Expanding Access to Music Education in Cambodia
Cambodia’s music scene is experiencing a pivotal moment as Soundskool Music Cambodia and the KMH Foundation join forces to launch a comprehensive scholarship program aimed at nurturing the nation’s next generation of musicians. Announced in July 2025, this partnership is designed to break down financial barriers and provide talented young Cambodians with access to high-quality music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities. The initiative is not only a milestone for the two organizations but also a significant step forward for arts education in Cambodia, where access to specialized training has traditionally been limited to those with means.
The new scholarship program, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Gabriele Faja, CEO of Soundskool, and Chrin Sovann, Operations Director of the KMH Foundation, is structured to provide full scholarships covering tuition, learning materials, guided practice sessions, and public performance opportunities. The goal is to fund 250 scholarships by July 2027, with each course requiring a commitment of 25 to 33 hours over a 12-week term. This intensive approach ensures that students not only develop technical proficiency but also gain confidence and essential life skills.
Why Music Education Matters in Cambodia
Music education is more than just learning to play an instrument. It is widely recognized for its role in fostering discipline, perseverance, critical thinking, and creativity—skills that are vital in all areas of life. In Cambodia, where the education sector is rapidly evolving but still faces challenges in terms of access and quality, programs like this scholarship are crucial for leveling the playing field.
Gabriele Faja, CEO of Soundskool, emphasizes the broader impact of music education:
“Learning music nurtures discipline, perseverance, critical thinking and creativity—skills essential not only in the arts but in all areas of life.”
For many Cambodian families, the cost of private music lessons and instruments is prohibitive. By providing full scholarships, the Soundskool-KMH Foundation partnership aims to ensure that musical talent, not financial status, determines who can pursue a music education.
How the Scholarship Program Works
The scholarship program is built on a direct sponsorship model, which pairs individual or corporate donors with specific students. This approach ensures transparency, accountability, and a measurable impact for sponsors, who are recognized through media and social media channels. Sponsorships start at $325, making it accessible for a wide range of supporters to contribute to the development of Cambodia’s arts sector.
KMH Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of ISI Group, is responsible for managing funding transparency and compliance. Soundskool, with campuses in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, oversees the delivery of the program, including curriculum, teaching, and performance opportunities. The curriculum follows RSL (Rockschool Limited) course material, which blends classical and contemporary components depending on the instrument. For example, piano students receive a classical foundation, while vocal students focus more on contemporary techniques.
Chrin Sovann, Operations Director of the KMH Foundation, highlights the program’s vision:
“This partnership is more than a formal agreement; it’s a heartfelt commitment to empower the next generation and support Cambodian youth through the transformative power of music.”
The Broader Context: Education and the Arts in Cambodia
Cambodia’s education sector has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by economic expansion and a growing middle class. However, access to quality education—especially in specialized fields like music—remains uneven. Private institutions such as Soundskool and initiatives like the KMH Foundation’s scholarships are helping to fill this gap, providing opportunities that public schools often cannot.
According to the Cambodia Investment Review, the government has prioritized education as a key driver of economic development, increasing budget allocations and encouraging private sector participation. Yet, many government schools still struggle with limited resources and underperformance in core subjects. In this context, private initiatives and NGO-led programs play a vital role in supplementing the public education system and offering specialized training.
The KMH Foundation is no stranger to educational initiatives. Beyond music, it has partnered with institutions like Don Bosco Technical School to provide scholarships and internships in technical fields, helping underprivileged students gain real-world skills and access to employment opportunities. This experience in managing scholarship programs and fostering mentorship makes KMH Foundation a strong partner for Soundskool’s music education mission.
Soundskool: A Hub for Musical Excellence
Soundskool is one of Cambodia’s leading music schools, offering a range of programs for children, young adults, and adults. Its courses include private lessons, group classes, and band clubs, all taught by qualified teachers with musical diplomas or degrees. The school’s curriculum is internationally recognized, and students have the opportunity to take part in world-wide recognized examinations and certificates.
Soundskool’s approach is student-centered, matching learners with the right teachers and instruments, and providing a supportive environment for musical growth. The school’s facilities in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and a love of music. By partnering with the KMH Foundation, Soundskool is extending its reach to students who might otherwise never have the chance to pursue their musical dreams.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Impact
The direct sponsorship model adopted by the scholarship program is a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can drive positive change. By inviting businesses and individuals to sponsor students, the program not only funds education but also builds a community of supporters invested in Cambodia’s cultural and social development.
Donors receive public recognition, enhancing their CSR profiles and demonstrating a commitment to the arts and youth empowerment. This model also ensures that each student receives personalized support, and sponsors can see the tangible results of their contributions.
KMH Foundation’s track record in managing transparent and impactful CSR initiatives is well established. As the CSR arm of ISI Group, it has supported a range of programs in education, healthcare, sports, and housing, always with a focus on creating real opportunities for Cambodia’s youth.
The Role of NGOs and Private Sector in Cambodia’s Development
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector initiatives have played a pivotal role in Cambodia’s development since the early 1990s. With over 5,000 registered NGOs in the country, Cambodia has one of the highest per capita rates of NGO activity in the world. These organizations cover a wide range of sectors, from human rights and healthcare to education and the arts.
According to the Cambodia Investment Review, NGOs are a significant source of employment and foreign aid, accounting for up to 28 percent of government expenditure in some years. The ease of setting up NGOs in Cambodia has encouraged both international and local organizations to invest in social development projects, often in partnership with the private sector.
The Soundskool-KMH Foundation scholarship program exemplifies this collaborative approach, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to maximize impact. By combining Soundskool’s expertise in music education with KMH Foundation’s experience in fund management and compliance, the program is well positioned to deliver lasting benefits for Cambodian youth.
Music as a Tool for Social Change
Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for social change, capable of bringing people together, fostering understanding, and inspiring hope. In Cambodia, where the scars of past conflict still linger, music offers a means of healing and self-expression for young people seeking to build a brighter future.
The new scholarship program is part of a broader movement to elevate Cambodian music and culture on the world stage. Recent collaborations, such as the partnership between Tiger Beer, Baramey Production, and rapper VannDa, have showcased Khmer talent internationally and inspired a new generation of artists. By investing in music education, the Soundskool-KMH Foundation initiative is helping to ensure that Cambodia’s rich musical heritage continues to thrive and evolve.
How to Get Involved
Both Soundskool and the KMH Foundation are actively seeking new sponsors to join the program. Whether you are a business looking to enhance your CSR profile or an individual passionate about the arts, sponsoring a scholarship is a direct way to make a difference in a young person’s life. Contributions start at $325, and every sponsorship helps a talented student access high-quality music education and the chance to perform publicly.
For more information on how to become a sponsor, interested parties are encouraged to contact Soundskool or the KMH Foundation directly. By supporting this initiative, sponsors are not only investing in individual students but also contributing to the development of Cambodia’s cultural and educational landscape.
In Summary
- Soundskool Music Cambodia and KMH Foundation have launched a comprehensive scholarship program to expand access to music education for talented young Cambodians.
- The program provides full scholarships covering tuition, materials, guided practice, and performance opportunities, with a goal of funding 250 scholarships by July 2027.
- Scholarships are awarded through a direct sponsorship model, pairing donors with individual students for transparency and measurable impact.
- KMH Foundation manages funding and compliance, while Soundskool delivers the curriculum at its Phnom Penh and Siem Reap campuses.
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to make music education accessible, foster essential life skills, and support Cambodia’s cultural development.
- Corporate and individual sponsors are invited to participate, with contributions starting at $325 and public recognition for their support.
- The program reflects the growing role of private sector and NGO partnerships in advancing education and the arts in Cambodia.