Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 28 March 2025 – The Singapore International Foundation’s (SIF) healthcare project has strengthened mental healthcare services in Cambodia by equipping more than 150 mental health professionals in Phnom Penh with knowledge and skills to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders. More than 225,000 patients are expected to benefit from this initiative.
In support of the Cambodian Government’s Mental Health Strategic Plan 2023–2032, which aims to improve mental health and psychological well-being nationwide, the SIF launched the Enhancing Mental Healthcare Services project in 2022, in partnership with the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital (KSFH). The two-and-a-half-year project was also supported by the Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation Cambodia (TPO Cambodia) and the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Cambodia (Caritas-CCAMH).
A key milestone was the development and pilot implementation of a Suicide Risk Assessment Framework and Guidelines at KSFH’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Developed in collaboration with the Singapore International Volunteers (SIVs) – a multidisciplinary group of mental healthcare professionals from Singapore – these guidelines are now being integrated into mental healthcare services at KSFH, enhancing early detection and intervention efforts for at-risk individuals.
The project strengthened suicide risk assessment, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment, and mental healthcare service delivery through capacity-building and knowledge exchange. The SIVs led capacity-building workshops, where mental healthcare professionals from both countries exchanged insights on frameworks and effective approaches to their work.
Some participants visited healthcare institutions in Singapore, where they gained insights into evidence-based interventions and holistic approaches to mental healthcare. They also underwent specialised training under the Behaviour Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) – OCD programme, further strengthening their expertise in diagnosing and managing OCD.
To further support OCD treatment, the project introduced the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), a widely used clinical tool for assessing OCD severity. Through pilot training at KSFH, practitioners were trained to conduct structured assessments to develop more consistent diagnoses and personalised treatment plans using the scale.
The project was successful in enhancing the capacity of Cambodian mental healthcare professionals in suicide risk assessment and OCD management, elevating care and awareness of mental health in Cambodia. Participants reported increased confidence to implement standardised suicide risk screening protocols and deliver more accurate and structured OCD assessments.
Beyond its core objectives, the initiative also saw the creation of two impactful videos aimed at raising mental health awareness and combating the pervasive stigma surrounding these issues. These videos serve as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and of fostering a society which supports those grappling mental health challenges.
Speaking at the project’s closing event, Ms P-Yen Tang, Director, Communications & Engagement, SIF, said: “With mental health challenges escalating worldwide, communities must collaborate, exchange insights and tackle such collective challenges. The SIF is grateful for the opportunity to work with the KSFH, TPO Cambodia, and Caritas-CCAMH to drive sustainable impact and ensure effective mental healthcare support for those in need.”
Prof Yim Sobotra, Chief of the Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Deputy Director of the Technical Bureau, KSFH, added: “Mental health remains a critical concern in Cambodia, and this collaboration with the SIF has greatly expanded our capacity to manage suicide risk, improve OCD treatment, and raise public awareness. It has fostered interdisciplinary teamwork, strengthened clinical protocols, and inspired further professional development, laying the groundwork for sustainable improvements in mental healthcare.”
Dr Jared Ng, Medical Director, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Connections MindHealth, and SIV Team Lead, said: “This project has meant a lot to me—not just as a psychiatrist, but as a fellow human being. Working alongside our Cambodian counterparts, I have been deeply inspired by their resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment despite limited resources. This collaboration has been a true exchange, where we have learnt from one another in ways that go beyond clinical skills. My hope is that this shared journey sparks more open conversations about mental health, encourages early intervention, and fosters a kinder, more supportive system for those in need.”
The Enhancing Mental Healthcare Services Project in Phnom Penh follows the success of previous capacity-building projects in the areas of child mental health and counselling for children-at-risk. These projects contribute to two United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and Goal 17 (Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development) – to advance global health outcomes and promote well-being for all.
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in the region, the SIF will launch a new initiative later this year aimed at improving health outcomes across Southeast Asia. Further details will be announced soon.
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About the Singapore International Foundation
The Singapore International Foundation aims to build eco-systems to catalyse change for a better world. We bring together people from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors across countries to harness the collective strength that is needed to address shared environmental and social challenges. Our work is focused in the areas of climate, digital, education, health, justice, and youth. We believe that cross-boundary collaboration is critical to foster sustainable solutions in an interconnected world. Find out more at www.sif.org.sg.
About Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
The Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital is one of Cambodia’s leading public hospitals, providing comprehensive medical care and specialised treatment services in Phnom Penh. Established in 1958, KSFH has grown into a key referral hospital, offering advanced healthcare solutions, medical training, and research. The hospital plays a crucial role in strengthening Cambodia’s healthcare system, with dedicated expertise in emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases, and mental health services. KSFH remains committed to enhancing medical education, improving healthcare accessibility, and advancing patient-centred care for the Cambodian community.
