The Future of Education Is Digital and Critical
- Andrew Millar
- Jun 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 25
TOP 50 INTERVIEW: Ashley Irving
March 2025
As a leading figure in Cambodia's education sector, Ashley Irving has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of learning and development. In this interview, Ashley shares insights into his leadership values at the Australian Centre for Education (ACE), the challenges and opportunities in English language education, and the innovative programmes shaping the future of learning in Cambodia.
Leadership Values & Guiding Principles
CLR: Ashley, as a leader in Cambodia's education sector, what core values and guiding principles shape your approach to fostering learning and development? How do these principles help you inspire both students and educators to succeed?
"At the heart of my leadership approach are values of inclusivity, integrity and innovation. I believe that every student deserves access to quality education and that integrity in our teaching practices builds trust and respect.
These values guide me in creating an environment where both students and educators are inspired to reach their full potential. I strive to lead by example, showing that passion for learning and dedication to personal growth can transform lives.
Challenges & Opportunities in Education
CLR: Cambodia's growing economy and increasing global connections mean the need for strong communication skills is more important than ever. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for English education in this area, and how is your organisation working to address them?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that English education is accessible to students in rural areas, where infrastructure can be lacking. However, this also presents an opportunity to innovate and expand our reach.
We are addressing this by implementing digital learning platforms and partnering with local communities to provide resources and support.
Meanwhile, the demand for English education is increasing, and we are continually looking for innovative ways to engage students and address the demand.
Innovations & Developments at ACE
CLR: What new initiatives or innovations are you introducing to enhance learning outcomes and accessibility for students in Cambodia? Are there specific methods or technologies that you're particularly excited about?
We're excited to launch a new blended learning programme that combines traditional classroom instruction with online resources. This approach allows for personalised learning experiences and greater flexibility for students.
We've also integrated interactive technologies, such as virtual learning, to make learning more engaging and effective.
Additionally, we're exploring the use of AI informally at present (as are all businesses currently) and looking at how this can best support student success in their English journey.
Outlook for Cambodia's Education Sector
CLR: Looking ahead, what is your outlook for the future of education in Cambodia? How do you see the sector evolving to meet the needs of students, professionals and businesses, and what role will your organisation play in this transformation?
ACE has seen a growth from about 30,000 enrolments per annum in 2012 to over 100,000 enrolments per annum today.
This growth is attributed to both the demand for English that parents and students have as a vehicle for achieving their personal dreams and goals, but also the online platforms which were developed during COVID and continue to give our in-class delivery a flexibility we didn't have before - ensuring that education is accessible to all.
I envision launching a nationwide teacher training programme focused on equipping educators with the skills needed to effectively utilise new technologies, such as AI and digital learning tools.
This initiative aims to enhance teaching methodologies and ensure educators are prepared to meet the evolving needs of students. By doing so, the programme seeks to further strengthen Cambodia's position as a leader in innovative education.
The future of education in Cambodia is bright, with a strong focus on digital literacy and critical thinking skills. As the sector evolves, we must continue to adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of students and businesses.
Our organisation will play a pivotal role by providing cutting-edge educational programmes and fostering partnerships with industry leaders.
We are also committed to enhancing teacher training programmes to ensure that educators are well equipped to deliver quality education with these efforts. We aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a globalised world, ensuring that Cambodia's workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities."
About Ashley Irving
Ashley is Principal of the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) - part of ASX-listed IDP Education - in Cambodia, a role he has held since June 2012.
A native of Melbourne with degrees in mathematics, business and linguistics, Ashley transitioned from a 20‑year career in corporate banking (including a post as Associate Director at Rothschild Bank) into the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector. Under his leadership, ACE has grown substantially, with enrolments rising from approximately 30,000 annually in 2012 to over 100,000 today. Ashley also led ACE to become the first non‑European recipient of the prestigious PIEoneer Award for Language Educator of the Year in 2021. He is well‑known for championing programmes like Business English tailored for ASEAN integration, and his leadership extends into the broader international business community, including past and current roles with AusCham Cambodia, AustCham ASEAN, AmCham and the International Business Chamber (IBC) of Cambodia.
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In partnership with Cambodia Investment Review (CIR) and the International Business Chamber of Cambodia (IBC), Cambodia Leadership Review has officially launched 50 International Leaders 2025.
Now in its second edition, the publication highlights 50 of the most influential international business and organisational leaders and innovators contributing to Cambodia’s dynamic economic landscape, including Ashley Irving.