Hong Kong Program Brings Coding Skills to Cambodian Kids

Thousands of Cambodian children will soon learn coding and critical thinking skills thanks to an expanded partnership between Hong Kong educators and Cambodia's government.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust signed a new agreement this week to bring its CoolThink@JC program to early childhood learners across Cambodia. The program teaches kids computer programming alongside logical thinking and problem-solving skills in ways young minds can grasp and enjoy.

The initiative started in Hong Kong back in 2016, developed by the Jockey Club alongside top universities including MIT. What began as a local effort to give primary students quality tech education has grown into an international success story.

Hong Kong's government made the program standard in public schools in 2023. Mainland China adopted it through sister schools in 2025. Last year, Cambodia brought it to primary schools nationwide, and the official rollout happened earlier this year.

Now the trust is doubling down on that success. The new memorandum of understanding, signed Tuesday at the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, extends the program to Cambodia's youngest learners.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion means children who might never have touched a computer will gain skills that open doors to future careers in technology. In a world where digital literacy matters more every year, Cambodia is ensuring its next generation won't get left behind.

The partnership shows what's possible when organizations look beyond borders to share what works. A program born in Hong Kong classrooms is now shaping how kids learn across Southeast Asia.

Gabriel Leung, the Jockey Club's executive director for charities and community, joined Cambodian education officials at the signing ceremony. Their collaboration represents a growing recognition that investing in children's tech skills is investing in a country's future.

The framework doesn't just teach kids to code. It helps them think through problems, build solutions, and approach challenges with confidence. These skills transfer far beyond computer screens into every part of life.

One small program is proving that good ideas can travel, and when they do, everyone benefits.