The programme will enable children in Siem Reap to access education and “all the advantages that this will bring”, the tour operator said. 

Wendy Wu Tours owner Wendy Wu announced the initiative during a three-night cruise on the Victoria Mekong ship.

The VIP sailing, which featured mindfulness sessions and relaxation therapies, comes as part of the operator’s ongoing 25th anniversary celebrations. 

Wu said: “Education is very close to my heart, a factor that has always and will always continue to guide and steer me in my lifelong journey in better myself, both professionally and personally. 

“Children deserve the right to an education. However, there are so many who face incredible disadvantages and challenges that, very often, the struggle is just not feasible. 

“This really does break my heart and so if we, at Wendy Wu Tours, can do anything to help and enrich even just a small fraction of these children’s’ lives through the scholarship programme, then we will have made some progress.”

She added: “Our commitment to the children in Siem Reap is a lifelong commitment and we hope, that over time, we’ll be able to develop the programme and help more children through education.”