NEWS: Dr Tom Palmer launches PRIME Seminar Series

Dr Tom Palmer, the executive vice president for international programs at the Atlas Network and Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, was in Cambodia from 22–29 March as a guest of the Professional Research Instiute for Management and Economics (PRIME).

PRIME is dedicated to providing the highest quality research and education about issues related to economics, finance, business, and public policy. Activities of PRIME include offering subjects and short courses in economics, translating economics articles into Khmer, and hosting public events covering a range of topics. We were honoured to have Tom Palmer speak at PRIME's first official event on the 26th of March, cohosted by Zaman University.

25 March: Dinner with PRIME Board & Research Fellows

On Wednesday 25 March 2015, Dr Palmer (himself a member of the PRIME board) joined with other PRIME board members as well as staff and supporters at Tepui House for the welcome dinner. Participants discussed the strategic direction of PRIME and potential initiatives and activities which would establish PRIME as the foremost research institute in Cambodia.

Dr Palmer shared his experiences throughout South East Asia with PRIME members, and discussed the ways in which other research institutes have addressed the regional challenges in undertaking and publishing high-level economic research.

26 March: Public Lecture at Zaman University: "Foundations of Modern Political Economy"

PRIME was pleased to host the first of its Seminar Series in collaboration with Zaman University, one of the leading universities in Cambodia. Dr Palmer presented a public lecture on the topic of "Foundations of the Modern Political Economy" to International Relations students and several guests. The students were engaged by Dr Palmer’s insightful lecture, and had the opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of free market ideas.

At the event, PRIME presented students with the first Khmer language edition of "Why Be Libertarian", which is the first chapter in the book "Why Liberty", edited by Dr Palmer. PRIME plans to translate and publish more books on economics and public policy as a means to increase economic literacy in Cambodia. The entire text of Why Liberty will be translated into Khmer and published later this year; contact us if you would like a copy.

PRIME wishes to thank the staff of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Zaman University for hosting the public lecture by Dr Palmer, and we look forward to further cooperation with them into the future.

27–28 March: Workshop with International Republican Institute (IRI) Young Leaders Program

On Friday & Saturday Dr Palmer conducted a workshop for the International Republican Institute's Future Leaders program. The Future Leaders' program, which IRI has organized in Cambodia for the past six years, identifies young leaders in Cambodia's political parties and conducts workshops, trainings and other events regularly to prepare these young leaders for their roles as Cambodia's Future Leaders.

Dr Palmer's workshop sessions focused on several important themes, including the importance of the rule of law and other liberal institutions in creating a positive sum society as well as the importance of incentives and institutions in policymaking. The Future Leaders were actively engaged in the workshop by asking questions and offering comments as well as through a debate to wrap up the workshop. Participants in the Future Leaders workshop also received a copy of PRIME’s Khmer language edition of "Why Be Libertarian".

Dr Palmer also provided the keynote address at the Future Leader's graduation dinner, with the audiences boosted by the attendence of various Cambodian party officials and policymakers as well as officials from the US Embassy and civil society organisations.

28 March: Public Seminar in Collaboration with Politikoffee: "Rule of Law and Legal Equality"

In collaboration with Politikoffee, a weekly political discussion group, the second public lecture of the PRIME Seminar Series was presented by Dr Palmer on the topic of the rule of law and legal equality as a condition of economic and social development. Dr Palmer spoke to the enthusiastic crowd about the importance of wealth creation for economic empowerment and ways to achieve liberty, with reference to examples such as Georgia and Estonia. The lecture was followed by a robust question and answer session, with many participants making the most of the opportunity.

Once again, Khmer language copies "Why Be Libertarian" were distributed to participants. PRIME thanks Politikoffee for its collaboration and enthusiasm, and PRIME looks forward to working with them on future events.

PRIME wishes to thank all of those involved in making Dr Palmer’s visit to Cambodia such a success and supporting PRIME's first events. We looks forward to many more great events and working hard to establish PRIME as a premier research and educational institute in Cambodia and South East Asia.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact: info@prime-cambodia.org or (+855) 096 883 9614.

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