PPIU Hosts SCALe INFO DAY to Promote Smart City Learning and Micro-Courses
On August 23, 2024, Phnom Penh International University (PPIU) hosted its SCALe INFO DAY at the Smart Classroom (7th Floor) with 39 participants in attendance. The event was opened by Rector Madam Tep Kolap and Senior Vice-Rector Mr. Hin Sam Ath, who highlighted the importance of the SCALe project in empowering Cambodian citizens through innovative education. Dr. Ky Ravikun, SCALe project coordinator at PPIU, provided a comprehensive update on the university’s contributions, including the development of the SCALe micro-courses and their alignment with the broader goals of smart city development. She emphasized the role of students as future agents of change and invited them to take an active role in the upcoming training programs.
Mr. Chhin Kona delivered an in-depth session on curriculum design, focusing on modern pedagogical frameworks including Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Project-Based Learning (PjBL), Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), and Problem-Based Learning (PBL). He presented the ADDIE instructional design model and explained the competencies targeted by SCALe micro-courses: transversal (soft) skills, general IT/digital literacy, and smart city-specific knowledge. He also emphasized a bottom-up, learner-centered approach involving industry stakeholders in course development to better meet real-world demands. Mr. Hin Sam Ath showcased PPIU’s educational materials and course templates, particularly focusing on topics such as Digital Governance. He detailed how each course includes clear learning outcomes, engaging teaching methods, and assessment plans tailored to smart city challenges.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on AI and Data Governance, featuring four panelists from PPIU’s partner industries. The conversation explored ethical considerations in AI, the role of technology in smart cities, and government priorities including water, roads, electricity, people, and tech infrastructure. As one panelist noted, “One of the keys to a smart city is smart people,” reinforcing the SCALe project’s mission to prepare communities for a tech-driven urban future.
