NEWS
IPU New Zealand hosted a visit by a member of the Cambodian Royal Family
This week, IPU New Zealand hosted a visit by a member of the Cambodian Royal Family -
Prince Sisowath Thomico, the former advisor to King Norodom Sihanouk. The Prince was
officially welcomed by President Professor Wayne Edwards who commented, “This was a an
excellent opportunity for IPU to engage with a visitor whose country is new to us at IPU
while our institute is new to him. We were honoured by the visit.”
Prince Sisowath spent the afternoon visiting campus facilities, observing classes and talking
with senior staff about the benefits of possible future linkages. He was accompanied by the
President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Manawatu, Mr. Sam Put, and
several elders from the Manawatu Cambodian Buddhist Trust. Mr. Put explained “The
Prince was strongly recommended by the Secretary of CNRP Manawatu to visit IPU New
Zealand.”
This was the Prince’s first visit to New Zealand but he expressed his belief that New Zealand
is one of the best places in the world to consider for study abroad. His genuine interest in
IPU New Zealand was summed up as, “I wish I were a 20-year- old student again; I would
have applied to study at IPU New Zealand.” He also noted his vision, in common with IPU, of
bringing together young people from different countries and backgrounds to study and
spend time together in in a multicultural environment in order to develop international
understanding and cooperation. Prince Sisowath expressed a desire to return to IPU New
Zealand in the future.
