Background

The Center for Khmer Studies is an American Overseas Research Center that receives partial support from the US Government. Its programs and administrative costs are largely privately funded. Founded in 1998, CKS runs educational programs from its headquarters in Siem Reap, and from its office in Phnom Penh. It collaborates extensively with Cambodian institutions, above all in training programs, conferences and workshops. Its multifaceted programs include lectures and workshops, a 20,000 title research library in Siem Reap, a program of translation into Khmer of scholarly books, and a popular Research Fellowship Program open to U.S., Cambodian and French scholars. It has focused on capacity building in Cambodian higher education and on promoting the study of Cambodia within American universities. CKS is the sole American Overseas Research Center in mainland Southeast Asia, and is a member of the Council of Overseas Research Centers. (CAORC).