Queenstown couple honoured for contributions to Cambodian education

Liger Leadership Academy founders Trevor Gile and Agnieszka Tynkiewicz-Gile have been recognised for their significant contributions to education in Cambodia.

The Queenstowners were awarded the prestigious Knight of the Grand Cross, Royal Order of Monisaraphon, acknowledging their 15 years of work through the Liger Charitable Foundation and Liger Leadership Academy in Cambodia.

The knighthoods are extremely rare - in its 120 year history, Trevor and Agnieszka are the 14th and 15th recipients.

The award ceremony, held in Phnom Penh on 10 February, 2025, recognised the Giles’ support in pioneering the learning model, building the school and boarding facilities, and providing full scholarships to 163 Cambodian students.

Some 60 Liger graduates have received full scholarships to pursue higher education at international universities across 10 different countries, including the USA’s Princeton, Northwestern, and Dartmouth, Canada’s University of British Columbia, and Japan’s Nagoya University of Commerce and Business.

"We are incredibly honoured and humbled by this recognition from the Cambodian government and King," Trevor says. "Our passion lies in empowering young people through education, and we are immensely proud of the impact the Liger programme has had on the lives of Cambodian students. This award inspires us to continue our expansion and achieve the same results in New Zealand."

Agnieszka adds: "It's a privilege to be able to contribute to the education sector, both here in Queenstown and in Cambodia. We believe that education is a powerful tool for positive change, and we are committed to providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential."

This recognition from the King and Country of Cambodia comes on the heels of the international recognition Liger has received, including being named one of the 100 most innovative schools in the world by HundrED.

They also received the Education Award at the Spirit of the Wakatipu Gala, where they were recognised for the impact Queenstown's local Liger Leadership Academy has had on local students and the community.

They've also been featured on the BBC, Good Morning America, Forbes, and the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Liger Leadership Academy in Queenstown, mirroring the model in Cambodia, focuses on developing leadership skills and fostering a passion for learning in its students. The school emphasises a project-based learning approach, encouraging students to become innovative thinkers and problem solvers within their own community.