MIRJAM VIGIER
Phnom Penh
Summary
Dynamic academic leader with over a decade of experience in the Cambodian higher education landscape and international development. Currently leading the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Languages (AHL) through a major structural transition from a service-delivery unit to a fully autonomous academic faculty. Expert in MoEYS accreditation, BEL curriculum design, and the integration of AI in pedagogy. Known for driving institutional change through a lens of Gender and Inclusion and data-driven governance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Faculty – Arts, Humanities and Languages (AHL)
Univeristy of Puthisastra (UP)
Phnom Penh
02.2023 - Current
- Transformed service-teaching unit into structured faculty with defined departments and academic programs.
- Spearheaded design development and approval of Bachelor of English Language program, including TESOL specializations.
- Oversaw English language provision for 2,000 students, aligning curricula with national workforce needs.
- Managed faculty expansions and implemented workload model to balance teaching, research, and administration.
- Advocated institutional change, leading initiatives on gender inclusion and syllabus diversity.
- Led assessment committee to establish guidelines for active classroom participation.
- Contributed as a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee.
English Program Coordinator
UNIVERSITY OF PUTHISASTRA (UP)
Phnom Penh
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Coordinated and delivered English curricula for Year 3/4, associate degrees, and bachelor of science in nursing, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Managed faculty schedules and academic materials, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality instruction across healthcare and science disciplines.
- Coordinated curriculum development for English language programs at the university.
- Facilitated training sessions for faculty on effective teaching strategies and resources.
- Managed student enrollment and communication for English program participants.
English Lecturer
UNIVERSITY OF PUTHISASTRA (UP)
Phnom Penh
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Delivered engaging lectures that enhanced understanding of course material for Foundation Year students.
- Developed teaching materials and conducted quality checks to ensure alignment with curriculum standards.
- Developed engaging curriculum for undergraduate English courses.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student learning.
- Mentored junior lecturers in teaching methodologies and course development.
Secondary Coordinator
AMERICAN PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Phnom Penh
07.2020 - 03.2021
- Coordinated implementation of Cambridge Curriculum across two campuses, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
- Created and delivered specialized Sex Education modules for secondary students, enhancing their understanding of important health topics.
- Coordinated curriculum development across secondary departments to enhance student learning.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective teaching strategies and resources.
- Organized professional development workshops for faculty to improve instructional practices.
Secondary/Primary Teacher
AMERICAN PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Phnom Penh
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Delivered instruction in English, Math, Science, and Global Perspectives for grades 5 to 7 in a classroom setting.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student populations.
- Implemented interactive teaching methods to enhance student participation.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting respect and collaboration.
Community Relations
Associate Quarter Management
Berlin
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Coordinated communication and office operations for multicultural neighbourhood initiative, enhancing stakeholder engagement and fostering inclusive community building.
- Created and managed relationships with local organizations and businesses to foster positive community relations.
- Held regular neighborhood meetings to maintain positive community relations and understand residents' viewpoints about important topics on upcoming agendas.
- Attended local gatherings and networking events as bank representative to establish community relations and generate potential customer leads
Fundraising & Public Relations (Intern)
House of One
Berlin
12.2016 - 05.2017
- Designed and executed fundraising campaigns while cultivating donor relationships for major interfaith project.
English Program Specialist (Volunteer)
CHIBODIA e.v.
Phnom Penh
01.2016 - 03.2016
- Designed and structured the foundational English program and delivered instruction, marking the beginning of a decade-long engagement with Cambodian English education.
Communication Manager
Siren Media Asia Ltd.
Phnom Penh
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Led marketing campaigns and event planning, building the Strategic Vision and Public Relations.
Project Manager (Volunteer)
AOEO
Siem Reap
11.2011 - 07.2012
- Managed donor relations and local fundraising initiatives, establishing a foundational understanding of the Cambodian NGO and education landscape.
Education
Master of Education - Advanced Teaching
Univeristy of People
Pasadena, California07-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Movie Science
Freie Universitaet Berlin
Berlin, Germany10-2017
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Lab Technician
Univeristy Hospital Aachen
Aachen, Germany10-2011
High School Diploma -
Pelizaeus Gymnasium
Paderborn, Germany07-2007
Skills
- Faculty management
- Strategic Planning
- Program development
- Responsible AI in Education
- Digital Pedagogy
- Public Relations
- Team Mentoring
Institutional Leadership And Research
- Chair, Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC), 2022-2024, Leading the university-wide committee responsible for reviewing academic standards, ensuring program coherence, and aligning all faculty curricula with institutional KPIs and national accreditation frameworks.
- Founding Member, GDI Working Group (Gender, Dignity & Inclusion), 2025 – Present, Member of the university’s first dedicated GDI working group., Conceptualized and executed the inaugural 'GDI Week,' featuring a multi-media exhibition and a high-level panel discussion to promote inclusive academic culture.
- Principal Investigator, Syllabus Diversity Case Study, Current Project, Leading a research initiative titled 'Examining the Gaps: A Case Study of Female and Cambodian Authors in Course Syllabi.', Utilising gender-identification tools and ethical data extraction to analyze representation, providing a roadmap for more inclusive and culturally relevant education at UP.
- Academic Committee Member, Assessment Committee, Learning and Teaching Committee, Ongoing, Collaborating with cross-faculty leadership to modernise General Education requirements and ensure English language proficiency is integrated across all undergraduate pathways.
- Prospective PhD Candidate, Actively preparing doctoral research applications in Education to align with institutional leadership goals.
Languages
German
Native
Native
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Spanish
Beginner (A1)
A1
Bengali
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Head of Faculty – Arts, Humanities and Languages (AHL)
Univeristy of Puthisastra (UP)
02.2023 - Current
English Program Coordinator
UNIVERSITY OF PUTHISASTRA (UP)
04.2022 - 02.2023
English Lecturer
UNIVERSITY OF PUTHISASTRA (UP)
04.2021 - 03.2022
Secondary Coordinator
AMERICAN PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
07.2020 - 03.2021
Secondary/Primary Teacher
AMERICAN PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
07.2019 - 06.2020
Community Relations
Associate Quarter Management
05.2018 - 06.2019
Fundraising & Public Relations (Intern)
House of One
12.2016 - 05.2017
English Program Specialist (Volunteer)
CHIBODIA e.v.
01.2016 - 03.2016
Communication Manager
Siren Media Asia Ltd.
08.2012 - 05.2013
Project Manager (Volunteer)
AOEO
11.2011 - 07.2012
Master of Education - Advanced Teaching
Univeristy of People
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Movie Science
Freie Universitaet Berlin
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Lab Technician
Univeristy Hospital Aachen
High School Diploma -
Pelizaeus Gymnasium