Results of a 2021 survey on young Cambodians’ understanding of China

In 2021,a survey of young Cambodians’ understanding of China was jointly conducted by the Center for Cambodian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).A total of 342 questionnaires were collected from different groups of people ranging from students at RUPP,the Royal University of Law and Economics in Cambodia,and foreign higher education institutions,to researchers at think tanks,civil servants,corporate employees,and staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Profile of Survey Respondents

China in the Eyes of Survey Participants

1.On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being no contribution and 10 being enormous),how do you evaluate the contribution of Chinese enterprises to the economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood in Cambodia?

A majority of respondents answered positively with 69.29 percent giving 7 to 10 on the role of Chinese companies in boosting Cambodia’s economy and 66.95 percent giving 7 to 10 to the role of Chinese companies in promoting local well-being.

2.Would you choose to work in a Chinese-funded company?

More than 70 percent of the respondents chose“Yes,”indicating that the job opportunities provided by Chinese-funded enterprises are fairly attractive to young Cambodian people.

3.On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being unwilling to see and 10 being highly delighted to see),would you like to see more Chinese companies investing in Cambodia?

More than 60 percent of the respondents gave 7 to 10,marking a generally positive response to Chinese investment.

4.Top 10 Chinese Brands by Popularity

Survey participants were asked to choose four of 20 listed Chinese brands,and the results showed that Huawei,OPPO,and TikTok are among the most well-known in Cambodia.

5.What are your suggestions and expectations for Chinese-funded construction projects in Cambodia?

6.What is your most desired destination to study abroad?

The European Union (EU),USA,and China were the top three destinations,which indicates the respondents positively recognize Chinese universities in terms of education,openness,and friendliness.

7.What are your most desired destinations to travel abroad?

8.On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being not helpful at all and 10 being extremely helpful),how much do you think China’s Belt and Road Initiative has promoted Cambodia’s development in the following areas?

9.Top 10 Keywords Describing China-Cambodia Relations

10.On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being the lowest and 10 the highest),how do you evaluate the performance of the following countries in terms of healthcare services,the fight against COVID-19,and medical aid to Cambodia?

China ranked first for its anti-epidemic campaign and medical aid to Cambodia and fourth after Japan,EU,and the USA in the quality of healthcare service.

11.On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being not worth learning at all and 10 being definitely worth learning),to what extent can Cambodia learn from China’s experience on poverty alleviation?

With 70.18 percent responding 7 to 10,most recognized the importance of China’s experience and Chinese solutions to helping end poverty in Cambodia.