As stated by Clayton (2007: 101), ASEAN’s language policy has introduced what
one ministry official in 2000 termed ‘tremendous pressure’ in Cambodia. Simply put,
Cambodian representatives, delegates and conference attendees must know English as
English is likely to remain the preferred language of international communication in
Asia and ASEAN for three reasons: investment in English may be regarded too much to
dismiss; the privileged who have benefited from knowing English may not wish to give up
their privileged position; and English is the common shared language (Igawa 2008: 347).
Teaching English therefore is seen as ‘teaching a life skill that will be crucial for the future
prosperity of this country’ (Igawa 2008: 344).