Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is among the fastest-growing urban centers globally, and its
rapid urbanization has intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The UHI phenomenon
occurs when urban areas experience higher temperatures than suburban or rural regions due to
the prevalence of heat-retaining surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Despite its significance,
no studies on the UHI effect in Phnom Penh have been conducted to date. To address this gap,
meteorological data, including air temperature, wind speed and direction, and precipitation,
were collected and analyzed for the period 2021–2023.
The findings revealed that the highly urbanized Boeung Keng Kang (BKK) recorded
the highest average temperature (29.01°C) compared to suburban Pou Senchey (PSC)
(28.68°C) and Russei Keo (RSK) (28.74°C), primarily due to its dense built-up environment
and reduced wind circulation. Hourly UHI intensity between BKK and PSC was more
pronounced during the daytime (0.48°C) than at night (0.13°C), while between BKK and RSK,
the difference was smaller during the day (0.10°C) but slightly greater at night (0.14°C).
The seasonal UHI (SVUHI) analysis showed higher daytime intensity between BKK and PSC
(0.56°C) than nighttime (0.11°C), whereas between BKK and RSK, daytime (0.28°C) and
nighttime (0.27°C) intensities were relatively similar. The stronger UHI effect during the dry
season (November-April), with intensities of 0.41°C (BKK–PSC) and 0.40°C (BKK–RSK)
compared to 0.25°C and 0.15°C in the wet season (May-October), was attributed to lower
humidity, which allows urban surfaces to absorb and store more heat. Annual variations also
indicated stronger UHI intensities in 2021–2022 compared to 2023, especially during the day.
Wind circulation was found to play a crucial role in reducing the UHI intensity. Higher
wind speeds in PSC and RSK compared to BKK, particularly during the daytime and the wet
season, contributed to mitigating heat buildup. Southwesterly winds carrying high
humidity further helped cool urban areas. The study also noted that greater UHI intensity
correlated with higher precipitation in BKK during 2021–2022, with a decline in 2023
corresponding to a reduction in UHI intensity.
The research emphasizes the need to mitigate the UHI through expanding green spaces,
adopting light-reflective construction materials, conserving water bodies to improve
ventilation, and encouraging sustainable transportation. The findings provide valuable insights
into the UHI dynamics in Phnom Penh and underline the necessity for long-term monitoring to
develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
DoctorateRUPP· 2025
RUPP-PHD-2025-H46N
Urban Heat Island in Phnom Penh
ការសិក្សាពីប៉ារាបូលកំដៅទីក្រុងភ្នំពេញ
Se Bunlengsupervised by Dr. Danniel Chor
Dr. Se Bunleng’s research into the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Phnom Penh, particularly through his work with the Build4People project, reveals that rapid, densified urbanization has significantly altered the city’s microclimate. His studies demonstrate a clear temperature disparity between the concrete-heavy Central Business District and the more permeable suburban fringes, with UHI intensity peaking during the dry season. He identifies that high-rise density and narrow street canyons in districts like Boeung Keng Kang trap solar radiation and obstruct natural ventilation, leading to increased thermal discomfort and health risks for residents. By utilizing Urban Climatic Maps, Bunleng advocates for a transition toward climate-sensitive urban planning. His findings emphasize the necessity of integrating "green-blue infrastructure"—such as urban forests and preserved wetlands—and optimizing building orientations to create wind corridors. Ultimately, his work serves as a critical evidence base for Cambodian policymakers to mitigate heat stress through strategic spatial interventions and sustainable development.
climate changeurban heat islandPhnom Penh
Master'sITC· 2024
ITC-MSC-2024-OVA3
Seismic Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Frames in Tropical Climate Conditions
Rithy Yimsupervised by Dr. Vibol Ung (ITC)
[TEST DATA] An experimental and computational study of how prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling affects the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame structures. Includes shake-table testing of full-scale specimens and finite element modeling validated against measured response data.
Solar Microgrid Deployment Strategies for Off-Grid Communities in Rural Cambodia
Bopha Neangsupervised by Dr. Vannak Phon (ITC)
[TEST DATA] This thesis analyzes the technical, economic, and social factors influencing successful deployment of solar microgrids in three rural Cambodian provinces. Drawing on field studies, cost modeling, and stakeholder interviews, the work proposes a hybrid public-private deployment framework targeting villages currently outside the national grid.
solar energymicrogridrural electrificationCambodiarenewable
DoctorateRUA· 2024
RUA-PHD-2024-7MR8
Climate Change Impact on Rice Yield in the Tonle Sap Region
Sokha Cheasupervised by Prof. Sok Pisey (RUA)
[TEST DATA] This dissertation examines the relationship between rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rice yield variability in the Tonle Sap floodplain across 2010–2023. Using remote-sensing data and farmer surveys, we identify three key mechanisms by which climate change is reshaping smallholder rice production and propose adaptation strategies.
climate changericeTonle SapagricultureCambodia
Master'sRUPP· 2024
RUPP-MSC-2024-X5SK
Khmer Linguistic Patterns in Modern Social Media Discourse
Channary Pichsupervised by Dr. Sereyrath Lim (RUPP)
[TEST DATA] An analysis of register, code-switching, and emerging slang in Khmer-language Facebook discourse from 2018–2023. Drawing on a corpus of 50,000 publicly-posted comments across age and regional demographics, this thesis identifies seven novel linguistic features and their sociolinguistic implications.
The doctoral thesis investigated the motivation for learning English among students enrolled in Takeo Provincial Higher Education institutions. The primary objective was to gauge the levels of motivation exhibited by students when engaging in English reading activities. Additionally, the thesis aimed to delve into students' perceptions regarding the advantages of reading in English and the challenges they encountered. The doctoral thesis conducted a comprehensive analysis of student motivation and revealed a noteworthy finding: the majority of students exhibited a higher degree of extrinsic motivation (reading in English) compared to intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, the thesis sheds light on several benefits of reading in English as identified by the students. One of the prominent advantages reported was the enhancement of language proficiency. Reading in English exposed students to a wide range of vocabulary, sentence structures, and idiomatic expressions, thereby contributing to their overall language development. Additionally, it was observed that reading in English facilitated the acquisition of cultural knowledge and fostered intercultural understanding among the students. Despite the benefits mentioned earlier, the thesis also recognized the presence of certain difficulties students encounter while reading in English. One of the main challenges reported was the comprehension of complex texts due to unfamiliar vocabulary and syntax. Students often struggled to decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases, which hindered their overall understanding of the content. Additionally, the lack of contextual knowledge and cultural references posed difficulties in fully grasping the nuances and deeper meanings conveyed in English texts. Moreover, the thesis unveiled that those students faced challenges in maintaining sustained focus and concentration during English reading sessions. Distractions, such as external environmental factors or internal wandering thoughts, disrupt their reading flow and impede comprehension. Additionally, the students highlighted difficulties in extracting main ideas, summarizing information, and making inferences from the texts, indicating the need for further development of reading comprehension strategies. In conclusion, the doctoral thesis revealed that students in Takeo Provincial Higher Education institutions exhibited higher levels of extrinsic motivation when engaging in English reading activities. The research also identified various benefits associated with reading in English, including language proficiency development and cultural awareness. However, students encountered challenges such as vocabulary and comprehension difficulties, maintaining focus, and extracting key information.
Mekong River Sediment Transport: A Hydrodynamic Analysis Across Seasonal Cycles
Dara Kongsupervised by Prof. Sopheap Tep (RUPP)
[TEST DATA] Using a coupled 2D hydrodynamic and sediment transport model calibrated against ten years of in-situ measurements, this dissertation quantifies sediment flux in the lower Mekong River system and assesses the implications of upstream dam construction on downstream agricultural productivity in the Tonle Sap basin.
Mekongsedimenthydrologydamsmodeling
Master'sRUA· 2023
RUA-MSC-2023-0KJ5
Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Resilient Tonle Sap Fishery Management
Pisey Sotheasupervised by Dr. Sarith Kim (RUA)
[TEST DATA] An applied study of three pilot aquaculture interventions in Kampong Chhnang province, evaluating yield, sustainability indicators, and household income impacts over an 18-month deployment period. The work proposes a tiered policy framework for scaling sustainable aquaculture across the Tonle Sap basin.
The objectives of this research were to: 1) study the conceptual framework of education management reform and quality citizenship; 2) study the current and desirable states of education management reform for enhancing quality citizenship in Cambodia; 3) analyze the priority needs for education management reform to enhance quality citizenship in Cambodia; and 4) develop education management reform strategies for enhancing quality citizenship in Cambodia. The study employed Research and Development (R&D) methodology. Data collection on the current and desirable states of education management reform involved 710 key informants, consisting of 10 education policymakers, 30 directors of education offices, 80 school principals, 150 teachers, 80 school board committee members, 300 students, and 60 stakeholders. The draft strategies were evaluated individually by 51 experts and by 14 experts in a focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the modified Priority Needs Index (PNI modified) formula. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, a strategy evaluation form, and a focus group discussion form.
The research findings revealed that:
1) The priority needs for education management reform to enhance quality citizenship, ranked in order, were: (1st) reform of education financial management; (2nd) reform of general administration; (3rd) reform of academic administration (PNI modified = 0.360); and (4th) reform of personnel administration for enhancing quality citizenship.
2) The education management reform strategies for enhancing quality citizenship in Cambodia consisted of 4 main strategies and 12 sub-strategies, prioritized according to the ranking of needs as follows:
(1) Reform of education financial management to enhance quality citizenship, comprising 3 sub-strategies:
(1.1) Increase autonomy and accountability in school financial management to enhance quality citizenship;
(1.2) Implement an education budget auditing system to enhance quality citizenship; and
(1.3) Link the budget with education policies to enhance quality citizenship.
(2) Reform of general administration to enhance quality citizenship, comprising 3 sub-strategies:
(2.1) Ensure community participation in school administration;
(2.2) Implement a school-based management model to enhance quality citizenship; and
(2.3) Formulate education policies and strategic plans to enhance quality citizenship.
(3) Reform of academic administration to enhance quality citizenship, comprising 3 sub-strategies:
(3.1) Conduct regular student learning assessments to enhance quality citizenship;
(3.2) Promote teaching methods that enhance quality citizenship; and
(3.3) Integrate good citizenship into the curriculum and learning materials to enhance quality citizenship.
(4) Reform of personnel administration to enhance quality citizenship, comprising 3 sub-strategies:
(4.1) Develop in-service teachers, with emphasis on teaching methods and a teacher supervision system to enhance quality citizenship;
(4.2) Develop teacher production (pre-service teacher training) to enhance quality citizenship; and
(4.3) Implement a teacher performance evaluation system to enhance quality citizenship.
