Effectiveness of CWIE Integration in Cambodian Higher Education: An Explanatory Sequential Study

Abstract

This is a presentation at a conference called "Globesync Community Research and
Sustainability Conference (GlobeCoReS 2025)" held at Curtin University Malaysia and Eastwood Valley Golf &
Country Club, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, from 3-6 December 2025. The abstract of the presentation is below, and the full presentation abstract can be found in the conference book on pages 68-69.

Abstract

Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) is becoming more significant in higher education worldwide to prepare graduates for constantly changing labor markets. CWIE is being introduced into Cambodian higher institutions to improve relevance and university-industry collaboration, although empirical evidence is lacking. This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to evaluate how well CWIE supports students’ academic, professional, and personal growth while meeting institutional and national goals. The quantitative phase includes a survey of 600 students, teachers, and employers from four Cambodian universities, both in the capital and the provinces, plus 20 qualitative interviews and focus groups to broaden the findings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic and content analysis were employed to analyze qualitative data. CWIE is perceived as helpful in improving employability skills by 72% of students and 65% of employers (M = 4.12, SD = 0.58; p < 0.05), but curriculum misalignment remains considerable (χ² = 24.7, p < 0.01). Qualitative themes highlighted weak institutional support, industry participation, and monitoring, but also suggested greater relationships and reflective learning. Thus, identifying Cambodian CWIE strengthening paths influences policy, practice, and future studies.