[Paris, France, 16 January 2024] – Under the esteemed auspices of His Excellency Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Dr. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, OCIC (Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation) and Platform Impact are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the establishment of an innovative Computer Programming school in Connexion, Koh Pich, Phnom Penh, inspired from France.

In a significant step towards fostering education and technological empowerment, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Platform Impact have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly support the tech-educational ecosystem by offering high-quality, accessible, and industry-relevant education in computer programming and software development.

The partnership aims to provide free tuition to students with or without degrees who are 18 years or older. The teaching methods are based on peer learning: no teachers, no lectures, and project-based learning, in a gamified environment to develop technical and soft skills needed for the digital economy.

This MOU, signed on the 15th of January at MEDEF in Paris by Dr. Lim Lina, Vice Chairperson of Canadia Group & OCIC together with Wisal Win, Chairman of Platform Impact, solidifies the commitment of both organizations to contribute resources and expertise to create a sustainable and impact full earning environment for students, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and skills development.

"We are thrilled to partner with OCIC to support inclusive and accessible skills development,” said Wisal Hin, Chairman at Platform Impact. "Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by combining our strengths, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of students, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful future."

"We believe in the power of education to transform societies, by empowering our fellow citizens through upskilling and building opportunities." said Thierry Tea, Vice President at OCIC Group. "This partnership with Platform Impact aligns with our shared value commitment to supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on youth, education, and technology, ultimately contributing to Cambodia's future as well as its growth and development."

The development of the French-inspired computer programming school, will take root in Phnom Penh’s vibrant community district of Koh Pich, in particular the Connexion Community Hub, scheduled to launch in Q1 2024, it will house an innovation center and incubator led by OCIC’s mother company, Canadia Group.

Koh Pich, a property development project initiated by OCIC since2006, has steadily grown and evolved. In 2023 of last year, the districtwitnessed a steady increase in its number of residents, tenants and overallfoot traffic, with a year on year +30% occupancy rate growth. Today, togetherwith its connection to Norea City by bridge, Koh Pich is positioned to be amore vibrant district to develop nascent startups neighborhoods, studentecosystems, and communities that thrive on innovation and fresh ideas.

This MOU marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to accelerate digital skills in Cambodia. OCIC Group and Platform Impact look forward to making a meaningful and lasting effort towards bridging digital skills gaps and contributing to the nation's vision for a brighter future.

About Platform Impact

Platform Impact brings together a dynamic team of highly-qualified international cooperation practitioners, social venture builders, impact investment specialists, micro-economists and public-private partnership professionals.

We are pragmatic dreamers, innovators and entrepreneurs striving to build a more sustainable, equitable and balanced economy for all. Our collective experience in development organizations, multilateral government agencies and financial institutions enable us to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges through a business lens.

Visit https://platform-impact.com/ for more

About OCIC

OCIC is one of Cambodia's leading diversified conglomerates. OCIC Group is a group of companies and businesses that are affiliated to OCIC and includes a business portfolio in property development, real estate, education, healthcare, airport, construction & engineering, retail, hospitality to media and leisure. OCIC's major developments include the Techo International Airport, Koh Pich, Norea City, Chroy Changvar Satellite City and the Olympia City.

OCIC Group is a member of Canadia Group. www.ocic.com.kh