Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
On 7 February 2025, PCAsia held the Presentation and Certificate Handover Ceremony of the Training of Trainers Programme on Writing Briefing Notes for Decision-making via an online platform with sixteen participants, including experts from the University of Sussex, six instructors and facilitators from PCAsia, and eight trainees from the Parliaments of Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand.
This training was conducted over two months for three of PCAsia’s MoU partner parliaments, involving nine trainees across three phases. It focused on practical pedagogical research methods in planning, teaching, evaluating, coaching, and assessing learning outcomes in on-the-job training, and enabling them to transfer this knowledge to their colleagues in their respective national languages. In Phase I, trainees acquired foundational knowledge and skills, followed by a practical session on briefing note writing in Phase II. Finally, Phase III provided training in Training of Trainers (ToT) skills.
All three phases were enriched by intensive sessions with both theoretical and practical exercises on knowledge and skills development on topics such as Valid Information and Infographic Design, Critical Thinking, Literature Review, Policy-based Writing, Gender Analysis, and Pedagogy training, which focused on the parliamentary trainer. For the ToT aspect, sessions involved training others on teaching
strategies and learning technologies, leading others, Mentoring and Respecting others, and lastly how to enhance and maintain the impact of professional learning. Under these training methods and subjects, trainees generated three major categories of products, including concept notes, briefing notes, and portfolios depending on their chosen topics.
The first segment of the presentation session on 7 February commenced with an introduction and overview of the programme by Mr So Sovannarith, PCAsia Supervisor. He emphasized the significant achievements stemming from the robust partnership between PCAsia and the University of Sussex, and expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor Simon Thompson, Mr Richard McFahn, Dr Tamsin Hinton-Smith, Mr Tab Betts, and Ms Emily Danvers for their invaluable contributions to the training and insights into pedagogy. He noted how the skills imparted in teaching, leadership, and mentorship had empowered the trainees to develop exemplary portfolios that effectively showcase their teaching plans and responsibilities.
Following the presentation and feedback session, a Certificate Handover Ceremony commenced with remarks from three representatives of the participating parliaments. They expressed their appreciation for the essential skills and knowledge acquired, which will undoubtedly enhance their professional growth and capacity to contribute to the decision-making process in their parliaments. They praised the hands-on experience with constructive assessments which helped enrich their learning. The representatives concluded their remarks with a strong commitment to apply the knowledge gained in their daily work, ensuring that the insights and skills developed during the training will be effectively utilised in their respective offices.
It is an honor to address you on behalf of the Cambodian trainees. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in this invaluable program on drafting briefing notes for decision-making and pedagogy. This enlightening experience has equipped us with essential skills that will enhance our professional growth and support informed decision-making.
We have gained a deeper understanding of effective briefing note writing, emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and relevance. The training highlighted the importance of pedagogy, including mentoring, coaching, and leadership, in delivering impactful messages.
The skills we have refined—critical thinking, structured writing, and effective communication—will significantly enhance our contributions to decision-making processes and foster positive change within our organizations.
We are grateful to the facilitators and organizers for your dedication and expertise. This program has been instrumental in our development, and we are committed to applying and sharing the knowledge gained.
Thank you.
On behalf of all trainees from Laos, I extend my sincere gratitude to the instructors and organizers for this invaluable learning experience. This training has not only enhanced our skills but also provided us with insights we can apply in our work, benefiting us both professionally and personally.
I have gained new skills that will help me become more efficient and confident, particularly in writing briefing notes and developing portfolios. These activities deepened my understanding of how to communicate critical information succinctly, ensuring decision-makers receive the most important insights.
This training has been an incredible opportunity, and I truly appreciate the insightful discussions and enriching experiences we shared. I am committed to applying these new skills and sharing them with my colleagues.
I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the program’s success. I wish everyone good health, happiness, and success in their work. May PCAsia continue its important mission successfully.
Thank you.
As we conclude this Training of Trainers course, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to PCAsia for hosting this impactful capacity-building program. I believe everyone shares my sentiment. A special thanks to Professor Simon and Richard for your expertise in teaching and mentoring. Your patience and ability to engage us, despite our diverse backgrounds, have been commendable. Even as someone who typically keeps a low profile, I felt encouraged to share my thoughts, reflecting your inclusive and inspiring approach.
I also want to thank Narith, Am, and our IT team, Tuna and Sina, for ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the course. Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Additionally, thanks to our PCAsia instructors and supervisors for your constructive feedback, which has sharpened our skills.
Lastly, to my wonderful colleagues from Cambodia and Laos, thank you for making this experience both educational and enjoyable. I hope we can stay connected through our community practice.
Thank you.
These were followed by congratulatory remarks by Mr Jeffrey Core, Acting Director of the Capacity Development Department of PCAsia delivered on behalf of PCAsia Executive Director Mr Chanprasnar Yi, He thanked the PCAsia ToT team for their dedication in helping all trainees to reach their maximum potential, also citing the long-lasting and fruitful cooperation with the University of Sussex that continues to provide benefits to both of institutions. In particular, he highlighted the meaningful results where trainees now become trainers, playing a crucial role in transferring the knowledge, skills, and methodologies they have learned to their colleagues.
Professor Simon Thompson then offered his encouraging remarks, congratulating the trainees on successfully navigating the complex concepts and learning objectives of the training programme. He commended their commitment, the quality of their work, and their professional development in addressing challenges. As they embark on this journey, he emphasised that their knowledge and dedication will have a lasting impact. He urged them to continue striving for excellence and making positive contributions.
In closing, Professor Simon presented the Digital Certificate of Completion to the eight trainees from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand,an opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the successful trainees. He noted how these individuals had fulfilled their commitments and enhanced their skills in writing briefing notes and to share this ability with their colleagues, enabling them to provide credible and critical information that better informs decision-makers.