Vietnam to fund $8m expansion of Phnom Penh friendship school

An existing campus will gain 104 classrooms

The agreement covers a school site in Dangkor district, on Street 217, previously known as Samdech Techo Hun Sen Dangkor Primary and Lower Secondary School. Its planned expansion includes 80 new primary classrooms and 24 lower-secondary classrooms. Each level is also due to receive a laboratory and a computer room.

Fifteen classrooms in the existing Samdech Techo building are to be refurbished. A multipurpose sports building, shared administrative offices and teaching equipment are also included. Phnom Penh authorities say the facilities are intended to serve more than 5,500 students and staff, but have not given a figure for additional enrolment places.

For practical context, see Cambodia market and country comparisons. This development also connects with Phnom Penh selects 466 teachers for public school transfers.

October's agreement follows a February groundbreaking

The two governments were represented at the signing in Ho Chi Minh City by Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng and Ho Chi Minh City Military Command chief Vo Van Dien. Vietnam is funding the $8 million project, while the Ho Chi Minh City Military Command is responsible for its implementation. The Phnom Penh administration says old structures have been removed and the site has been prepared, including water and electricity connections.

The project had already reached a ceremonial milestone on February 6, 2026, when officials broke ground in Phnom Penh. The October memorandum provides a further step towards carrying it out. Construction is expected to take about 12 months, although the official reports do not specify when the upgraded facilities will begin taking classes.

Families still need admissions and construction details

For households considering Dangkor as a place to live, the promised improvements could eventually widen local education options. That is a future prospect, not a confirmed school place. No admission timetable, eligibility criteria for foreign children or arrangements for lessons during construction were specified in the announcements reviewed.

A family choosing where to rent or buy should therefore make its immediate school decision using currently available places and the school's actual enrolment rules. The new buildings can be reconsidered once the operator publishes dates and practical arrangements.