In 2021, senior Cambodian officials embarked on the Leadership and Innovation Program (LIP), initially met with skepticism due to past reform efforts that failed to deliver substantial change. However, as sessions progressed, participants recognized a departure from traditional methods, emphasizing leadership through action and cross-departmental collaboration.
The program's inception traces back to 2020 when the Ministry of Civil Service sought to provide government officials with opportunities for experimentation and real-time application of leadership skills. Developed in partnership with the Cambodia Governance Programmatic Advisory Services and Analytics and the World Bank’s Coalitions for Reforms (C4R) Global Program, LIP was designed around genuine governance challenges. Despite initial concerns about virtual engagement during COVID-19 disruptions, the program achieved a 98% completion rate across six cohorts.
Between April 2021 and June 2024, over 1,000 Cambodian officials completed LIP, surpassing its original target of 230 participants. Additionally, globally accessible online courses attracted 2,500 registrants. The program focused on practical tools like adaptive leadership and Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), reinforcing leadership as both skill and mindset.
Post-program feedback indicates that over 89% of participants have applied their new skills professionally and personally. This has fostered collaborative problem-solving within departments such as the Ministry of Health. Minister Chheang Ra, an LIP alumna, exemplifies this by engaging directly with frontline staff during site visits and incorporating LIP methodologies into weekly problem-solving sessions.
The emphasis on local solutions over one-size-fits-all approaches has created a sustainable leadership pipeline. Alumni now serve as core trainers at the Royal School of Administration, which leads the program with continued support from World Bank partners. All course materials are available in Khmer to ensure accessibility.
Cambodia's experience underscores that reform is more than policy changes; it empowers individuals within systems to implement these policies effectively. The government plans to extend LIP beyond senior officials to include school principals and health facility directors, aiming for broader impact in education and healthcare sectors.
Lessons from LIP are influencing global engagements by the World Bank’s C4R Global Program. In May 2025, a seminar shared key messages from LIP with 3,700 health officials in Cambodia. Minister Chheang Ra aims to integrate its principles into middle management at the Ministry of Health as part of Cambodia's "Vision 2050" strategy towards becoming a high-income country by mid-century.
For further information on related e-courses or C4R tools, visit the World Bank’s Open Learning Campus or contact c4r@worldbank.org.