Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s first-ever Science, Technology, and Innovation Day, held over March 26-28, 2023, at the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, was an astounding success with 30,000 participants. The event brought together scientists, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Cambodia and beyond to highlight the latest developments in science and technology and discuss the future of innovation in the country.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation with support from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications. It featured a range of activities, including panel discussions, science talk shows and exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies and innovations from 200-line ministries, international and national development partners, private companies, and business associations.
Opportunity to learn about the latest advancements
The event was marked with the highly presence of H.E. Dr. Ou Myung, former deputy prime minister and former minister of science and technology of the republic of Korea known as “the man behind the Technology Development” in Korea, delegates and investors from the Republic of Korea. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in digitalization, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and drone technology, and they were also able to connect with others in their respective fields.
Read more: Cambodia to Organize First-Ever Science, Technology and Innovation Day
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Science Caravan, the first-ever mobile science laboratory designed to pique children’s interest in science, technology and innovation and instill a positive attitude towards STEM education. The Caravan was made possible through a collaboration between MISTI and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
The event exceeded expectations in terms of attendance, engagement and impact, and it is expected to become an annual fixture in the country’s calendar of events on March 26, the date MISTI was formed in 2020.
His Excellency Dr. Kitti Settha Pandita CHAM Prasidh, Senior Minister and Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), said in his opening remarks, “The Royal Government of Cambodia has made it a priority to support the Kingdom’s development of science, technology and innovation, including efforts to increase investment in the development of infrastructure, both physical and digital, and increase the efficiency of public services, promote development skills and modernize the social protection system.”
“The organization of the first STI Day is a strong testament to the Prime Minister’s clear and concise long-term development plan. This national event is a crucial mechanism in bringing together relevant stakeholders from different industries to create an enabling and supportive environment in Cambodia to accelerate the transition to digital society and economy by 2035 as the Kingdom is preparing itself to become a high-income country by 2050,” he added.
Smart main private sector sponsor
Ziad Shatara, CEO of Smart Axiata, which was the main privates sector sponsor of the national event, echoed the minister’s enthusiasm.
“We are thankful for the strong collaboration with MISTI, and we are beyond thrilled with the success of the first Science, Technology and Innovation Day in Cambodia. The event has demonstrated the great potential of science, technology and innovation to drive economic growth, create jobs and improve people’s lives in our country. We look forward to further contributing to this success in the years ahead.”
This national STI event is a part of the National Policy on STI 2020-2030, which was created in December 2019 to improve the environment and strengthen the foundations for STI and is viewed as essential to the nation’s sustained socioeconomic development and its aim to become a middle-income country by 2030 and high-income country by 2050. The policy’s main strategic goals are to enhance the STI ecosystem and develop human resources within the context of boosting the competitiveness of the country’s businesses and services.
