26/05/2026
From my understanding, its argument would be stronger if it framed English proficiency as an important enabling factor rather than implying that it is almost a prerequisite for economic modernization. While English proficiency is undeniably valuable in today’s globalized economy, the article at times presents it as a decisive condition for building a knowledge-based economy, which is debatable.
For example, countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China became technologically advanced and globally competitive economies despite historically having relatively limited English proficiency among large portions of their populations. Their development was driven primarily by strong industrial policy, investment in science and technology, education reform, innovation systems, and state capacity. This does not mean English is unimportant. Rather, it suggests that economic modernization can occur through different development models.
In Cambodia’s case, stronger English proficiency can certainly enhance global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, improve access to international knowledge, and expand employment opportunities. However, English alone cannot guarantee the transition toward a knowledge-based economy without broader structural investments in education quality, technological capacity, infrastructure, governance, and innovation.
Cambodia cannot build a knowledge-based economy while remaining one of the weakest English-speaking countries in the region. If the country wants to move beyond low-wage labor and industrial dependency, improving English education must become a far more serious national priority.
Read the story: https://cambodianess.com/article/without-better-english-skills-cambodias-human-capital-ambitions-will-stall
