ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the governance in Cambodian public universities with the status of “public administrative institution” (PAI) – sort of semi-autonomous higher education institutions (HEIs). The chapter begins with both a brief analysis of the system governance that enables PAI HEIs to exist and operate and some key opportunities and constraints the “semi-autonomous system” has on institutional level governance and management. The major focus is the institutional level governance, especially with regard to the institutional readiness for self-governance; the structural set-up; and financial, personnel, and academic management. It then discusses major outcomes and impacts the reform has on the respective institutions and the higher education system as a whole. It concludes with a tentative proposal to move the public higher education system towards a “complete autonomous” system through legislating “public autonomous universities” with “more” freedom and vibrant accountability in the structural setup, and academic, financial, and personnel management.
