and/or in the regions of Cambodia. The results indicate that there is a strong sense of social awareness amongst firms even if they were not aware of the shared value concepts. The majority of the firms had specific intentions to address social needs as part of their business and this was consistent over a wide range of sectors. The survey can be used as supportive data in the development of a comprehensive framework to measure shared value based on firms’ intentions to address social needs. The fact that this survey was carried out during 2020, the period of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to have influenced firme strategies per se.
Developing a Dynamic Model of Interactive e-Learning in Accounting and Finance Programs in Higher Education Institutions in Cambodia: A Phenomenological Study
(CamEd Business School, February-23) Maria Isabelita C. Manzon- Cabrera
The advent of technology and putting emphasis on education in ICT has been the main focus of most universities in Cambodia. Higher education institutions are all the more challenged to be at par with neighboring countries in terms of 21st century skills and competencies, the dynamic intricacies of learning bring to the future at hand through e-learning. This study explored the lived experiences of teachers engaged in e-learning in Cambodia, especially during the pandemic. It also focused on the experience on the use of digital tools that generate great possibilities for developing new techniques of information search, skills, and technological abilities within the school’s academic framework, for teachers, who were able to ask themselves how much knowledge they have of these new tools. A phenomenological research design was adapted that culled the following emergent themes through constant comparison by means of phenomenological reduction: Innovative Teaching for Effective Learning, Building Motivation through Difficulties, E-Learning is a Necessity in New Normal Education, Having Aid from School and Technology, Prioritizes Students’ Effective Learning and Essentials that led to a Dynamic Model Framework for Interactive e-Learning in Cambodia.
Developing a Robust Internal Quality Assurance System for International Accreditations: The Case of CamEd Business School
(CamEd Business School, Feb-23) Sok Uttara; Mean Udam
An internal quality assurance system is a powerful instrument for ensuring the quality of the inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes of higher education. Designing an internal quality assurance (IQA) system however has been viewed as a great challenge by the developers. It may be even harder when external quality assurance is compulsory such as in Cambodia because there is little room for adaptation. Despite the challenge, CamEd Business School has developed a strong IQA system that aligns with its vision, mission, and philosophy and meets the national, regional, and international accreditation standards. As a result, CamEd Business School has achieved six certifications and accreditations within four years 2019-2023. This research paper introduces CamEd Business School’s IQA system, explains how the system was developed, and presents the key results of the system implementation in 2019-2021. Keywords: Quality, quality assurance, framework, accreditation, standards
Economic Conditions of the Cambodian Urban Informal Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Tapas R. Dash; Shruti Dash
The impetus for this study comes from a field observation on informal workers in different urban areas in the Phnom Penh city during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevailing pandemic has devasted economies around the world, and in particular, the informal workers, who are generally employed on a seasonal, casual, or temporary basis. and lack social protection, have suffered the worst. To mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic on poor and vulnerable houscholds, the Royal Government of Cambodia launched a nationwide cash relief program in June 2020. It is believed that an effective mitigation program to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 requires evidence-based research, and this has prompted us to carry out the present study. Emerging from Wuhan in December 2019, the “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically altered the world cconomy and affected every aspect of life. While the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) views that the world has faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and emerging markets and developing countries were the hardest hit (British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC], 2020), the International Labour Organization (2020a) describes the coronavirus pandemic as the worst global crisis since World War II. The World Bank (2021) has estimated —3.5 percent growth of the global economy for 2020. The rapid spread of the virus has not only led to the disruption of supply chains and freezing demand limiting the flows of travel, trade, and investment (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD], 2020), but has also slowed down economic activities in almost all countries due to lockdown and social containment measures. While nearly half of the world’s 3.3 billion workforce were at risk of losing their livelihoods (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2020), in Southeast Asia alone, with every passing month, tens of millions of more workers become vulnerable of sliding into poverty, including many in the middle class.
Effectiveness of Government Interventions to Combat COVID-19 in Cambodia
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Amarak Kanaya Chamroeun; Chanbormey Hoy; Sokanha Mao; Pitou Sopheakneath Pin
Since early 2020, COVID-19 has threatened our health, social life, and economy globally. The troublesome asymptomatic characteristics of the virus led governments to close schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and other public amenities as safety measures. This, unfortunately, resulted in a slowdown in the economy and a fall in the standard of living. The informal workers, employed on a seasonal, casual, or temporary basis, and lack social protection, suffered badly (Dash & Dash, 2021). However, amidst these challenges, businesses and students have shown remarkable adaptability. Students were forced to adapt to online classes, and businesses had to shift to online sales and delivery. Despite their best efforts, many businesses were forced to close, and students struggled with the transition.
Effectiveness of Synchronous Online Learning Compared to Face-to-Face Learning Among Higher Education Students in Cambodia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2020) Casey Barnett; Bunthorn Yem
The International Monetary Fund reported that global gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 3.5 percent in 2020 compared to positive growth of 2.8 percent in 2019 (International Monetary Fund [IMF], 2021). This economic loss means more people will suffer the effects of poverty. The economic loss is largely due to COVID and its effects which include safety measures such as restrictions on gatherings and movement. One safety measure implemented by countries has been the prohibition of face-to-face learning in schools. However, the closure of schools may have ongoing negative economic consequences for years to come. A study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that “due to lost productivity, one year of lost primary and secondary school learning will result in an economic loss equivalent to 202 percent of future GDP” (Hanushek & Woessmann, 2020, p. 9). Empirical studies are showing that learning loss arising from school shutdowns is proportional to the duration of the shutdown. For example, a study of national exam results for approximately 350,000 students in the Netherlands found that an 8-week shutdown resulted in a learning loss equivalent to the same period of the shutdown (Engzell et al., 2021).
Effects of COVID-19 on Students’ Families and their Coping Mechanisms: Implications on School’s Resilience
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Cadungog-Uy, Juliet
Many households worldwide suffered economic distress brought about by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The wave of this plague has inflicted misery mostly on low-income families, particularly in countries where governments are less able to provide adequate social amelioration support to their constituents. The World Bank and UNICEF joint report (2022) revealed that “at least two-thirds of households with children have lost income since the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago.” A report from the University of Michigan showed that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income households are least likely to send their children to school (Mostafavi, 2020). According to Kakuchi (2021), Universities in Japan reported a decrease in new and ongoing student enrolment due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families’ economic conditions and students’ mental health. The leading reasons reported are students’ difficulty paying the tuition fees and lack of motivation while forced to study online at home.
Exposure to Technology by Learners during COVID-19 and Its Benefits for their Careers in the Post-COVID-19 Context
(CamEd Business School, November 15, 2024) Sita An; Phaneth Chheng
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes across various sectors worldwide, notably affecting teaching and learning practices in education. In Cambodia, the pandemic presented numerous challenges for students and teachers, primarily due to the limited use of technology in classrooms. However, despite these obstacles, some educational institutions seized the opportunity to enhance their use of technology. At the same time, teachers sought innovative ways to facilitate learning and help students engage with new educational methods.