Phnom Penh, 16 July 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Thursday morning shared her experience and perspectives on leadership and innovation with trainees of the Royal School of Administration's Leadership and Innovation Programme at the National Assembly Palace.
 
The event brought together around 200 participants, including Chairpersons of the National Assembly's Commissions, the Secretary-General and senior officials of the Secretariat-General of the National Assembly, as well as trainees of the Royal School of Administration, including Secretaries of State, Directors-General, department directors, provincial, district and khan governors, and other senior officials.
 
Welcoming the trainees, Samdech Khuon Sudary commended the Ministry of Civil Service, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many, for establishing the Leadership and Innovation Programme, describing it as a valuable platform for developing capable and innovative leaders to support Cambodia's public administration reform.
 
During the session, Samdech Khuon Sudary encouraged participants to cultivate leadership grounded in vision, integrity, accountability and public service, stressing that effective leaders must inspire trust, build consensus and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
 
Reflecting on Cambodia's leadership journey, Samdech described Samdech Techo Hun Sen as a global role model whose political wisdom, long-term vision and commitment to peace and national development offer valuable lessons for leaders in Cambodia and beyond.
 
Samdech also praised Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister, as a leader of the younger generation with a clear strategic vision to guide Cambodia toward becoming a high-income country by 2050.
 
Addressing the international situation, Samdech noted that the world is facing growing uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, trade wars and climate change. She urged leaders to stay well informed about developments at home and abroad so they can respond effectively and adapt to changing circumstances.
 
Samdech emphasized a people-centered approach to leadership, urging leaders to place citizens at the heart of governance by listening to their voices and encouraging their active participation in shaping and implementing public policies.
 
Samdech underscored the growing importance of women's leadership in national development, encouraging greater participation of women in decision-making and leadership positions across the public sector and society. She added that effective leaders must possess "the art of leadership."
 
Samdech encouraged participants to persevere through challenges, remain resilient and never give up. She urged them to carry out their responsibilities with determination, humility, integrity and a down-to-earth attitude in serving the people.
 
Turning to the legislature, Samdech outlined the National Assembly's role and highlighted reforms to strengthen its functions of legislation, oversight and representation. She also underscored the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing international cooperation and Cambodia's engagement with regional and global parliamentary institutions.
 
Samdech also highlighted the Secretariat-General's reform efforts over the past three years to strengthen good governance, advance institutional reform and digital transformation, and improve the professionalism and efficiency of parliamentary support services. She added that the workforce has been streamlined by around 200 officials through retirement and payroll adjustments.
 
Concluding her address, Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasized that effective communication is key to successful leadership, encouraging participants to listen actively, communicate clearly, build trust and promote teamwork in serving the Cambodian people.
 
Representing Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Hun Many, Minister of Civil Service, H.E. Youk Bunna, Permanent Secretary of State and Director of the Royal School of Administration, said the Leadership and Innovation Programme has been conducted in eight consecutive cohorts since 2021 to support the 2024–2028 Public Administration Reform Action Plan by strengthening leadership and innovation in Cambodia's public administration.
 
He said the programme strengthens leadership and innovation among senior civil servants, supports digital transformation, and contributes to the implementation of Cambodia's Vision 2030, Vision 2050 and the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I.
 
H.E. Youk Bunna noted that the programme, launched in 2021, has now reached its eighth generation. He added that it develops leadership through three core dimensions—knowing, doing and being—equipping senior officials with the knowledge, practical skills and professional values needed to lead effectively.