History

The CKN started in 1992 in Paris, France. It was an initiative of Mr. Im Saroeun, a former Director of Education in Cambodia (University Dean) and in France (ISIM, Université de Montpellier II).

By gathering respected members of the Cambodian diaspora in France, the goal was to create a training centre here, in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The means were simple at first, an organisation abroad helping to provide financial and educational support to the centre. This knowledge transfer was at first created to initiate a useful dynamic for the Cambodian youth of the countryside.

At first, partners were non-profit organisations created by active members of the Cambodian diaspora :

  •     Cefodia/CKN (Châtillon, FRANCE)

  •     AAFK (Paris, FRANCE)

  •     FPCA (Villejuif, FRANCE)

  •     STADHA (Champs sur Marne, FRANCE)

A CKN office xas creted in Montpellier / France where M. Im Saroeun worked as a lecturer at the University.

Between 1996 and 1998: exchange programs between Phnom Penh and ISIM of Montpellier enabled to accommodate young students for two semesters of internship.

1998, three of these interns, when returning to Phnom Penh, decided to launch a maintenance workshop coupled with a technical training centre in TV/Video in Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA. Muon Phat, Keo Dara and Chheang Sar, started to make earnings on their own, as they were paid through their maintenance services and the classes they dispensed to the new students.  It was the beginning of the success, as we observed how young students became successful entrepreneurs, after only a little help and guidance, but of course a lot of motivation.

2003 : The centre grew, and our goals too. Expansion in another building, and in 2004, launch of a 2-year degree in Industrial Electrical, Automation and Electronics maintenance.  Creation of new partnerships with industrial groups (EDF, Schneider Electronic, Total, ...) and international organisations (UNESCO, OIF, ONUDI, ...).

2007: in need of a bigger space, opening of a center in Kandall Province, to store, use, and teach all the new equipments and knowledge gathered with partners.
To complete training courses in Electricity,Electronics and Automation, creation of new courses on Solar Energy, MBED microcontrollers